The History of South Africa’s Nuclear Weapons Program: A Joint SA-Israeli Venture
South Africa’s nuclear weapons program was a joint venture with Israel, starting from 1974, as part of strategic alliances aimed at countering regional adversities and advancing technological capabilities. The core of this program involved uranium enrichment, production of nuclear warheads, and the development of missile technology, a significant portion of which took place in the covert, isolated South African desert under intense international scrutiny.
Strategic Alliance and Technological Transfer
In 1974 or 1975, South Africa (SA) and Israel signed a strategic alliance pact. Israel, which had already produced nuclear warheads by 1971, transferred modern fighter aircraft, Kfir-Cheetah, and other weapons to SA. In return, Israel received uranium and raw materials needed for its nuclear programs, such as coal. This alliance was strengthened by the guarantee of unlimited supplies to Israel in exchange for SA accommodating Israel’s need for testing locations in the almost uninhabited South Atlantic Ocean.
This strategic partnership allowed Israel to develop long-range missiles like the Jericho 4 and 5, which were initially tested in South Africa. These tests provided crucial data for the expansion of Israel’s missile arsenal, including the Jericho missile family. This transfer of technology and testing facilities facilitated the creation of SA’s first nuclear warheads by 1979.
The Beginnings and Challenges
South Africa’s quest for a nuclear deterrent began in 1969 with research into peaceful nuclear explosives (PNEs). The country had substantial natural uranium deposits and the necessary technological infrastructure. However, the need for a nuclear deterrent was driven by a long-standing history of adversarial relations and insecure borders. Moreover, SA’s practices of apartheid isolated it from interactions with developed countries, making it a focal point for international concern regarding nuclear proliferation.
The pursuit of a nuclear program was complicated by a series of factors, including the cancellation of underground nuclear tests in the Kalahari Desert, which was detected by a Soviet surveillance satellite in 1977. Diplomatic pressure from the U.S., the Soviet Union, and France halted these tests.
Technological Advancements and Isolation
Despite these challenges, SA made significant progress in both nuclear technology and conventional weapons. It developed a complete nuclear fuel cycle, learned to build nuclear weapons, and acknowledged six such warheads by the late 1980s. Collaborations with Israel on projects like the Jericho rockets represented key areas where SA and Israel exchanged technical know-how.
SA also operated two nuclear power reactors at Koeberg near Cape Town, built by the French but designed to a Westinghouse standard. Other conventional missiles and weapons were produced to complement these nuclear capabilities.
International Scrutiny and Reconciliation
During the 1980s, the international community closely monitored SA’s nuclear activities. Academic Renfrew Christie was jailed in 1980 for passing information about SA’s nuclear power program to the African National Congress (ANC).
In 1987, President P. W. Botha announced that SA would consider joining the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and would begin discussions about signing it. In 1990, Pretoria agreed to sign the NPT but did so only after decommissioning its nuclear weapons and ensuring international scrutiny of its facilities. SA thus became one of the last countries to join the NPT, a step taken to rejoin the global community and reduce international tensions.