United Nations Security Council Resolution 418, adopted unanimously on 4 November 1977, imposed a mandatory arms embargo against South Africa.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 591 was passed in 1986 to extend the embargo and to tighten some of the loopholes.

Many armaments were wholly designed and manufactured in South Africa, as reflected by the growth and export business of Armscor.

South African defence industries were able to successfully meet demand in some areas such as ammunition, infantry weapons, missile technology and armoured vehicles but struggled when it came to the development of combat aircraft, attack helicopters and main battle tanks.

[8] Notable operations that came to light were: Computer and air traffic control radar systems ostensibly destined for civilian use were diverted to the military.