A team of Russian military experts has been in South Africa this week to inspect the potential for sending Tupolev Tu-160 bombers for a defence exhibition later this year.
If Russia does send the planes, it will strengthen the ties between South Africa and Russia.
This visit coincides with South Africa’s preparations for a reformed African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) deal after the US elections in November. This week, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, is leading the South African delegation to the 21st AGOA Forum in Washington DC.
According to a South African Air Force magazine, seven Russian military experts arrived at Waterkloof on 22 July to inspect the base.
They are considering bringing the Tupolev Tu-16, a Soviet bomber from the 1950s known for its long range and ability to carry nuclear bombs, to the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition at Air Force Base Waterkloof in September.
The Russian team was welcomed by Brigadier General Alec Kitley on behalf of the Chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Simo Wiseman Mbambo.
“Russia and South Africa have strong diplomatic ties as members of BRICS, along with China, India and Brazil,” Captain Tebogo August said.
“They have a strong tradition of military cooperation, including joint training and exercises.”
Preparations for the exhibition, which runs from 18 to 22 September, are underway, with the last two days reserved for the air show.
The Russian team will leave on 26 July.
In August 2018, Russia signed a military-technical cooperation agreement with the Southern African Development Community during the BRICS summit in South Africa.
Pictured above: Russian Tu-16 bombers.
Source: Flickr
