IN DEEP SHIP - US accuses SA of helping to train China in submarine warfare

The US Department of Justice has filed a civil forfeiture action to seize two pieces of military training equipment that were intercepted while being shipped from South Africa to China.

US officials alleged that the equipment was meant to help China’s military improve its ability to track submarines and control advanced surveillance aircraft.

According to court filings, the equipment - known as mission crew trainers (MCTs) - was being transported from a private company, Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA), to China’s People’s Liberation Army. 

The MCTs were reportedly designed to resemble the P-8 Poseidon, a U.S.-made aircraft used primarily for anti-submarine warfare. 

Prosecutors say the goal of the project - internally known as “Project Elgar” - was to train Chinese pilots to locate and track US submarines operating in the Pacific Ocean.

The latest seizure comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, including recent joint naval exercises involving China, Russia, and Iran in waters near South Africa.

Meanwhile, TFASA rejected allegations that it transferred NATO aviation expertise or exported US military technology in violation of international laws, saying the equipment seized by US authorities consisted only of non-sensitive training materials.

In a statement, the company said the containers contained basic mobile classroom units designed for mission crew training focused on crew resource management in maritime patrol aviation. 

It said the equipment did not include tactical simulators, advanced systems, or any classified, sensitive, or mission-specific military training capabilities.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, said the department remains committed to constructive engagement with the United States to address any concerns and to ensure a clear understanding of the facts through diplomatic channels.

Meanwhile, US president Donald Trump announced a new trade offensive against Denmark and several European allies, declaring his intention to impose significant tariffs to compel the sale of Greenland to the United States.

Trump stated that starting 1 February 2026, the United States will levy a 10 percent tariff on all goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland.

According to the announcement, that rate is scheduled to increase to 25 per cent on June 1, 2026.

He added: “China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it. “They currently have two dogsleds as protection, one added recently.”