ASHES Base
The more the world changes, the more war stays the same. As
the nations of the world continue to seek and exploit new sites
of extractive resources at home and abroad, the corporatocratic
state, replete with corporate stakeholders and corporate interests,
has become increasingly comfortable with contracting out private
military companies and freelance mercenaries to do the dirty work
that national armed forces both cannot be seen, nor are incapable
of doing. This is nothing new, and will simply continue.
During apartheid, South African mercenary forces were
renowned for their skill and professionalism. Even after a 2006
South African legislative ban on civilian involvement with foreign
conflicts, and a gradual reduction in arms research and production,
South African mercenaries can still be found worldwide, and the
domestic military arms and equipment industry is still strong.
In the face of our extractive trends, the South African state
stands to gain from an intersection of its long extractive history,
and storied private military and arms production legacy.
ASHES Grounds
Lenasia, Johannesburg
The grounds of the former 21 South African Infantry Battalion military base are expanded and transformed into a 120 km2 installation for the South African private military company Africa-South Holistic Extraction Security.
Onsite facilities include a central command & control centre, a large airbase, multiple military training areas covering different types of potential combat scenarios, ordnance proving grounds, and more.
ASHES Base Lenasia
Central Command & Control
The more the world c The ASHES Base Lenasia is not only an airbase, but also the hub of all ASHES operations worldwide. The bulk of assets are stored and maintained here. Potential clients are flown-in and given a tour of the facilities and assets. The runway can accomodate the take-off and landing requirements for the largest of planes, and the aprons can support hundreds of parked aircraft.
The subterranean nature of much of the base facilities means that ASHES can keep much of its operations hidden away from multiple forms of surveillance, as well as minimize its visual profile within the surrounding context.
Tutors
Sanne van den Breemer
Filip Geerts
Ilmar Hurkxkens