Duikbote in die Suid-Afrikaanse vloot: Die eerste fase, 1970-2003. 'n Kort historiese evaluering (1): Agtergrond

Abstract

In November 1998 it was announced that the South African Navy (SAN) would acquire three new submarines as part of an elaborate arms procurement plan. Questions were asked in many quarters with regard to the high cost involved, allegations of corruption with regard to the tendering process were made, and in particular the question was asked whether South Africa really needed submarines. In this, the first of two articles, the purpose and value of submarines to the SAN (and South Africa) will be placed in historical perspective by analysing the history of the first submarine class to be commissioned and deployed by the SAN, namely the three "Daphné" class submarines that saw service from 1970 to 2003 SAS Maria van Riebeeck, SAS Emily Hobhouse, and SAS Johanna van der Merwe, respectively renamed SAS Spear, SAS Umkhonto and SAS Assegaai in 1999.