South Africa gears up for DSEI

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South African companies will be out in force at this year’s Defence Security Equipment International (DSEI) show, which opens in London tomorrow. DSEI draws exhibitor companies and visitors from across the world and is regarded as one of the world’s leading defence shows.

DSEI begins on 12 September and ends on 15 September, and is expected to attract more than 34 000 defence decision-makers, heads of armed services and industry representatives to the London Docklands. Over 1 600 companies will be exhibiting and more than 300 speakers will take part in conferences during the show.

For South African companies wanting to boost their order books, the show offers the chance to catch the eyes of buyers from almost across the world. This year, there are 23 companies in the South African pavilion and Denel has a large separate stand that is adjacent to this.

Some of the activity scheduled by South African companies includes the unveiling of the Milkor 4X4 armoured vehicle, which represents a major diversification effort by Milkor, which has up to now focused on grenade launchers. PJ Aviation has said it will launch its vehicle intercom system designed with the African market in mind.

The South African pavilion is supported by the Department of Trade and Industry and managed by the South African Aerospace Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD). In an attempt to boost exports, other governments also support the presence by their defence companies at shows.

Companies with stands on the South African pavilion this week are:

Aerodyne Research Manufacturing – Parachutes (MC1 – 1X static line troop parachute and Tactical Assault ram air gliding parachutes)
Alaris Antennas – Antennas
Armscor – Promoting test and evaluation centres at Alkantpan and Gerotek
Cliff’s Way Aerospace – Specialises in precision machining of structural aircraft components, defence equipment and rail components
DCD Group – Combat and route protection vehicles
Florida Engineering Services – Radar and sensor technologies, electronic warfare
Gelvenor Consolidated Fabrics – Parachute, protective, and industrial fabrics
Imperial Armour – Helmets, vests, shields, plates
Megaray – high intensity spotlights and laser aiming devices
Milkor – Milkor 4X4 armoured vehicle, multiple grenade launchers
Parsec – High security mobile network encryption
PJ Aviation – Portable aeronautical radio, antennae, radio lighting controllers, VIS340 Intercom
Rapid Mobile – Tactical data terminal, software defined modem, HF modem, HF/UHF modem, HF data modem
Redeployable Camp Systems SA – Warrior shelters, tents, camp support products (in strategic alliance with Weatherhaven of Canada)
Reutech – Radar Trackers
Rippel Effect Systems – Multiple grenade launchers (XRGL40 extended range 40mm grenade launcher and RLL37/38 less lethal multi-shot grenade launcher), double mount launchers.
Shrike Marine – Harnessing for cables
South African Aerospace Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD)
Stepahead Military Headware Distributor: Caps, epaulettes, berets, bush hats and caps
Thata Ubeke Manufacturing: Electro-mechanical components
Truvelo Manufacturers: Sniper rifles and barrels.
Zebra Sun: Helmets, vests, shields, plates

Denel has said its stand will focus on landward defence and infantry support systems. On display on the Denel stand will be:

* The GI-30 rapid fire Cam Gun, which can fire 100 rounds per minute with a range of 4000 metres.
* Variants of the Casspir mine-protected vehicle and other protected vehicles.
* Machine guns and anti-material rifles, including the DMG-5 and the SS-77 machine guns and the NTW 20mm rifle.
* The PAW-20 personal assault weapon and ammunition.
* The PTV transport vehicle, designed by LMT Holdings, is used to transport high-risk prisoners and high value assets.