During Operation Askari South African forces clashed with FAPLA T-54/55 tanks in late 1983 and early 1984; however, due to the respective logistical commitment the Olifants were not deployed. At length the South African mechanised infantry, bolstered by Eland and Ratel-90 armoured car squadrons, succeeded in destroying the Angolan tanks on their own. But eventually, a single squadron of thirteen Olifant Mk1As was sent to the Angolan border, where they were attached to the 61 Mechanised Battalion Group. Following the Lusaka Accords, which effectively ensured a ceasefire between South Africa and Angola, the Olifants MK1 were placed into storage and the tank crews rotated out.
