During a tumultuous period in South Africa’s history, the country faced international sanctions related to the apartheid government, which turned South Africa into an international pariah. These sanctions lasted from 1962 to 1991. During this time, South Africa was engaged in military conflicts, conducting counter-insurgency operations against communists and rebel forces from Angola in the 23-year-long South African Border War and the Rhodesian Bush War. This situation significantly strained the South African Defense Force’s weapons, as the embargo prevented access to replacement parts or new arms.