The United States has accused South Africa of engaging in illegal military tech exports, with the spotlight on the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA). This controversy arises as tensions escalate following naval exercises involving South Africa, Iran, Russia, and China, leading to intense scrutiny from the US.
On January 15, 2025, the US Department of Justice filed forfeiture complaints against two mission crew trainers (MCTs) belonging to TFASA, alleging that they were intended to train the Chinese military's People’s Liberation Army. The Federal Bureau of Investigation stated on their @FBI X account that these MCTs were mobile classrooms designed for anti-submarine warfare training.
Charges Against TFASA Intensify
US Assistant Attorney General for National Security, John A. Eisenberg, has leveled serious accusations against TFASA, dubbing it as an enabler for enhancing the capabilities of Chinese naval and air forces. He claimed that they have facilitated a pipeline of NATO aviation expertise directly to the Chinese military, thus jeopardizing US national security.
Eisenberg further alleged that TFASA recruited former NATO pilots to train the Chinese military, posing risks not just to US interests, but to the lives of American service members.
According to the US Department, the MCTs were developed using US-origin software, aimed at aiding the PLA in tracking US submarines, modeled after the sophisticated P-8 Poseidon aircraft utilized by the US for anti-submarine warfare.
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TFASA's Firm Denial
In response, TFASA vehemently rejected these accusations in a statement disseminated by Darren Olivier on his @darren_olivier X account. The academy refuted any claims of transferring NATO expertise or utilizing US military technology, insisting that the MCTs were simply basic classroom units without any advanced military capabilities.
TFASA promised to release findings from a prior investigation, affirming that the software used had undergone thorough review for export compliance.
This incident comes amid rising tensions, particularly related to a multinational naval exercise which has seen South Africa's National Defence Force under fire for allegedly disregarding directives from President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding withdrawing Iranian ships participating in the drills.
In light of these developments, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has mandated a Board of Inquiry to investigate Iran's involvement in the exercises following mounting confusion over their role.
A US Senator's Call to Action
Meanwhile, US Senator Risch has pushed for stronger action against the South African government, suggesting that earlier measures taken by President Trump were justified.
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