Forwarded from Vault of Secrets - Unpopular History (M Himself)
During the conflict with communist forces in Angola, the South African army utilized the British-made Centurion MK 3 battle tank against Soviet-backed forces. Following South Africa's independence from British rule in 1961, the country's military decided to phase out the acquisition of British equipment. In 1964, the United Nations imposed an embargo on South Africa regarding the procurement of military gear. Despite this, the South African army aimed for self-sufficiency in manufacturing military equipment and introduced the Olifant MK1A in 1976, based on the original British design, as its primary main battle tank to counter Soviet technology. South Africa's domestic production capabilities, including expertise in diesel engines and transmissions since the 1970s, along with shipyards and heavy fabrication plants, supported the country's ability to manufacture the Olifant tank domestically. The Olifant MK1B replaced the MK1A in the 1990s, just before South Africa's National Party government lost power.