Why helicopter exports from South Africa to arms-embargoed Libya fall into 'grey area'

The United Nations (UN) has a long-standing arms embargo on Libya.

However, over the last few months, several Gazelle helicopters were allegedly exported to the nation from South Africa.

The rotorcraft initially had Amman, Jordan, listed as their final destination, but instead went to Benghazi.

These exports fall into a grey area in terms of the law, as they were civilian-registered and demilitarised in South Africa.

The helicopters were not owned by the SANDF or the South African government.

"It is a bit like a flying Toyota bakkie, you can do anything with it. You can take any helicopter, really, and bolt a bit of armour to it and rig a machine gun mounting to it and, presto, it is militarised. It is a bit of a difficult area to control," explains defence analyst Helmoed Heitman.

To listen to Heitman in conversation with John Maytham on CapeTalk’s Afternoon Drive, use the audio player below: