Defence spending growth targeted
DENEL said yesterday that it expected to capitalise on forecast growth in defence spending in the Middle East, as well as its own good reputation there when it participates at the region’s top defence exhibition next month.
Zwelakhe Ntshepe, the acting chief executive of Denel, said the company would have a strong presence at Idex 2017 in Abu Dhabi from February 19-23.
Defence decision-makers and industry leaders from Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are expected at the biennial show.
The South African stateowned aerospace and defence technology conglomerate said a recent Deloitte report had projected a rebound in global defence spending in 2017, with particularly good growth ex- pected in the Middle East and North Africa, where a number of countries were starting to acquire next generation military equipment.
“This is a region that is very familiar with the quality of Denel’s products, especially in the fields of artillery, armoured vehicles and munitions, and we want to build on this reputation by exhibiting our capabilities,” Ntshepe said.
Denel added that the Middle East was a vital region for the company, which earns almost 60% of revenue from exports.
Denel Vehicle Systems recently started to deliver its RG31 Mk5 mine-resistant vehicles to a client in the UAE, following a similar contract to supply the 4x4 N35 armoured vehicles.
“Our reputation in the region is well established, based on the quality of landward defence products such as artillery systems, armoured vehicles and mine-resistant vehicles,” said Ntshepe. “Idex 2017 is a great opportunity for Denel to cement our reputation and create interest for other products in our portfolio.”
A range of missiles manufactured by Denel Dynamics will be on display at the Denel stand. This includes 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 – which offers defence forces comprehensive counter rocket, artillery and mortar capabilities – will form part of the Rheinmetall Air Defence stand, Denel added.
Ntshepe said scale models of the Rooivalk combat helicopter and the Oryx mediumsized utility helicopter would also be shown at the Denel stand. – ANA