The planned flight of Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers to South Africa has been postponed, the South African National Defense Force said in a statement on Page X.
The missile carriers were supposed to fly to Waterkloof air base in Pretoria as part of a friendly visit on October 29 and remain there until November 1, the South African Defense Force previously reported. The department’s statement notes that Tu-160s have never landed in Africa before. In addition to them, the Russian air group was to include Il-62 and An-124 aircraft. The visit was aimed at “confirming diplomatic relations” between the countries, the South African military said. A new date has not yet been announced.
Bloomberg writes that the idea of the arrival of Russian bombers was not supported by one of the key members of the South African coalition government, the liberal Democratic Alliance party. According to its representatives, the initiative calls into question the neutrality of the republic in international conflicts.
“If South Africa’s neutrality is genuine, the Democratic Alliance calls for (president Cyril) ramaphosa send to Ukraine the same invitation as to Russia,” – said his statement.
Last week, the party criticized Ramaphosa for visiting Kazan for the BRICS summit and saying Russia was a “valued friend” of South Africa. Ramaphosa’s African National Congress, which is in coalition with the Democratic Alliance, called the party’s criticism inappropriate.
According to an InTouch Capital Markets analyst Peter MatysWestern investors are concerned about strengthening military cooperation between South Africa and Russia.
“Western countries led by the United States can punish South Africa for its relations with Russia.” – think.
On October 28, a South African military delegation led by the commander of the National Defense Forces arrived in Moscow. Rudzani Mafwanyi. As reported by the Ministry of Defense, the countries agreed to continue increasing cooperation between the armed forces in various fields, RBC recalls.
