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Written by Oscar Nkala Monday, 09 July 2018
The Government of Botswana says that no agreement has yet been signed for the acquisition of Gripen C / D fighter planes because it was not not the 15 billion pesos ($ 1.7 billion) needed to finance the purchase.
Discussions on the acquisition of 8 to 12 JAS Gripen C and D in Sweden started in 2016 and were close to an agreement reached last year when the former president of the Botswana, Lt. General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, went to Sweden.
Gripens were intended to replace the aging F-5 fighter fleet of the Botswana Defense Forces (BDF) acquired more than two decades ago.
However, Defense and Security Minister Shaw Kgathi said that no agreement could be signed with Sweden and that Botswana is already looking beyond the Gripen agreement for better and more affordable aircraft options. In fact, nothing has been done (regarding Gripen agreement). Kgathi told the Botswana Gazette
that the military 's desire to acquire Gripens was frustrated by budget constraints as the Ministry of Defense and Security did not have any. money needed to proceed with the acquisition.
The sources agreed with Minister Kgathi that the BDF is still negotiating with several governments and aircraft builders around the world in search of options. affordable planes.
The acquisition of aircraft is part of a force modernization program that also includes the replacement of old troop carriers, carriers, tanks, armored vehicles, small arms and light weapons. air defense systems.
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