Sapa,
A further R600-million is required to complete the development of South Africa's Rooivalk attack helicopter, it was reported in Parliament on Tuesday.
According to a report released to the Parliamentary Defence Committee, R200-million per annum over the next three years was needed.
The report on a visit to 16 Squadron outside Bloemfontein which is home to the helicopter, said that a further R40-million a year was needed to operate the aircraft of which R10-million would be needed to buy missiles for the war machine.
The helicopter, designed for low level flying providing air support to ground forces with its air-to-ground missiles, air-to-air missiles, rockets and 20mm canon, has been under development for more than 10 years with the first experimental models appearing in 1995/1996.
The report indicated that Rooivalk sales had been hampered by the political nature of arms sales and the lack of sufficient weapons testing.
Twelve helicopters have been delivered to the South African Airforce Force but weapons and certain test involving advanced night flying and electronic warfare self-protection systems were still being integrated.
The helicopter's development was further retarded with the restructuring of its primary contractor, Denel, and the recruiting of and retaining of skilled personnel staff at Denel and the SA Air Force, the report said.
“The sub-systems of the Rooivalk are selling well, which is proof that there is a role for the Rooivalk…,” the report said, citing reasons why the development work should not be suspended.
