By Kudzai Chimhangwa
Gaborone- Reports here indicate growing concern over Botswana’s decision to buy Gripen fighter jets from Swedish manufacturer Försvarets Materielverk (FMV) with researchers saying the move could trigger an arms race in SADC.
The cost of the possible contract between the BDF and FMV is estimated at US $1.7 billion.
South Africa already has two operational Gripens.
Media reports suggest that a group of researchers from Swedish university, Uppsala University have roundly condemned Botswana for acquiring a fleet of Gripen aircraft arguing that this may trigger a regional arms race.
“Whereas the need to protect the country’s tourism industry, combat poaching and monitor the flow of refugees previously were indicated as reasons, none of these problems can be solved with advanced fighter jets,” the researchers said. They argue that the arms deal with Botswana would will decimate any economic and democratic development and associated gains in the country, undermine regional security and undermine Sweden’ s reputation in Southern Africa.
Last year, a high-ranking Swedish delegation, led by Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist toured Botswana.The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) at the time also confirmed negotiations with Swedish aircraft manufacturer FMV for the acquisition of between 8 and 12 JAS Gripen “C” and “D” aircraft variants to replace its ageing fleet of US-made F-5 fighter jets.
BDF commander Lt. Gen. Gaolathe Galebotswe said the Gripen fits the BDF’s requirements and could give the country a certain edge over competitors.
“F-5s have become unsustainable for the BDF. We needed something that is cost-effective but still capable of carrying out our aerial defense mandate because we should have the capability to operate in both contested and uncontested space. I am talking about revitalizing BDF,” he said.
“The current F-5 planes once gave us the essential reach in terms of air defense capabilities. In looking for a replacement, we considered the [US-made] F-16, Russian MiG variants, the [JAS] Gripen and some Chinese jets. The Gripen was found to have the lowest operating costs,” he said. “So if this deal happens, it will be between the governments of Botswana and Sweden.”
Galebotswe weighed in on the move pointing out that Botswana is living in a VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) environment where the military has to be equipped and ready to defend the country at all times.
IMPLICATIONS FOR SADC
The Swedish researchers argue that the billions to be invested in fighter jets would undermine efforts to curb unemployment, and fight drought and corruption. This flies in the face of SADC Food Security objectives to capacitate member states against such threats.
Additionally, Botswana is increasingly viewed as pro US and European friendly in its policies, so this move is likely to trigger the ire of SADC states. For instance, last year it was widely reported that the country was inching closer to hosting an American airbase.
SADC and the African Union (AU) have however made it clear that they do not want a permanent US military base on the continent.
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