Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07LIBREVILLE29
2007-01-18 12:00:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Libreville
Cable title:
GABON BUYS USED MIRAGES FROM SOUTH AFRICA
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C O N F I D E N T I A L LIBREVILLE 000029
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
KINSHASA ALSO FOR BRAZZAVILLE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/17/2017
TAGS: MCAP SF GB EK
SUBJECT: GABON BUYS USED MIRAGES FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Classified By: Ambassador Barrie Walkley for reasons 1.4 b and d
C O N F I D E N T I A L LIBREVILLE 000029
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
KINSHASA ALSO FOR BRAZZAVILLE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/17/2017
TAGS: MCAP SF GB EK
SUBJECT: GABON BUYS USED MIRAGES FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Classified By: Ambassador Barrie Walkley for reasons 1.4 b and d
1. (U) Gabon has purchased at least 3 Dassault Mirage F1-AZ
fighters from South Africa's Aerosud and Paramount group,
which apparently has acquired all of the remaining SAAF F1
airframes. The planes are approximately 30 years old but
were upgraded in the 90s and are reported to be in excellent
condition. Two of the planes made their initial appearance
in Libreville several months ago during Gabon's August 17
National Day parade and caused a sensation when they buzzed
the parade route along the coast upside down at low altitude.
The planes currently are being flown by South African pilots.
2. (C) It remains unclear precisely how much Gabon paid for
the planes -- or how many are included. Minister of Defense
Ali Bongo told the Ambassador that Gabon initially was
interested in six planes, with accompanying spare parts and
training packages -- but that the final cost may determine
how many are purchased. Three have been delivered initially
(two flown to Gabon in time for the August parade, the third
arriving by ship). The planes are based in Franceville (in
Gabon's interior). When asked by the Ambassador why Gabon
needs fighters, Ali Bongo pointed to regional security needs
(explaining, for example, that the French had to be called in
to help in the CAR as FOMUC countries had no airstrike
capability) and Gabon's own security needs (claiming, for
example, that Equatorial Guinea -- a country with which Gabon
has a border dispute -- has purchased attack helicopters).
Ali Bongo said that he initially approached France regarding
possible fighter purchases but was advised by the French that
Gabon could get a better deal from South Africa for the kinds
of planes being sought.
WALKLEY
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
KINSHASA ALSO FOR BRAZZAVILLE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/17/2017
TAGS: MCAP SF GB EK
SUBJECT: GABON BUYS USED MIRAGES FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Classified By: Ambassador Barrie Walkley for reasons 1.4 b and d
1. (U) Gabon has purchased at least 3 Dassault Mirage F1-AZ
fighters from South Africa's Aerosud and Paramount group,
which apparently has acquired all of the remaining SAAF F1
airframes. The planes are approximately 30 years old but
were upgraded in the 90s and are reported to be in excellent
condition. Two of the planes made their initial appearance
in Libreville several months ago during Gabon's August 17
National Day parade and caused a sensation when they buzzed
the parade route along the coast upside down at low altitude.
The planes currently are being flown by South African pilots.
2. (C) It remains unclear precisely how much Gabon paid for
the planes -- or how many are included. Minister of Defense
Ali Bongo told the Ambassador that Gabon initially was
interested in six planes, with accompanying spare parts and
training packages -- but that the final cost may determine
how many are purchased. Three have been delivered initially
(two flown to Gabon in time for the August parade, the third
arriving by ship). The planes are based in Franceville (in
Gabon's interior). When asked by the Ambassador why Gabon
needs fighters, Ali Bongo pointed to regional security needs
(explaining, for example, that the French had to be called in
to help in the CAR as FOMUC countries had no airstrike
capability) and Gabon's own security needs (claiming, for
example, that Equatorial Guinea -- a country with which Gabon
has a border dispute -- has purchased attack helicopters).
Ali Bongo said that he initially approached France regarding
possible fighter purchases but was advised by the French that
Gabon could get a better deal from South Africa for the kinds
of planes being sought.
WALKLEY