Denel will showcase several global-leading products in the fields of missile technology, air defence systems, precision guided munitions, artillery systems and unmanned aerial vehicle systems at the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia this week.

“This is an opportunity for Denel to demonstrate that we still design, manufacture and deliver high-technology products that is comparable and better than what is produced in the rest of the world,” says Mike Kgobe, interim Group CEO of the defence and technology company.

The World Defence Show, held from 4 to 8 February, attracts the world’s top aerospace and defence manufacturers and is also attended by decision-makers, industry analysts and the media from across the globe. The last show, held in 2022, brought together some 600 defence and security exhibitors and attracted more than 65 000 visitors.

“It is important for Denel to have a strong presence in the fast-growing markets in the Middle East,” says Kgobe. This follows on a highly successful technology demonstration held at Alkantpan in the Northern Cape which was attended by decision-makers and analysts from ten countries.

The Denel exhibition will focus strongly on the company’s proven capabilities in artillery systems, air defence systems, guided weapons (missiles and precision guided munitions) and unmanned aerial vehicle systems. On the stand will be a full-scale model of the Umkhonto-IR surface-to-air-missile which has been deployed with great success by several armed forces globally including the SA Navy.

The infrared-guided missile has a range of 20 000m and can reach speeds of more than twice the speed of sound – Mach 2.2. It is launched from vessels and from a ground-based launcher and provides all-round defence against incoming missiles and aircraft. The Umkhonto-Extended Infra-Red missile adds further range, speed and operational ceiling which improves its performance and ability to defend forces on the ground.

The Ingwe Surface Target Missile has been integrated successfully onto helicopters and infantry fighting vehicles or can be launched from its own platform. Using laser beam-riding guidance it can reach and neutralise targets more than 5km away.

Also, on display will be a model of the Seeker 400 unmanned aerial system and upgraded through the years to ensure technology relevance. The Seeker 400 can stay up in the air for up to 16 hours at a cruising speed of 150km/h and a range of 250km. It has autonomous take-off and landing capabilities and carries multiple sensor payload which accumulates real-time images and high-definition data to stations on the ground.

Denel’s G6 self-propelled howitzer has set the standard for long-distance artillery over more than three decades. Over the same period, Denel completed design and concept of the new G6 with a 52 calibre.Its state-of-the-art design has a high rate of fire of seven rounds per minute with 38 rounds and an accurate firing up to a range of 57km.

In addition to the G6 self-propelled howitzer, Denel has also developed a truck-mounted gun the T5-52 system that is mounted on a commercially off the shelf vehicle platform. The top carriage is mounted on a high-mobility truck chassis with a purpose-designed interface and outriggers. The weapon system has excellent tactical and road strategic mobility with a range of 600 km without refuelling at speeds of up to 85 km/h and is suitable to forces that require artillery which combines mobility with long-distance capabilities and accuracy.

Denel’s prowess in the design and manufacturing of long-range mortars and anti-material rifles will also be demonstrated to decision-makers and analysts. The NTW-20 can engage targets up to 1 750m away and is extremely effective in a counter-sniping role and against mortar and rocket launcher positions. The DM-82 is a long-range mortar which can be used during night and day and reach targets about 7km away with pinpoint accuracy.

Kgobe says a newly restructured Denel is seeking new markets for its tried and tested products and systems. “We want to build on our reputation for leading-edge products and systems and the World Defence Show is a unique opportunity to gain a foothold in new markets.”

Ends

For further information, contact:

Pam Dlamini

Cell: +27 (0) 82 686 2198
Tel: +27 (0) 12 671 2970
email: pamm@denel.co.za

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