Air defence missile IRIS-T SL tested successfully

In early December 2012, a prototype of the IRIS-T SL guided missile of Diehl Defence successfully homed in on a target in a firing test performed at the Overberg Test Range in South Africa in the presence of representatives of the German public authorities.

In this test against a drone carried out within the context of a so-called validation trials campaign, the entire target – radar – fire control – weapon computer – data link functional chain of the new missile for the German Armed Forces' future air defence was tested for the first time. The aerodynamic shroud designed to reduce air drag separated from the missile at a distance from the target precalculated by the guidance computer. Based on the radar target data continuously transmitted via data link, the seeker was slaved to the target, acquired it and homed the missile in on the target.

Thus, perfect target cueing by external radar data, target acquisition after launch and subsequent target tracking were successfully demonstrated and all test objectives achieved.

Your Ad Here

Amatola to resume anti-piracy patrols

South Africa will send a Valour Class frigate to the Mozambique Channel at the end of January as part of its commitment to the African integrated maritime security strategy.

There has not been a South African Navy (SAN) presence in the busy east African seaboard channel for a number of months due to unavailability of suitable platforms. This saw the SAS Drakensberg tasked with anti-piracy patrol duties while frigates were busy with multinational exercises.

While the deployment has not been confirmed yet, reliable naval sources have indicated SAS Amatola will be next to take up station in the Channel. She took part in last year’s Atlasur and Ibsamar exercises and is currently undergoing final preparations for transit to and station in the Mozambique Channel.

A bland official statement from Navy headquarters in Pretoria noted, “early this year a Navy vessel will take up patrol duties in Mozambican waters. Specific details cannot be divulged for security reasons.”

The Navy has maintained anti-piracy patrol duties in the Mozambique Channel since early 2011 as part of Operation Copper.

Other elements of the SA National Defence Force’s anti-piracy effort include a 35 Squadron C-47TP maritime reconnaissance aircraft, a detachment from the Navy’s maritime reaction squadron and SA Army and SA Air Force support based at Pemba.

Casspir and Mamba Somalia Osprea renovated by South Africa and soon built in Kenya

Need to equip armored forces peacekeeping or intervention in Africa? Suppliers do not miss. Advice to those considering retooling the Malian forces ...

Among these providers, Osprea Logistics , a British company located in South Africa (Pretoria). Osprea Logistics renovating old equipment of the SADF (South African army before 1994), especially Casspir(photos below) and Ratel,  manufactures and APC ( armored personnel carrier ) and MRAP on existing frame.

Osprea was created in 2005 and the company has become a leading provider of DKP ( department of peace keeping ) UN (Haiti and Liberia) and AU (Somalia). For example, already has 200 AMISOM Mamba Somalia.

Bridgehead. Osprea, which also provides hardware maintenance it provides, has opened a production and maintenance in Kenya, Mombasa (click here to read an article in the Star ). It is an investment of nearly $ 42 million). She hopes to build a hundred Mamba MK5 year, a CPA can be armed with a gun of 20 m or 82 mm mortar.

A-Darter could be followed by further South African-Brazilian air force missile projects

As a result of the success of the current A-Darter programme, it is possible that the Brazilian Air Force will undertake further joint development projects with South Africa. However, although some preliminary discussions have taken place, no formal negotia- tions have started and no decisions have been made. Importantly, however, the agreement signed between the South African Department of Defence and the Brazilian Ministry of Defence in 2003 provided for the development of mutually beneficial defence projects, and not just for the A-Darter programme.
“The partnership is outstanding. The relation- ship we have with South Africa is a benchmark for Brazil, for the air force, and for Brazilian companies,” affirms Brazilian Air Force A-Darter project manager in South Africa Colonel Valter Malta. “We’ve worked with many countries and companies and we particularly like working with South Africa. The opportunity to work on the development of a latest generation missile is a highlight as well.”

South Africa withdrew from the fight against piracy

The South African Navy has prematurely terminated Operation Copper, its participation in the fight against piracy in the Indian Ocean. The frigate SAS Amatola, one of four that has the country returned to its home port.

Navy sources explain that this withdrawal is linked to a lock on a diplomatic agreement between South Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania.

Copper operation was launched last year in the Mozambique Channel and off Tanzania.

This agreement allowed navies patrolling signatories in the region to pursue and apprehend suspected pirates.

The Amatola started patrolling last August, but returned to its base at Simon's Town in September.

AHRLAC plane (Paramount Group, South Africa)

The plane AHRLAC girder is a compact, single-engine, tandem with crew. This unit dedicated to monitoring is also a Light Combat Aircraft. Fast and light, it is designed to perform a wide range of tasks such as:

- Reconnaissance patrol,

- Electronic intelligence,

- Anti-terrorist operations,

- Humanitarian assistance,

- Emergency supplies,

- Border control,

- Monitoring of resources,

- Anti-poaching capacity with ground attack.

The main features of the AHRLAC  are:

- Compact size,

- A high wing with excellent visibility to the crew,

- Low cost of purchase and operation,

- Logistical support simplified

- A maximum cruise speed of 300 knots,

- A payload payload of 800 kg with full fuel and two crew members,

- A range of 1150 nautical miles or 7:30 flight without auxiliary tanks

Gagiano Hands Over Command of South African Air Force

Lieutenant General Carlo Gagiano has handed over command of the South African Air Force (SAAF) to Lieutenant General “Zakes” Fabian Zimpande Msimang, during an impressive ceremony at Swartkop Air Force Base on Friday.

Gagiano was the third longest serving chief of the Air Force, having joined the SAAF in 1968. He qualified as a pilot on the Aermacchi MB326M in December 1969. During his career with the South African Air Force he flew the Harvard, Pilatus PC-7, Vampire, F-86 Sabre, Mirage III, F1CZ, as well as the Cheetah D and E aircraft.

“No one can ask for a better career than I have had, considering all the opportunities offered to me, command appointments given me, and all of these culminating in being appointed Chief of the South African Air Force,” Gagiano said.

“Highlights of my term in office were the opportunities to engage with foreign air forces, introducing new systems into the Air Force and to observe how competent the current generation is…Now we enter yet another new chapter in the history of the South African Air Force with the assumption of command of the Air Force by Lieutenant General Msimang.”

Msimang is the first black chief of the SAAF. “I see myself as a proud soldier…ready to take up any challenge put before him,” he said.

AAD: Ruag offers South Africa Do 228NG deal

Ruag is pitching its Do 228NG (New Generation) for a requirement to replace the South African air force's antiquated Douglas DC-3 maritime patrol aircraft fleet.
As part of its offer, the Swiss company is proposing a private/public partnership model through which it would raise the capital required to lease the aircraft, says Klaus-Peter Leinauer, its vice-president of sales.

Ruag would also provide initial training and logistical support, such as supplying spare parts, with the company to partner with a local firm for many of those activities, Leinauer says.
South Africa would provide the hangars, fuel and parts storage facilities under the proposal, along with supplying pilots and further crew training.

Russia, South Africa in Talks on Joint Weapons Development

Russia and South Africa are discussing the possibility of joint development of defense-related products, Russia’s state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport said on Monday.

“There is a great potential [for joint projects] in the area of radar equipment and rocket engines,” Rosoboronexport said in a statement.

The Russian arms exporter is also discussing with a number of countries the creation of post-sale maintenance centers for Russian-made helicopters sold to these countries.

“These centers will expedite repairs and create jobs for local professionals,” the statement said.

Denel to Grow Its Share of African Defence Market

Riaz Saloojee, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Denel says Africa currently constitutes 27% of its total export sales of ZAR 1.33 billion* but the company has identified promising opportunities to significantly increase this revenue.

The bulk of opportunities will be in the humanitarian demining services done by Denel Mechem but he also foresees strong growth in maintenance, repair and overhaul services in the aviation sector, unmanned aerial vehicles and infantry systems.

Mr Saloojee says the sales of defence equipment contributes to the defence and security of our continent. In addition, “the defence industry is highly dependent on government-to-government contact and we are fortunate that the South African government provides strong support to our marketing efforts.”

The recent restructuring of Denel will enable the company to consolidate the marketing initiatives of its various divisions and expose potential clients to the entire range of products and services in the aviation, landward defence and missile technology fields.

Denel regional offices will be established or strengthened in North Africa, East, West and southern Africa while the company will continue to grow its presence beyond the countries on the continent that are currently doing business with Denel.

South Africa Has Sold Weaponry Worth R4.8 Billion in 2012

The South African government has approved the sale of R4.88 billion worth of military equipment this year, according to a report by the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC).

The NCACC, in its latest report, stated that the government had approved contracts worth R2.8 billion between April 1 and June 30 this year, including R2.25 million worth of military equipment to Zimbabwe. Contracts with 50 countries were signed, among them India, Gabon, the USA and China.

For the period January to March 2012, the NCACC approved 16 contracts worth R521 million and approved 437 export permits to 42 countries worth R1.56 billion. On the other hand, the NCACC approved 293 import permits covering 23 countries worth R57 million for the same period.

The trade in conventional arms and the rendering of foreign military assistance is regulated by the NCACC, which reports to Parliament, as well as the Directorate Conventional Arms Control (DCAC). South African arms traders are required to be registered with the DCAC. Permits are required for weapons development and manufacturing, marketing, contracting, exporting, importing or transferring of conventional arms. This includes; weapons, munitions, vessels designed for war, articles of war, and related systems, components, technologies, dual-use goods or services.

South African Double Mount for the Rippel Effect MSGL40 and XRGL40 weapon systems.

South African Rippel is presenting its Double Mount for the Rippel Effect MSGL40 and XRGL40 weapon systems. The System is a buffered soft mount system that can be used as a primary or secondary weapon for vehicles and boats. The 40mm grenade launcher can be mounted very fast and without modifications. The mount has a weight of 18.5kg and can use rounds of 40x46mm (low velocity) and 40x51mm (medium velocity) with a capacity of 12 rounds, that can be shot within four seconds. Each weapon has an additional weight of 4.9kg and an effective range of 375m (low velocity) or 800m (medium velocity).

South African Company IAD and Saudi Groups will unveil Nyoka Mk2 armoured vehicle at defence exhibition AAD 2012

South Africa's Industrial and Automotive Design (IAD) and Saudi Groups joint venture will launch the mine-protected armoured personnel carrier (APC) Nyoka Mk2 at the African Aerospace and Defence (AAD) show to be held from the 19 -23 September 2012 in Pretoria, South Africa.

The vehicle is essentially the same as the Masmak APC unveiled by Saudi Groups last year, but will be marketed in Africa as the Nyoka Mk 2.

Iconic Armoured Mamba Hulls to be Made by MTL Group

Leading global armour specialist MTL Group has been awarded a significant contract to supply fabricated armoured hulls to Panzer Technologies for its Mamba Vehicle.

The armoured vehicles which are intended for use in peace keeping operations will be manufactured at MTL Group Headquarters in the UK then shipped ready for final assembly to South Africa.

Simon Hurst Sales Manager for Defence said: “This is an important order for MTL Group and it makes it even more special Manufacturing such an iconic vehicle such as the Mamba.”

The Mamba vehicle has been around a long time and has proven itself over and over again. MTL Group was chosen as the preferred supplier for various reasons. Along with its state of the art manufacturing capability and competitive pricing, MTL Group adds value to THE project through its unique DFM (Design for Manufacture) service.

Not one of the R8 billion arms deal submarines is operational

 SA Navy submarines in the dry dock at Simon's Town Naval Base. S102, rear, is in for routine maintenance, while S103, front, apparently hit the ocean floor, hence the protective blue plastic hiding it from sight.

South Africa's fleet of attack submarines, which cost an estimated R8-billion in the infamous arms deal, are all in dry dock after the only operational vessel crashed into the seabed.

 The SAS Queen Modjadji, named after South Africa's rain queen who lived in Limpopo, struck the ocean floor while conducting training exercises between Port Elizabeth and Durban last week.

The Sunday Times photographed the German-built submarine undergoing repairs in Simon's Town this week.
And yesterday the SA Navy acknowledged she had been damaged during a "training exercise".
This means that all three submarines - meant to police the oceans - are presently undergoing repairs and maintenance.

SANDF to Support Counter-Gang War in South Africa

The Port Elizabeth-based Herald newspaper reports the military will be supporting the police and other state agencies fighting gang warfare in the Cape Town and Nelson Mandela Bay metropoles.

“In a bold move, the military and other state agencies are being roped in to fight gang warfare in the Eastern and Western Cape. Gang hotspots – including Helenvale, Gelvandale and Bethelsdorp in Port Elizabeth and Lavender Hill and Hanover Park in the Western Cape – are believed to have been prioritised,” the paper said.

‘While officials at the various departments involved are tight-lipped about the matter, The Herald has seen a national order – sent to both the Eastern and Western Cape police commissioners by National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure chairman Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela – instructing them to form the Provincial Priority Committee to clamp down on gang warfare and drug hotspots,” the paper added. National police spokesman Colonel Vishnu Naidoo refused to comment on the order, saying it was strictly confidential. "This is the reason why we want the[Protection of State] Information Bill to be passed," he said. "These are operational issues and I do not know how they got into the hands of the media."

South Africa Hopes to Strengthen Defense Exchanges with China

PRETORIA, South Africa | South Africa hoped to boost cooperation and exchanges with China, especially in the field of defense affairs, South African Defense Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said on Wednesday.

This will help both countries to enhance their defense capacities and abilities to cope with challenges, the minister said when meeting with a Chinese military delegation led by Ma Xiaotian, deputy chief of general staff of the People's Liberation Army.

Ma said China-South Africa relations have developed smoothly since the two countries established diplomatic ties 14 year ago and bilateral cooperation of mutual benefits has made substantial progress.

He said that his visit to South Africa is tasked to implement the consensus reached between leaders of the two countries and further boost ties between the two militaries.

South Africa's EWI2 Partners with Norinco on 8M Armoured Vehicle

South African company EWI2 has partnered with the China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco) to produce the 8M wheeled mine resistant, ambush protected vehicle.

The 8M was unveiled at the China International Exhibition on Police Technologies and Equipment Expo (CIEPE) in Beijing at the beginning of last month.

The vehicle is powered by a 5.9 litre Cummins QSB diesel, manufactured in China by the Dongfeng Cummins Engine Co joint venture. The engine produces 281 hp, giving the 8 000 kg vehicle a top speed of 120 km/h.The 8M has seating for eight people or a payload of 2 500 kg. It can withstand a 7 kg mine blast under the hull and a 10 kg mine blast on any wheel.

EWI2 said that the 8M is the first success in a series of collaborative projects to be completed over the coming years by EWI2 and Norinco after the two companies established a cooperation agreement in 2010. “EWI2 is proud to be associated with Norinco and was one of the first South African companies to establish themselves in China in support of South Africa’s membership of the BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India and China] nations,” EWI2 said in a statement.

EWI2 said it had designed the 8M and adapted it to utilise local Chinese components, which “has resulted in a world class product from state of the art industrial facilities and with world wide product support capability.” The 8M will be marketed in China as well as to export markets.

EWI2 was established in 2008 as a company that specializes in implementing industrial ventures in the emerging world. The company says it primarily uses its own intellectual property with joint venture partners “to the benefit of both parties and countries involved.”

Denel Cheetahs Flying High In Ecuador

All 12 of the South African Cheetah supersonic fighters sold to Ecuador have successfully completed their test flights and are now ready for deployment by the Ecuadorian air force.

Riaz Saloojee, the Group Chief Executive of Denel, says the sale of the 10 Cheetah C (single seat) and two Cheetah D (dual seat) planes is now complete and has been delivered to the complete satisfaction of the client.

Denel Aviation will continue to provide a comprehensive maintenance and support service to the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE) for the next five years with an option for renewal.
“This is an exciting business opportunity for Denel Aviation,” says Mr Saloojee. “We successfully sold a fighter plane that was designed in South Africa and used locally for many years to a major international client.

“Our future partnership with the Ecuadorian Air Force will provide an important platform to showcase local capabilities for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) work to the rest of the world” says Mr Saloojee.

Mike Kgobe, the CEO of Denel Aviation says the agreement to deliver the 12 fighters was signed in the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, in November 2010. The government of Ecuador decided to purchase the Cheetahs as part of a programme to modernise its aircraft fleet.

The Cheetahs were delivered in four batches with the final shipment completed earlier this year. Prior to dispatching the aircraft, they were returned to service and flight-tested before being disassembled locally for shipment and then carefully reassembled and flight-tested in Ecuador.

Denel Aviation provided technical and logistics support to the local teams conducting the tests in Ecuador. Ecuadorian pilots and ground support staff also received extensive conversion training to fly and maintain the South African planes.

“All the stringent tests have now been completed and the Cheetahs were declared ready for operational deployment,” says Mr Kgobe.

Mr Kgobe says a significant milestone was reached on 17 May 2012 when seven of the fighters took to the Ecuadorian skies simultaneously during a fly past to mark the handover of command of the country’s air force to Brigadier General Enrique Velasco.

Denel Aviation is the design authority of the single-seat fighter that was locally developed as a variant of the Mirage lll in the 1980s. The Denel Cheetahs were retired from active duty following the acquisition by South Africa of its new fleet of Saab Gripen fighter jets.
Negotiations between Denel Aviation, Armscor and the FAE started in 2009. An Ecuadorian team visited South Africa in April 2010 to inspect the Cheetah fleet and to participate in specific evaluation flights.

Denel Aviation subsequently visited FAE facilities to review the infrastructure and technical capability of the Ecuadorian Air Force to accommodate the Cheetah aircraft, to evaluate the level of support required and to identify the need for further training.

More Rooivalk Helicopters Added to SAAF Arsenal

Two more Rooivalk helicopters have recently been handed over to the South African Air Force. This brings the total of upgraded combat support helicopters that can be operationally deployed to eight – with the final three to be ready in the coming months.

Mike Kgobe, the CEO of Denel Aviation, the company that designed and manufactured the Rooivalk says all the delivered aircraft have been upgraded to the required deployment baseline as determined by Cabinet.

Mr Kgobe says Denel Aviation is receiving excellent feedback from the SAAF – and especially from 16 Squadron at Air Force Base Bloemspruit – where the first batch of helicopters has now been flying continuously for more than a year.

The aircraft have already been deployed in joint military exercises conducted by the SANDF and have proven their value in a combat support role. “The Rooivalk is flying on a daily basis and both Denel Aviation and the SAAF are very satisfied with its performance,” says Mr Kgobe.

At the Air Force Day Parade earlier this year, the Chief of the SAAF, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano said the Rooivalk “is a system we cannot be without.” If the Air Force is called on to perform peace-keeping operations the Rooivalk is “the first aircraft I would send,” he said.

“This is a product that the South African public can be proud of – locally designed, locally manufactured and already successfully deployed by the Air force,” says Mr Kgobe.

Dewald Steyn, the project manager: Rooivalk, at Denel Aviation says the performance of the aircraft is being closely monitored and evaluated from a design and development perspective. The helicopter has exceeded the expectations and no major maintenance or repair work has thus far been required.

As design authority and original equipment manufacturer Denel Aviation is responsible to ensure that the Rooivalk remains fully operational throughout its assigned life.

Denel Aviation is continuing with the upgrading of the final three of the 11 aircraft in the Rooivalk fleet. At the same time design and development work has already started on upgraded versions of the helicopter – as part of the company’s “post-1F programme.”

The objective is to fit the Rooivalk with extended and long-range fuel tanks that will significantly increase its range of operations enabling the SAAF to deploy the helicopter over longer distances, says Mr Steyn.

The Rooivalk project started its design phase in 1984 and had its first flight in April 1990. It attracted world-wide attention for its unique design and capabilities and have been displayed at major international air shows in England, Dubai, Malaysia and Cape Town.

Denel Aviation was responsible for the final modifications to the helicopter to improve its safety and reliability and accuracy of its weapons systems and to complete all outstanding certification flight testing to enable application for a full military type certificate at the Cabinet-agreed deployment baseline.