Molefhi defends purchase of Gripen war jets

Addressing a Kgotla meeting in Botshabelo on Wednesday, Molefhi, also the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development, said the decision to purchase military aircraft may not make sense now, but it is crucial in the long term. He said no one knows what the outcome of instability in the region and neighbouring countries would be.

“You cannot build and train the army during the time of war and purchasing military equipment is complex and expensive. This is just to ensure that our military is battle ready for any eventuality,” he said. He added that military weapons are purchased internationally at the current market price that may not be favourable at the time they are needed.