07 October 2014 by Guy Martin - defenceWeb

Paramount Advanced Technologies will start development work on a light medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (MALE UAV) next year, after expanding its unmanned aircraft range with the recently launched Mwari and Roadrunner platforms.

The new UAV will weigh between 500 and 600 kilogrammes and will have an endurance of up to 24 hours, Paramount officials said after unveiling the Mwari and Roadrunner small UAVs at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2014 exhibition at Air Force Base Waterkloof.

The 25 kg Mwari is based on a scaled down model of the Advanced High Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft (AHRLAC). Paramount used experience gained with its quarter scale unmanned flying AHRLAC model to produce the Mwari.

Jan Vermeulen, Business Development at Paramount Advanced Technologies, said that the company finished producing two Mwari prototypes a couple of months ago ahead of the type’s launch at AAD. He added that several potential customers have expressed interest in the type, which features a sensor turret in the nose. Endurance is four hours and line of sight range is 40 km.

The new Roadrunner UAV was designed with a rhomboid wing for high strength and compact dimensions – wingspan of the 15 kg aircraft is 1.5 metres. Vermeulen said the configuration gives a high speed range, making it less susceptible to bad weather. The UAV will be available in a variety of different engine configurations for speeds ranging from 70 to 300 km/h depending on whether petrol, electric or jet engines are used. An electric engine will give an endurance of 45 minutes while a fuel engine will provide a range of around two hours. Vermeulen said the aircraft has flown with turbine, propeller and ducted fan engines and that the next stage is to fly with a petrol propeller engine.

The Roadrunner is launched by catapult and either stalled and landed on its belly or caught via a net. Sensors include an infrared camera and electro-optical sight. The aircraft will be ready for production around January 2015, according to Paramount.

Also showcased at AAD 2014 were some of Paramount Advanced Technologies’ other UAVs, which were developed from experience gained by the acquisition of Advanced Technologies and Engineering (ATE). The 5 kg Civet tactical UAV is powered by an electric motor giving an endurance of one hour and a line of sight range of 15 km. The aircraft is already in service in Namibia’s national parks and with surveying companies. The Civet, Roadrunner and Mwari all share the same payload.

Vermeulen said that that Paramount Advanced Technologies acquired 30 years of UAV experience from ATE and is aggressively expanding its unmanned aircraft systems portfolio. An important part of the company’s strategy is to develop unique software and payloads that enhance platform effectiveness, such as software that can automatically detect and track targets and notify the operator, so he does not have to look at his screen all the time.

Paramount aims to integrate its unmanned vehicles with its various air, land and sea products for a better combined solution. Its recently launched Robotics division is exploring unmanned ground, sea and subsurface vehicles using common hardware and software. On the ground vehicle side, Paramount is exploring the use of unmanned vehicles for threat detection with the possibility of having a robotic sensor/prodder to deal with improvised explosive devices.

RG21 - BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa

17 September 2014 by defenceWeb

BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa launched the latest addition to its RG series of mine protected vehicles, the RG21, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2014 exhibition today.

The company said the vehicle is based on a commercial vehicle, which has been evaluated and customised with the support and experience of Iveco Defence Vehicles, “resulting in a cost-effective vehicle with enhanced maintainability and reliability.”

The RG21 can be configured for many roles and is available in left or right hand variants. The vehicle provides users with a modular interior layout due to the interchangeable mounting rail system. The RG21 is blast protected and can withstand a 21 kg explosive blast under any wheel and 14 kg under the hull.

BAE Systems said the RG21 was designed for cost, manufacturability, and supportability using off-the-shelf components such as the drivetrain, running gear, dashboard and electronics. The vehicle, which can be air transported in a C-130 Hercules, can be configured for various weapons systems such as a manual turret, remote turret, smoke launchers, cupola or seated one man turret.

The vehicle is powered by a 5.88 litre diesel engine developing 240 hp and giving a top speed of 110 km/h. It can seat up to 12 in armoured personnel carrier configuration but is also available in ambulance and command variants. Total payload is 5 200 kg, giving a combat mass of 13 800 kg.

“Protecting soldiers is the top priority for any force and doing so cost effectively provides a great benefit to our customers,” said Johan Steyn, managing director of Land Systems South Africa at BAE Systems. “The design concept used means this new vehicle can be manufactured and supported by local partners in any country.”

PRETORIA, 17 septembre - RIA Novosti

La Russie est prête à remettre des technologies militaires à l'Afrique du Sud, a déclaré mercredi à Pretoria le directeur du Service fédéral russe pour la coopération militaire et technique (FSVTS) Alexandre Fomine.

"Nous souhaitons à resserrer les liens militaires et techniques avec l'Afrique du Sud. La Russie est prête à y fournir ses produits, mais aussi à remettre des technologies militaires", a indiqué M.Fomine devant les journalistes lors du salon international de la défense Africa Aerospace and Defence 2014.

Selon lui, la Russie et l'Afrique du Sud peuvent coopérer au niveau bilatéral et dans le cadre des BRICS (Brésil, Russie, Inde, Chine, Afrique du Sud).

A Pretoria, l'Agence russe d'exportation d'armements (Rosoboronexport) présente l'avion d'entraînement et de combat Iak-130, l'avion de transport militaire Il-76MD-90A, l'hélicoptère de transport militaire Mi-35M. La Russie compte également susciter  l'intérêt de ses partenaires étrangers pour ses vedettes de patrouille, le système automatisé de gestion de combat, les blindés BMP-3 et BTR-80A, les roquettes antichar Kornet-E/EM et les armes d'infanterie spéciales.

10 September 2014 by Guy Martin - defenceWeb

All the indoor and outdoor exhibition space at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2014 exhibition has been sold out and demand for space is so high that 40 companies had to be turned down and put on an exhibition waiting list, according to the show organisers.

Briefing the media this morning on the show, to be held at Air Force Base Waterkloof between September 17 and 21, the organisers said that one exhibitor cancelled but their space was instantly filled as there are forty companies that want to exhibit but can’t find space, even though AAD 2014 has an extra, seventh, hangar this year.

At the moment there are 70 foreign military delegations from 50 countries scheduled to visit AAD 2014, together with 13 national pavilions and 300 companies (there were 14 national pavilions but Argentina pulled out due to their current financial situation). A number of first time exhibitors include Uganda, Australia, Lithuania, Spain and the United Arab Emirates.

Simphiwe Hamilton, Show Director, said he expected AAD 2014 to be bigger than the previous edition, which saw 40 000 trade visitors and 90 000 tickets sold for the two air show days.

Dean Mogale, AAD 2014 Policy Committee Chairperson, said the organisers have signed an agreement with the city of Tshwane to host the show through to 2018. Tshwane Executive Mayor, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, said AAD will be kept in Tshwane for the next three editions including this one. He said it was one of the most auspicious events on the aerospace and defence calendar, not only on the continent but in the world.

He added it was a significant revenue contributor to the country and noted that the aerospace and defence industries contribute to the economy and technological innovation – he pointed out that the Internet was originally developed by the military, for example. Ramokgopa said he wanted AAD to expose the youth to career opportunities in the aerospace and defence industries. Several thousand learners are expected to come to the show as part of the Youth Development Programme (YDP).

Airshow

So far 10 000 tickets have been sold for the air show days on September 20 and 21. The South African Air Force will be flying and displaying the Gripen, Hawk, Rooivalk, A109 and C-130 while the Silver Falcons aerobatic team will wow audiences with precision flying displays. The Air Force Museum at Air Force Base Zwartkop will contribute a number of aircraft, such as the Vampire, Alouette II and III, Puma etc.

On the civil side, Bombardier, Gulfstream and other manufacturers will be displaying their jets such as the Global 6000, Gulfstream G450 and G650. Bombardier will have a Q400 on display and Airbus Helicopters will have several of its rotorcraft on show. The presence of many other aircraft is still being negotiated – for instance, Embraer is still deciding what to bring.

The Airplane Factory will try and set a world record at AAD 2014 by building one of their Sling light aircraft at the show, which is set to fly by the time the exhibition concludes.

Less than three months after it performed its maiden flight, the Paramount Group Advanced High-performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft (AHRLAC) will fly in to Waterkloof at the beginning of the show and be exhibited as a static display. As the first military fixed wing manned aircraft to be designed and built in South Africa in decades, it is expected to attract considerable interest.

Unfortunately no unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be flying at Waterkloof. The organisers had hoped to have a UAV demonstration at Ditholo 50 km from Pretoria but this is not happening. However, the organisers noted that having UAVs flying is a priority for the next edition of AAD, by which time the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) should have finished drafting regulations on the operation of UAVs in South African airspace. Nevertheless, over a dozen companies will have their UAVs on static display.

Another disappointment to visitors will be the fact that the United States yesterday cancelled plans to bring out an eight-engined Boeing B-52 bomber. However, the US Air Force will fly out a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules. The New Zealand and Pakistani Air Forces were contemplating bringing out aircraft to AAD but these plans have been shelved. Zimbabwe was scheduled to fly a K-8 jet trainer but after last week’s crash that killed two of their pilots, this is uncertain. However, a full air show schedule will be available just before the show starts.

Firefighting helicopters will perform a demonstration during the show while Paramount will have an anti-rhino poaching demonstration using a Gazelle helicopter. Other highlights include a vehicle mobility track, which will allow military vehicles to show off their capabilities, and a mini-war re-enactment.

09 September 2014 by Guy Martin - defenceWeb

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) says it is on track with the finalisation of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) regulations, which are set to be put in place by March next year, and has denied that it is struggling to formulate these new rules.

Until regulations have been put in place governing the use of UAVs, anyone operating a UAV could face a R50 000 fine or up to ten years in prison, or both, according to the SACAA. In April this year the Authority said it was set to clamp down on the illegal flying, in civil airspace, of unmanned aircraft, with heavy fines for those who break the law.

UAVs operating on private land or restricted airspace also do not comply with SACAA requirements and are therefore also illegal to operate.

However, people flying UAVs in South Africa cannot be fined by the SACAA because although flying UAVs is illegal, there are no laws in place to be broken, according to Hennie Kieser, director and chairman of the Commercial Unmanned Aircraft Association of South Africa (CUAASA).

“It should be noted that the SACAA has not granted any approval to any entity or individual, due to the significant and real safety and security risks presented by this new sector of aviation. As such, whilst it is a fact that currently there are no specific regulations which govern RPAS [Remotely Piloted Aerial System] authorisations; regulation 91.01.10 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, 2011, prohibits any person through an act or omission to endanger the safety of an aircraft, any person or property. The SACAA is obligated to take enforcement action against any one disregarding the said part of the regulations,” the SACAA said.

“Notwithstanding, the SACAA has made considerable progress in terms of drafting regulations for UAS [Unmanned Aerial Systems] and as such is on track for the 2015 promulgations.”

UAVs can be flown indoors, however, as “the indoor operations of UAS are outside the mandate of SACAA since ‘indoors’ is not classified as airspace”.

Radio controlled/model aircraft are a different matter: “If the aircraft is solely used for sport or recreational purposes, the Director of Civil Aviation (DCA) has designated an external organisation to oversee this activities [sic]. The designated organisation is the Recreation Aviation Administration South Africa (RAASA),” the SACAA said.

“Unmanned aircraft systems are relatively a new component of the civil aviation framework, one which the SACAA, together with other regulators worldwide and under the guidance of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, are working to understand, define and ultimately integrate in to the civil aviation sector. As such, the process of developing policies, procedures, regulations and associated standards in order to certify and subsequently authorise operation of UAS is currently in progress,” said the Director of Civil Aviation, Poppy Khoza.

As part of this process, last month the SACAA hosted a meeting on the use of UAVs, which was attended by several hundred people. Kieser said the SACAA was struggling to come up with adequate regulations and had proposed unfeasible possibilities like requiring UAV operators to have commercial pilot licenses.

However, Phindiwe Gwebu, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Marketing at the SACAA, denied that the SACAA was struggling to formulate regulations.

“No-one has the perfect answer yet. People have some answers,” Kieser said, pointing out that countries around the world are having trouble establishing UAV regulations, with most countries taking different approaches, such as France giving flight permission on a case-by-case basis.

Regulations in the United States have been controversial due to the problem of classifying UAVs and model aircraft. Kieser said it was necessary to categorise UAVs, perhaps by kinetic energy rather than size and weight, as there are hundreds of different types of UAVs from small helicopters that fit into the palm of one’s hand to UAVs with wingspans as large as jet airliners, such as the Global Hawk.

“UAVs are a disruptive technology,” like the Internet and cellphones, Kieser said, especially as UAVs are becoming easier to fly – many can be flown from a smartphone. As a result they are here to stay and will only grow in popularity. For instance Kieser, also the director of surveillance company Desert Wolf, estimates demand for his Skunk multi-purpose UAV to be thousands of units a month.

Kieser pointed out that there are many people still flying UAVs in South Africa, such as those in the mining and farming industries that need to carry out tasks like stockpile monitoring and stock counting. He said the SACAA can’t prosecute such users because they have no manpower and it is not clear what users would be charged with.

CUAASA was formally started on January 1 and has seventy signed and paid up members. However, Kieser said there are between four and five hundred UAV operators in South Africa but most of them did not want to join CUAASA out of fear of repercussions from the SACAA.

02 September 2014 by Dean Wingrin - defenceWeb

The locally developed Impi tactical modem is fast gaining acceptance within the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as a cost-effective blue-force tracker, already in use by members of the Special Forces and the South African Air Force (SAAF).

Launched in 2011 by Saab Systems South Africa, the 0.6 kg device can either be fitted onto vehicles, aircraft or naval vessels as well as be carried by soldiers. The Impi incorporates a GSM modem, allowing a cell phone network to transmit the tracks. Where no cellphone coverage is available, an embedded Iridium satellite modem is used. It also has a mil-standard data connection, allowing the utilisation of HF, VHF and UHF radios to transmit the tracks.

The communications data carrier for the position relay is determined via a “least-cost” mechanism, meaning that the GPRS data channel of the GSM network will automatically be selected if available. Should no GSM network coverage be available, the Impi positional update will automatically be routed via the Iridium satellite network. This means that Impi provides positional updates from any geographic position on Earth, to any designated control system. Data security is ensured by encryption.

Impi has been integrated into the Chaka tactical C2 (Command & Control) support software which, according to Cobus Valentine, the Command & Control specialist at Saab Grintek Defence, is the only tool currently used by the SANDF to provide ‘jointness.’

“It is capable of two-way data communication. If all other means of communication fails, you can connect the computer to this with Chaka,” Valentine explains. “You can still send and receive messages.”

Together with an onboard battery, a panic button is also incorporated into the unit. When pressed, a message will flash on Chaka, giving position, call sign as well as the direction of travel of the person in duress.

However, when used for blue force tracking, Chaka is not required as the data can be sent via a Link-ZA IL6 message.

Designed from the outset to tough mil-spec criteria, the system was deployed during the multinational Exercise Oxide off the Mozambican coast in September last year as part of a technology demonstration.

Valentine told defenceWeb that during the exercise, there was a case where an incident was simulated that involved a submarine.

“A Parachute Action Group was flown from Waterkloof onboard a SAAF C-130. The aircraft was tracked as well as the Special Forces members aboard the aircraft. They then jumped over the submarine and while they jumped, the parachutists were tracked. Only when they went under the water did we lose the track, but as soon as they popped up from the water, the track was transmitting again,” Valentine recalled.

A further trial was conducted during a combat search and rescue exercise with the Special Forces, first without and then utilising the Impi. Valentine says the difference was astronomical in getting to the person on the ground quickly.

Besides the Impi recording tracks which are then available for replay, everything that goes into the system and comes out of it is automatically recorded in a War Diary which is date/time stamped.

Special Forces have used the unit operationally on outside deployments for the past two years. The system has been flight certified by the Air Force, with the installation on the Rooivalk conducted under the auspices of Denel. The entire Rooivalk fleet have been installed with the blue force tracking devices, the same as with the C-130 fleet. The Oryx is also having the Impi permanently fitted into the helicopter, connected to the aircraft’s power supply.

The SAAF is currently using the commercial Spidertrack aircraft tracking system, which utilises an overseas-based server and the internet to communicate.

The Impi software is installed on a server housed at a SAAF facility, meaning only Air Force personnel can access the server and the data that emanates from the blue force tracking devices, greatly increasing operational security.

Considering the loss of Malaysia Airlines’ flight MH370 earlier this year, Saab are in discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to certify a tracker, based on Impi, for commercial installations.

Saab is hoping to shortly certify the tracking device on Airbus and Boeing airliners in order for airlines to track their aircraft in real time.

In June it was announced that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) confirmed that the Aircraft Tracking Task Force (ATTF) was expected to be in a position to deliver draft options for enhanced global aircraft tracking to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in September, leading to presentation to the industry before year-end.

14 August 2014 by Guy Martin - defenceWeb

Ammunition manufacturer Pretoria Metal Pressings (PMP) is diversifying its product range, manufacturing Russian calibre ammunition and investing in research and development, such as polymer bullet casings and less than lethal ammunition.

PMP recently concluded an agreement with US company PolyCase on the manufacture of heavy metal free ammunition and polymer cartridge cases, which are lighter and much cheaper than conventional brass. PMP is also conducting its own research into these areas and aims to double its research and development efforts in the next two years as it keeps abreast of technology and increases its portfolio and turnover.

Some of the research and development projects PMP is involved with deal with programmable fuses, heavy metal-free primary explosives and incorporating 3D printing in components and manufacturing processes.

PMP is collaborating with a number of institutions on research and development, such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Armscor and various local universities. PMP is looking at a number of new areas, including less than lethal ammunition, and is exploring collaboration with various small arms and ammunition manufacturers such as Brugger and Thomet (B&T) on less than lethal ammunition production (Denel is marketing some of B&T’s small arms). Phaladi Petje, CEO of PMP, said that less than lethal ammunition was needed for the local security clusters in South Africa.

Petje noted that the 2012 Defence Review calls for the support of the South African National Defence Force and the consolidation of sovereign capabilities within South Africa. As a result, the company is trying to be sure it can localise some technologies that are critical to the defence force.

Part of the process of expanding the product portfolio and finding new markets involves being competitive and for this reason PMP is embarking on a massive machinery improvement programme worth R400 million over the next five years. This will see new machinery bought and older machinery upgraded and improved. The plant renewal process has begun, with some systems set to come on line in the next two to three years.

PMP aims to double its turnover to more than R1 billion over the next five years as it increases its presence in Africa and meets the needs of the local market. As part of its strategy of expanding into Africa, PMP recently made the decision to begin manufacturing Russian 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition for the AK-47 series of assault rifles and their generics. At the moment the company is ready to produce and deliver this type of ammunition and has sent out quotations to interested customers. It is also nearly ready to deliver 23 mm Russian calibre cannon ammunition. Petje told defenceWeb that there are requirements for the 23 mm ammunition and PMP is in discussions with clients for a ‘substantial amount’. He added that PMP has been having successes supplying ammunition to some countries in Africa.

“We realised that to penetrate the African market, we need products to complement their systems,” Petje said of the decision to manufacture Russian calibre ammunition, as a significant number of African countries use Russian rather than Western ammunition and military equipment.

As a state-owned company, PMP exists primarily to serve South Africa’s needs first. “We exist to meet the SANDF’s requirements and have an obligation to add to the national development objectives,” Petje said. In addition to supplying the South African National Defence Force with various calibres of ammunition, PMP also disposes of old ammunition stocks and recovers the copper, which is used in other applications, but the company is exploring the possibility of ammunition disposal on the rest of the continent.

PMP is currently producing 30 x 173 mm ammunition for the 30 mm GI30 CamGun of the Badger infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) being built for the South African Army. The company is busy qualifying the 30 x 173 mm CamGun ammunition for the Bushmaster cannon, which is extremely popular throughout the world and therefore a good export prospect. Petje said PMP would hopefully soon be having a foreign sale involving this type of ammunition.

PMP also developed the 20 x 42 mm ammunition for the shoulder-fired Neopup weapon. The ammunition is ready for production.

Since Swartklip ceased manufacturing .22 Long ammunition some years ago, there has been no local production of this type of ammunition and this is something PMP may consider as there is lots of demand. “It is in our thoughts,” Petje said, noting that the company receives many requests for quotes for such ammunition.

Some 40-55% of local manufacture is exported but in a good year Petje said PMP can export up to 60%. This year he expects the company to export 55-60% of its turnover. For the first time in many years PMP has a good order book – normally at this time of year he said the company has around 55% order coverage but at the moment it is sitting on 100%. “Next year is exciting,” Petje said, in terms of both orders and partnerships, with a ‘significant’ order pipeline.

One third of PMP’s turnover goes towards non-military business, such as chemicals for the mining industry, blasting fuses for mines and brass strip for industry. As PMP increases its turnover, it is expecting to sell mining drill bits outside South Africa, which is currently its main market for drill bits.

PMP makes ejection seat cartridges under license from Martin Baker and supports the ejection seats of the Hawk Lead-In Fighter-Trainer and Gripen fighter jet of the South African Air Force. The company also supplies different power cartridges e.g. fire extinguisher cartridges, bomb release cartridges, etc. for some international clients.

13 August 2014 by Guy Martin - defenceWeb

The first Paramount Group Advanced High-performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft (AHRLAC) prototype has performed its maiden flight and has embarked on a rigorous flight testing programme.

The Experimental Demonstrator (XDM) prototype’s first flight to the public took place this morning at Wonderboom airport outside Pretoria, although the aircraft took to the skies for the first time on 26 July. The aircraft was piloted by test pilot ‘Blokkies’ Joubert on its maiden flight, who flew the aircraft for around 35 minutes. He reached an altitude of 9 000 feet and a speed of around 120 knots as he evaluated the aircraft’s handling abilities. So far, the XDM aircraft has flown seven hours.

Testing has gone well, with no systems failures so far. The first prototype will probably fly 100-200 hours before Paramount and prime contractor Aerosud are satisfied with initial testing. During test flights a Cessna Caravan has been used as a chase plane, but future test flights will use a faster Pilatus PC-12.

Construction of the second prototype (Advanced Demonstrator - ADM) is currently underway, and this will be used to test weapons and sensors, mission equipment and other hardware as the first prototype is being used mainly for handling tests. The ADM model will be finished around the end of this year and undergo flight testing from the second quarter of next year, according to programme leader Paul Potgieter Junior.

Aircraft could be delivered from the end of next year. Initially production will probably stand at four to eight in the first year then three to five a month after that as production ramps up. Production will take place at a new dedicated factory. Paramount is in advanced discussions with a number of potential customers and has started marketing the aircraft.

“AHRLAC is a home grown, world class capability that will enable developing countries and advanced nations to strengthen and diversify their security infrastructure. It offers the global industry a new, very cost effective and multi-role solution that will change the way global air forces procure and structure their air fleets. AHRLAC is a solution shaped for today’s modern threats like insurgencies, piracy, poaching and terrorism,” Ichikowitz said.

Paramount said the aircraft can perform tasks previously carried out by four separately configured aircraft, as it integrates designs from attack helicopters, surveillance platforms and reconnaissance aircraft with the ability to carry surveillance, weapons, radar and electronic warfare systems.

AHRLAC has been designed for both civilian and military missions and can be configured for a variety of roles due to its innovative interchangeable mission pod. Roles include patrol and reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, close air support, training, cargo and light attack. “This enables the aircraft for multi-role uses which include disaster management, internal security, border control, maritime patrol and environmental protection,” Paramount said.

Aerosud Managing Director Dr Paul Potgieter said the AHRlAC was designed as a low cost homeland security solution. “To compete with the best in the world we had to apply the very latest technology to find that competitive edge, starting with using the very latest digital design and manufacturing techniques.” Potgieter said he believed the AHRLAC is the most detailed CATIA design ever undertaken in this category, with every part, down to the rivets and screws, being designed digitally. This resulted in the aircraft being built without jigs, saving time and cost.

Potgieter told journalists during a briefing at Wonderboom that four features of the AHRLAC stand out. The pusher propeller configuration allows for an unobstructed forward view, for pilots, sensors and weapons, and also allows for jet-like pilot training, something that has attracted a lot of interest. Other highlights include the interchangeable payload pod, the six hardpoints on the wings and the rugged landing gear that allows for operation on unprepared airstrips.

The AHRLAC is being developed by Paramount with Aerosud as the prime contractor, but the project also involves local and international suppliers. Global suppliers include Pratt & Whitney (PT6 engine), Cobham (antennae/communications) and Zeiss (electro-optical equipment. Local suppliers will include Paramount Advanced Technologies, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Denel (which will supply weapons like the Mokopa missile, amongst other items).

During a post-flight media briefing, Ichikowitz said the AHRLAC reinvented the way aircraft are developed and produced, not just in South Africa but around the world. “This is without doubt a truly historic moment in the South African aerospace and aviation industry. What we have witnessed today has relevance for the whole country and the continent.”

Ichikowitz said that the aerospace and defence industries are often a prime driver of economic growth and the innovation that comes with it and that the South African defence industry has long been an innovator. “This project shows this industry is still alive and well. AHRLAC is exciting but what is going to happen around ARHLAC is very exciting. It marks the rebirth of a dormant industry – that is what is exciting for me…One of the challenges we have on this continent is we still suffer from self-doubt – this project proves we can build things that have been designed in Africa for African conditions.”

“Watch this space,” Ichikowitz told journalists. “This is just the beginning as more can be expected from AHRLAC, Paramount and South Africa.”

11 August 2014 by defenceWeb

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) has signed a memorandum of understanding with PT Pindad to produce ammunition ranging from 30 to 105 mm for the Indonesian military as well as export customers.

The agreement was signed in the Indonesia capital Jakarta on August 7, local media reported. The agreement will see RDM and Pindad form a joint venture in 2015 to construct a 168 hectare facility in Malang, East Java, to manufacture ammunition.

Read full article

06 August 2014 by Helmoed Römer Heitman, Independent Military and Defence Analyst – ISS Africa

South Africa has big plans to expand its involvement in Africa. To implement these, defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has a vision and a 400-page Defence Review to guide her developing the capabilities of the SANDF to match national, regional and continental roles envisaged by cabinet and the Presidency.

Yet she will need support and additional funds: quite a lot of it too, judging by the recommendations in the review.

The border security mission presents challenges in terms of present force levels, equipment and funding – up to R1 billion extra will be required to fully equip, deploy and sustain a further 11 companies for deployment to the border, as the minister intends.

Indications are that if all goes according to plan, the SANDF could be up to speed to fulfil its commitments at its borders and in the region by 2023. Only then will the real work of renewing the force capabilities start in earnest.

In her budget speech on 23 July, Mapisa-Nqakula said: ‘It is also going to be important that the implementation of the Defence Review takes into consideration the tasks and commitments for defence arising from the New National Security Strategy.’ This crucial document, which has been many years in the making, should be the central document to shape policy regarding South Africa’s political, military and diplomatic roles and engagement. Approved by government earlier this year, it has still not been made public – which hinders its role as a policy tool.

Government has, meanwhile, tasked the Army with forming a combat group for employment as part of the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises (ACIRC), which will in time become the intervention capability envisaged in the Defence Review.

In her speech, the minister reiterated the main responsibilities of the SANDF, which include, among others, defending and protecting South Africa, safeguarding its borders and infrastructure and promoting peace and security in Africa. South Africa’s regional role thus remains central to policy, the only question being to which level this is to be pursued.

In this regard, the Defence Review’s baseline of three long-term battalion or combat group peace support operations is derived from an assessment of government’s intent and on past experience. For several years, South Africa had battalions in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Darfur simultaneously, plus a brief battalion-strength deployment in the Comoros.

The minister also referred to the five milestones proposed in the Defence Review as the basis for planning. These are to arrest the decline of the SANDF; to rebalance the force by reprioritising; to ensure capacity meets current needs; to develop capacity to meet future challenges and to build the strength to deal with a limited war. The fifth only becomes relevant in the event of a major strategic shift, but the first two fall within the current five-year medium-term strategic framework.

However, the current defence budget – and the budgets forecast for the next two years – will not provide sufficient funding to do that. But, as the minister remarked, ‘many aspects … can be pursued in the short term without additional funding.’ These include various measures to lay the groundwork for the future development of the defence force. In reality, some of these have already been initiated – such as planning for restructuring within the Army. However, it is never without cost, and is more about reprioritising expenditure.

The current, short-term programme focuses on succession planning and renewal within the SANDF, and will, in fact, not require much funding in addition to what is needed for proper training and maintenance. Once these aspects have been addressed – and this should be done promptly – funding will have to increase to start the rebuilding. An immediate challenge is, however, the current shortfall in the present defence budget, due to both legacy issues and new operational activities, such as unfunded ACIRC preparations, sustainment of current missions and staff structure.

Considering the intent expressed in the budget speech along with what the Defence Review envisages for the first two milestones, relatively limited growth in defence funding should suffice during the current medium-term strategic framework. Real growth will, however, be needed in the second part of the period.

The targets set in the Defence Review for Milestone 1 (by 2015/16) that are relevant to the regional peace support role include enhanced strategic awareness capability, which includes expanding and enhancing the Special Forces capability; establishing a permanent forward base in Africa; re-establishing or enhancing a tactical airfield unit capability and a naval port-operating capability; and ensuring that troop contribution obligations are maintained at the standard whereby reimbursement from the United Nations is guaranteed.

This is over and above present deployments, which would continue at the same levels. These include the battalion in Darfur, the battalion group and other elements in the DRC, the patrol station in the Mozambique Channel and some smaller elements.

The targets set in Milestone 2 (by 2018/19) that pertain to the regional peace support role include developing a joint rapid response intervention capability; simultaneous renewal of the medium and light airlift; in-flight refuelling and air-ambulance capability and enhancing the medium helicopter lift capability. It also includes extended maritime protection capability. Again, this is over and above the present deployments that would continue, and over and above what is set out for Milestone 1.

Depending on the detailed force structure and chosen design, and the level of border patrolling to be reached within this period, these interventions and capability targets should be attainable at about 1,4% of the current gross domestic product (GDP), which is about 25% to 30% more than the present funding level.

This, however, only creates the basis for an expanded regional peace support operations capability. The actual development of that capability would begin in the second medium-term strategic framework. To evaluate the 2014 budget against South Africa’s regional capability one must also consider this second period, during which the Defence Force would be expected to attain the capabilities of Milestone 3.

This would, again depending on the detail and the required border security deployment, take the defence budget to about 1,6% of the current GDP, or 46% higher than the present funding level.

By the end of the second medium-term strategic framework – 2023 – the Defence Force would be capable of sustaining three long-term combat group level peace support operations, conducting maritime security patrols in Southern African Development Community (SADC) waters, and conducting a short-term brigade strength intervention operation using air- or sealift. This would be in addition to border safeguarding and patrols of South Africa’s own waters.

Only in the period after 2023 would the Defence Force begin with major renewal of conventional force capabilities to be able to respond to a serious challenge in the region. That would see defence funding rising to about 2,4% of the present GDP. While this envisaged defence strategy is desperately needed, and can be seen as a blueprint to transform the defence force into an organisation that will have at least minimum capabilities for its projected role and responsibilities, the big question remains how this will be done.

Japanese vehicles donated to PMTC

05 August 2014 by defenceWeb

The SA National War College’s Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC) has, thanks to the generosity of Japan, become six vehicles richer.

The 4X4 vehicles were officially handed to the Centre yesterday when the Japanese Vice-Minister of Defence, Minoru Kihara, called on the Thaba Tshwane-based PMTC as part of an official visit to South Africa.

His host, South African Deputy Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Kebby Maphatsoe, said Japan was a contributor to the PMTC which he called “a visible symbol of Japan’s efforts to strengthen mechanisms that enhance and build peace and security in Africa”.

The PMTC has been set up with international partners to enable and equip soldiers with skills pertinent to disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration.

“This DDR process is one Arica desperately needs at this point in time,” Maphatsoe said.

The PMTC offers regular courses for military observers, civil military co-ordination and others all aimed at strengthening the reservoir of peacekeeping and peace support knowledge in the SA National Defence Force (SANDF).

The military observer’s course at the PMTC includes a 4x4 driving skills component using Armscor’s Gerotek facility west of Pretoria. It is thought the vehicles donated by the Japanese will be primarily used in this aspect of the PMTC training work.

During his three day visit vice-Minister Kihara also called on a number of South African defence industry companies in Gauteng and met with Armscor chairman, Johannes Mudimu.

Maphatsoe said Kihara’s visit would allow exploration of both defence and military co-operation between Japan and South Africa.

“This, when added to the South African arms production and procurement industry as well as the exchange of information on defence related matters is a step in the right direction. It opens ways for us to engage on matters of defence and military interest for both our defence forces, in particular the technology and research and development sectors,” the Deputy Minister said.

Eurosatory, Paris-Nord Villepinte, le 19 juin 2014 Sagem

Sagem (Safran) a signé avec Denel Land Systems, un important contrat de caméras thermiques destinées à équiper les véhicules de combat d’infanterie sud-africains de type Badger.

Au titre de ce programme, Sagem produira trois types de caméras infrarouges de la famille MATIS en vue d’équiper les différentes configurations des blindés Badger. Ces véhicules seront dotés de tourelles de 30 mm et de tourelles lance-missiles anti-char.

Les caméras thermiques MATIS ont été conçues par Sagem pour répondre aux besoins opérationnels les plus exigeants des plates-formes de combat opérant dans tous les milieux (terrestres, aériens, maritimes). Par leurs caractéristiques tactiques, elles contribuent aux fonctions d’observation, de reconnaissance d’identification et d’engagement sur des distances de plusieurs kilomètres.

Les caméras MATIS de Sagem se caractérisent par une intégration aisée dans les systèmes d’armes en tourelles et par leur haut niveau de performance démontré à l’occasion d’essais sur le terrain.

La production des caméras thermiques MATIS sera assurée par l’établissement de Sagem à Poitiers.

Au plus près du besoin des forces sud-africaines, Sagem travaillera avec un partenaire local, la société Afrimeasure qui assurera pour une partie, l’intégration finale des caméras, les tests, puis leur maintien en condition opérationnelle.

Leader européen des équipements et systèmes optroniques, Sagem a produit plus de 6 000 caméras thermiques MATIS qui équipent les systèmes d’armes majeurs en France et à l’international.

Sagem, société de haute technologie de Safran, est un leader mondial de solutions et de services en optronique, avionique, électronique et logiciels critiques, pour les marchés civils et de défense. N°1 européen et n°3 mondial des systèmes de navigation inertielle pour les applications aéronautiques, marines et terrestres, Sagem est également n°1 mondial des commandes de vol pour hélicoptères et n°1 européen des systèmes optroniques et des systèmes de drones tactiques. Présents sur tous les continents via le réseau international de Safran, Sagem et ses filiales emploient 7 500 personnes en Europe, en Asie du Sud-est et Amérique du Nord. Sagem est le nom commercial de la société Sagem Défense Sécurité. Pour plus d’informations : www.sagem.com