In October 1979 the South African government was said to be funding the Rhodesian war at a rate of £30 million a month. This is more than the illegal regime themselves claimed to be spending on defence and security. Speaking in an interview on British television a fortnight later, a leading Rhodesian economist, Mr. Eddie Cross, said that 50% of the cost of the war was financed externally. He would not say by whom, but South Africa is clearly the most obvious contender.
Apart from financial assistance, South Africa has always acted as the major supplier and channel for arms, ammunition and military equipment to the illegal regime. This has perhaps been most crucial for Rhodesia's air-force, where South Africa has directly supplied Mirage fighter jets, Alouette and Puma helicopters. In December 1979 a number of correspondents reported for example that helicopters and crews supplied by South Africa earlier in the year, ostensibly as logistical support for the April elections, were still inside Rhodesia and flying on military missions, including raids against the frontline states. Supplies of equipment such as trucks appear to have continued since the announcement of agreement on the ceasefire.
