Our Volatile, Uncertain, Complex And Ambiguous Environment

In other words, the views of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), and presumably of key government leaders have in no way been altered as a result of the barrage of counter views that have been expressed. The wish to buy them remains, and this will presumably happen as soon as the economy improves.

But why Gripens and not land to air missiles or missile screens? Once again, therefore, we have to ask of what possible use to the country can these machines be? In 2016 the then Commander of the BDF Lt. General Galebotswe, apparently, told the Parliamentary Accounts Committee that Botswana is living in such ‘a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment’ (VUCA) that the military has to be equipped and ready to defend the country at all times.’ The managing editor of the African Defence Review added to this comment ‘when you look at the regional air threats, to Botswana’s sovereignty, however remote, (like earthquakes) this consideration for Gripens makes sense.’ These comments give me the creeps.