Market opportunities for Denel’s defence and high-technology products in south-east Asia will be explored when the company participates in the Indo Defence exhibition in Indonesia this week.
Denel Group Executive Business Development, Zwelakhe Ntshepe said the Asia-Pacific region is a priority area for Denel and it will use opportunities at the four day international exhibition to strengthen existing ties and look at new export prospects.
The sixth Indo Defence annual exhibition in the capital, Jakarta, will bring together more than 600 companies from 45 countries. Three Denel companies – Denel Land Systems, Denel Dynamics and PMP – will have a presence at the South African pavilion.
Ntshepe said the reputation of the South African defence industry has been strengthened by the global interest shown in products such as the Rooivalk combat helicopter, the Seeker 400 unmanned aerial vehicle and the landward capabilities of Denel Land Systems.
“We are widely recognised as global leaders in artillery systems, small and medium calibre ammunition and unmanned aerial vehicle and are contributing to some of the most advanced missile development programmes currently underway.”
At the recent African Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (AAD) at AFB Waterkloof in Centurion, Denel hosted defence and industry delegations from 36 countries, including some from south-east Asia. Many countries in the region have embarked on military modernisation programmes making it one of the fastest growing markets for defence spending in the world.
South Africa has strong trade relationships with most of the countries in the Association of South East Asian Nations – ASEAN.
“Government’s support for our export efforts contributes to our success because most defence transactions require high levels of state-to-state interaction,” Ntshepe said.
A recent contract by Denel Land Systems to supply a range of turrets and integrated weapon systems for fitment to infantry combat vehicles has raised the company’s profile in the region and emphasised the quality and versatility of its products.
“Indo Defence 2014 is an opportunity for us to showcase our world-class products and our track record for technology and innovation,” Ntshepe added.
