South African defence industry conglomerate Denel will be displaying a wide range of its products and services at next month’s IDEX (International Defence Exhibition and Conference) in anticipation of growth in defence spending by Middle Eastern countries.
“This (the Middle East) is a region familiar with the quality of Denel products, especially in the fields of artillery, armoured vehicles and munitions and we will build further on this reputation by exhibiting our capabilities,” Denel acting chief executive Zwelakhe Ntshepe said ahead of IDEX which runs from February 19 to 23 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
A January report by international consultancy company, Deloitte, projects growth in excess of three percent in global defence spending in 2017 after years of declining budgets. This growth will be particularly strong in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA region) where a number of countries are starting to acquire next generation military equipment, according to the report.
The Middle East is a vital region for Denel as a company which earns almost 60% of its revenue from exports. Denel Vehicle Systems (DVS) recently started delivery of its RG31 Mk5 mine-resistant vehicles to a client in the United Arab Emirates following on a similar contract to supply 4×4 N35 armoured vehicles.
“Our reputation in the region is well-established based on the quality of landward defence products including artillery systems, armoured vehicles and mine-resistant vehicles. IDEX 2017 is a great opportunity for Denel to cement its reputation and create interest for other products in the Group’s portfolio,” Ntshepe said.
A range of Denel Dynamics missiles will be on display at the Denel stand. IDEX attendees will be able to get up close and personal with the Umkhonto-EIR surface-to-air missile, the A-Darter air-to-air missile and the Ingwe and Mokopa surface target missiles. The Cheetah surface-to-air missile manufactured by Denel Dynamics and Rheinmetall Defence Munitions (RDM) which offers defence forces comprehensive counter rocket, artillery and mortar capabilities will form part of the Rheinmetall Air Defence stand.
The Inkunzi PAW20 is a 20x42mm semi-automatic weapon with both the weapon and ammunition manufactured by Denel PMP. The weapon is carried by a single soldier and is highly effective in modern urban warfare conditions at distance up to 800 metres, Denel said.
Denel Land Systems (DLS) will display its range of 60mm mortar systems, variants of the DMG-5 machinegun and its NTW 20 anti-materiel rifle that can be deployed against radar installations, bunkers and high value targets at ranges of more than 1 500 metres.
Additionally scale models of the Rooivalk combat support helicopter and the Oryx medium utility helicopter will also be shown at the Denel stand to highlight capabilities in aviation design, manufacturing, maintenance and repairs.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), some major Denel exports to the Middle East over the last five years include Al Tariq guided bombs for Mirage 2000-9 aircraft for the UAE’s air force, N35 armoured personnel carriers, several hundred Ingwe missiles to Iraq, Seeker II UAVs to the UAE and RG31 mortar carriers to the UAE.
