When did South Africa have nuclear weapons?

From the 1940s-1990s, South Africa’s apartheid government engaged in research and development of weapons of mass destruction. In 1989, however, its decision to end the nuclear program made South Africa the only country to achieve a nuclear weapon capability and voluntarily relinquish it.

Why do we need nukes?

The principal role of nuclear weapons is to deter potential adversaries from an attack on the United States, our allies, or our vital interests. Some targets require the energy of a nuclear weapon for their destruction. However, precision targeting can greatly reduce the nuclear yield required to destroy such targets.

Why did South Africa join the NPT?

South African Denuclearization: International Relations As more countries joined the NPT, South African leaders embraced the potential benefits of joining the treaty, which included the rehabilitation of its international reputation. Rehabilitation didn’t just mean getting on the same page as the majority of countries.

Was South Africa a nuclear power?

South Africa has two nuclear reactors generating 5\% of its electricity. South Africa’s first commercial nuclear power reactor began operating in 1984. Government commitment to the future of nuclear energy has been strong.

Does South Africa have uranium?

South Africa also possesses sizeable uranium reserves and has an extensive uranium mining industry, making the country one of the important producers of uranium in the world. The presence of this primary energy source in South Africa is a key element of security of energy supply nationally.

How powerful is the South African army?

For 2021, South Africa is ranked 32 of 140 out of the countries considered for the annual GFP review. It holds a PwrIndx* score of 0.5665 (a score of 0.0000 is considered ‘perfect’).

Does South Africa have war ships?

Today the South African Navy is one of the most capable naval forces in the African region, operating a mixed force of sophisticated warships, submarines, patrol craft, and auxiliary vessels, with over 7,000 personnel; including a marine force.

Why does South Africa need nuclear weapons?

Nuclear weapons would provide not only a direct way of confronting a military attack against South Africa, but also a means of leveraging Western diplomatic and military support during a crisis. South Africa could mine the requisite uranium on its own territory, and enrich it in domestic facilities.

Is South Africa a signatory of any nuclear weapons treaty?

The country has been a signatory of the Biological Weapons Convention since 1975, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons since 1991, and the Chemical Weapons Convention since 1995. In February 2019, South Africa ratified the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons,…

Did Israel support South Africa’s nuclear program?

Although not intended to accelerate proliferation, the assistance did provide the basis for South Africa’s eventual nuclear program. France and Pakistan may also have supplied technical assistance at various points during the development of the program. Allegations of Israeli support for the South African program have circulated for years.

Where was the first nuclear bomb tested in South Africa?

The South African Atomic Energy Board (AEB) selected a test site in the Kalahari Desert at the Vastrap weapons range north of Upington. Two test shafts were completed in 1976 and 1977. One shaft was 385 metres deep, the other, 216 metres.