South African Armour of the Border War 1975-89

The Border War saw the biggest armored battles in Africa since World War II. Starting as a counterinsurgency operation by the South African Defence Force (SADF)against the South West Africa People’s Organization, South Africa became embroiled in the complex Angolan Civil War, where they came up against enemies well supplied with equipment and armored vehicles from the Soviet Union. With the aid of stunning illustrations and photographs, this study details the characteristics, capabilities, and performance of the wide variety of armored vehicles deployed by the SADF, from the Eland armored car to the Ratel infantry fighting vehicle and the Olifant tank. Designed for the unique conditions of the region, South Africa’s armor was distinctive and innovative, and has influenced the design of counterinsurgency armored vehicles around the world. Much demanded by Osprey readers, and written by two renowned experts on armored vehicles, this will appeal to all those interested in modern armor and the Cold War proxy wars.