in 1974, with the knowledge and assistance of us agencies, advanced radar-controlled anti-aircraft systems were shipped to south africa. south africa, together with isc, also developed a sophisticated ground-to-air missile for its own use and for export. all this equipment was restricted us technology requiring export licenses, which were not obtained. james guerin claimed the company's activities were sanctioned by the us government. guerin set up a front company with the south african authorities for the us national security agency, as part of a us covert operation in 1974. this involved shipping advanced electronic sensors, optics and related equipment to south africa without licenses so as to set up listening posts to track soviet submarines off the cape of good hope. the company, gamma systems associates, ordered restricted equipment from isc, then shipped it on to south africa on board airliners. the equipment was repackaged and the airline companies given false descriptions of the equipment. the operation ceased to have official sanction in 1977 and the activities were dismantled.