₦airaland Forum

AAD 2024 Daily Show Magazine

Day 1- 18 September 2024

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/aad-2024-show-daily-magazine-issue-one-18-september-2024/

AAD 2024 - SVI Engineering launches new SWAT vehicle.

China shows off Z-10ME attack helicopter at AAD

In a surprise appearance at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition this week, China is displaying the Changhe Z-10ME attack helicopter, brought to the event by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC).

The Z-10ME, which appears to be the first company owned prototype, is believed to have arrived at the expo at Air Force Base Waterkloof aboard a Xian Y-20A heavy transport aircraft, marking a major show of Chinese aerospace and defence capabilities.

The Z-10 first flew in 2003 and entered China’s People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) service in 2009. Although it is China’s first dedicated attack helicopter, the conceptual design was provided by Kamov engineers in the 1990s and development was spurred by foreign assistance with a civil helicopter project. It follows a conventional attack helicopter layout but appears to incorporate some stealth technology.

The upgraded Z-10ME was first revealed in 2018 and it has since been integrated into PLA operations, with Pakistan rumoured to be its first export customer. The Z-10ME has been designed to enhance the helicopter’s combat effectiveness in modern warfare, sporting improvements in armour, firepower and avionics. The Z-10ME features more powerful WZ-9G engines, which deliver 1 200 kW of power and upturned exhausts.

The helicopter is equipped with a chin-mounted 23 mm cannon and a nose-mounted electro-optical (EO) pod. The Z-10ME also features a millimetre-wave fire control radar above the main rotor, and can be armed with 1 500 kg of weapons, including rockets, air-to-air, and air-to-surface missiles.

China developed the HJ-10 anti-tank missile specifically for the Z-10, which can carry up to eight AKD-10 or HJ-10s in the anti-armour role. Other weapons include TY-90 air-to-air missiles and rocket pods.

The six-ton (empty weight) helicopter is heavily armoured and also fitted with a Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS), Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and countermeasures dispensing systems. The Z-10ME has modified intakes for sandy and dusty conditions, and revised exhausts to make it less vulnerable to surface-to-air missiles.

The first international display of the Z-10ME occurred earlier this year at the Singapore Airshow in February and by showcasing the Z-10ME and Y-20A at AAD, China is signalling its intent to strengthen its role as a defence supplier to African countries. It is also targeting the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America with the Z-10ME.

This is not the first time that Chinese aircraft have attended AAD. In 2016, the Zambian Air Force showed off its new Hongdu L-15 advanced trainer/light attack aircraft where one aircraft was placed on static display while another took part in the daily air show. The K-8 Karakorum jet trainers of the Air Force of Zimbabwe have been long-time attendees of AAD.

Paramount delivers Maatla 4x4s to Ghana’s military

Paramount has delivered its Maatla 4×4 light protected multi-mission border patrol vehicle to the Ghanaian military. Making the announcement at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition, the company said the introduction of the Maatla (meaning Power in Setswana) aligns with Ghana’s continued efforts to strengthen its border patrol and defence operations in the face of increasing security threats impacting the greater Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Maatla, now in operation with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana, meets increasing global industry demand for lighter and more affordable armoured vehicles, while offering advanced capabilities and reconfigurability in the field in the process, Paramount said. “Both its light weight and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive option for nations seeking cutting-edge security capabilities, without the prohibitive costs of heavier armoured platforms.”

Launched at the September 2022 AAD exhibition, the Maatla received its first order from the Police Nationale Congolaise, with deliveries beginning at the end of 2022. At the time of its launch, the company said the Maatla (meaning Power in Setswana) had already received orders for 50 vehicles from two customers.

The Maatla light protected vehicle (LPV) features ‘Smart Floor’ technology, enabling the vehicle’s seating to be quickly removed and adapted for various assignments, including border patrol, ambulance services, command and control, military support, policing, and peacekeeping missions.

The Maatla provides ballistic and blast protections to STANAG 4569 Level 1, and can protect against handguns and other small calibre ball rounds. It also provides underbelly protection against M26 hand grenades or a blast equivalent.

The Maatla can reach a road speed of up to 100 km/h, with a cruising range of up to 600 km when traveling at 80 km/h, and a fording depth of up to 750 mm without preparation. The vehicle is fitted with a 2-speed transfer case and 3 differential locks for difficult terrain. The vehicle can be operated in environments with temperatures ranging from -10°C to + 55°C.

“We are pleased to announce that deliveries of our advanced Maatla armoured personnel carrier are underway to the Ghana Armed Forces. Our partners in Ghana and across Africa are benefitting from three decades of armoured vehicle innovation, engineering excellence, and market leadership, emblemised by the multi-mission Maatla. This best-in-class LPV is designed to meet the challenges faced by modern border security forces, providing them with the flexibility and capability needed to execute diverse missions such as border patrol over any terrain,” Paramount said.

Ghana has previously acquired Maverick internal security vehicles from Paramount.

Odunayaw:
I recall asking the Saffers here why SANDF didn't look at this platform or the Mbombe for the Badger ifv project.

The G7 already has some impressive record. Mating it with a turret would definitely get some middle East or Asian buyers.

Gosh I wish we got the vehicle that time

Re the bolded, when Project Hoefyster was initiated, the RG41 only existed on paper and the Mbombe 8 didn't exist at all.

Odunayaw:
Yes the RG41. I thought it will never see the light of the day and I secretly wished Proforce collaborated to give us. That was like 7yrs ago.

I always got the sense they were never quite sure how to arm the vehicle. As you can see from the various options over the years, it felt like there was too much vehicle for what they were putting on it.
Of course, I suppose they always intended to use the G7 105mm, except the development of that howitzer was delayed when the corrupt Zuma people ran Denel into the ground.
It's exactly the correct gun to mount on the beast.

Odunayaw:
SA vehicles have this beautiful absurd (unconventional🙄) look

Casspir, Ratel, RG 12(first time I saw it I thought it was a danfo!), Husky, G6 and even the SF vehicle. Very weird looking things but I love them!

What platform is this?

Casspir is so ugly it's beautiful!

This is the RG41.

One hell of a way for Denel to announce that they're back. They're launching this tomorrow at AAD 24.

Indian and SA navies commit to deep sea submarine rescue agreement

Naval co-operation between India and South Africa now includes submarine rescue with an implementing agreement (IA) confirmed.

The IA, according to the Indian Government Press Information Bureau (PIB), was signed by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Indian Navy Chief of Naval Staff and Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, SA Navy (SAN) Chief.

The agreement was signed by Lobese in August and Tripath in September, the SANDF said.

The IA follows a major Indian Navy exercise – Milan – in Visakhapatnam, headquarters of its Eastern Naval Command, in February this year, where the DSRV was demonstrated with the capability reportedly offered to friendly countries in an extension of Indian defence diplomacy.

A report filed post the Milan DSRV demonstration has it submarine rescue starts with locating the “distressed or sunk” underwater craft followed by rescuing survivors. Personnel trapped in submarines have three exits – using the escape hatch, escaping from torpedo tubes or rescue by DSRV.

The DSRVs operated by the Indian Navy are jointly designed and built by the Hindustan Shipyard Vishakhapatnam, which spearheaded the development with core technology supplied by James Fisher and Sons plc of Aberdeen, Scotland.

The addition of the Indian DSRV capability gives the SA Navy a deep water rescue capability it did not previously have with only the South African designed and built tower escape safety system (TESS) available to submariners. It was successfully tested five years ago in False Bay using SAS Manthatisi (S101) at a 20 metre (10 fathom) depth. TESS goes back 15 years to when it was initiated by the SAN in conjunction with Armscor’s Institute of Maritime Technology (IMT) and the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research).

India and South Africa witness frequent high level military visits, as well as training exchanges, military exercises and sharing of each other’s good practices – India’s Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, visited South Africa in May this year, for example, and the South African and Indian navies on 27 and 28 August held the twelfth round of naval staff talks in India.

Indian Navy warships are also regular visitors to South Africa. The Indian Navy will take part in Exercise Ibsamar from 7 to 16 October off Saldanha, South Africa. India and Brazil will each send a frigate.

Chakib:
The Algerian Navy Special Forces (RASM) obtains a new versions of Diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs) The STIDD Diver Propulsion Device (DPD)

My good man Chkl, have you yet again changed your username?
There seems to be a problem with the site; photos aren't being uploaded to certain posts.

Lurker4Long:
Armscor issues 6×6 Land Cruiser tender for Special Forces

The 2nd company bidding for the SF contract: SVI Engineering and their Max3 Six-Wheeler.
https://svi.co.za/max-3/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSP8xPyfeCQ

Lurker4Long:
Armscor issues 6×6 Land Cruiser tender for Special Forces

One of the companies bidding for the SF 6x6 contract: Armormax Defence and their Tac6 vehicle, originally developed for French Special Forces.
https://tac-6.com/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr3iF01pmc0

Armscor issues 6×6 Land Cruiser tender for Special Forces

Armscor has issued a tender for the development of modified 6×6 Land Cruiser vehicles for the South African Special Forces to enhance their firepower during operational deployments.

According to the latest tender document, Armscor is seeking “fixed cost for a Toyota Land Cruiser Single Cab converted to 6×6 with automatic transmission, fitted with front Bull Bar and rear flatbed load carrier capable of carrying 3.5 tons. Appropriate tie-down points must be fitted to the rear flatbed load carrier.”

Technical requirements include an automatic transmission; differential locks on each axle; ability to switch from 6×2, 6×4 and 6×6 modes; ground clearance of at least 235 mm; non-pneumatic suspension; and standard Toyota Land Cruiser V8 diesel engine. The vehicle will need to make use of new parts and not used or remanufactured items.

Armscor specified that the request for bids (RFB) “is to place two orders with different bidders (one order per successful bidder for a maximum of two orders) to conduct OT&E [operational testing and evaluation] before progressing to further development phases.”

A separate request for bids will be issued following testing and evaluation, for the accepted/preferred platform to be integrated with an armoured cab and user-specific rear platform.

Then, Armscor will issue a bid for the procurement of 26 complete vehicle systems. “This phase will involve manufacture in accordance to the baseline approved for preceding phases, for the preferred platform. Including integration of the user specific rear platform variants in support of the operational system.”

The purpose of the 6×6 bid is to place two orders with different bidders (one order per successful bidder for a maximum of two orders) to conduct testing and evaluation before progressing to further development phases. “In the event more than two bidders comply to all critical criteria, then the preference points system will apply and the top two will be selected.”

If only one bidder complies with all criteria, then only one order will be placed with the successful bidder.

Operational testing and evaluation “is subject to test conditions specified for Gerotek evaluation.” This will include rollover angle evaluation, side slop verification, step climb capability, incline capability, overcoming suspension track obstacles, and sand trail testing.

The bidder should be able to support the modified Land Cruisers for at least ten years and provide the necessary spares.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is already a big user of Land Cruisers, particularly for border patrols. The Special Forces several years ago took delivery of modified Land Cruisers fitted with armoured cabs and weapons platforms on the back – notably ZU-23-2 cannons. These were supplied by SVI, which has also developed a 6×6 Land Cruiser and will most likely compete with Armormax Defence for the new Armscor tender, as Armormax also offers a modified 6×6 Land Cruiser (TAC-6) that can be armoured.

In February, SVI delivered two 4×4 and four six-wheeled Max 3 armoured vehicles to the SANDF. They were fitted with armour and modified cabs on their load beds. The Max 3 is based on the proven Land Cruiser 79 chassis.

GreenandGold:
(Off-topic)

@Lurker4Long

We pulled out a show inland... this weekend is your turn

Beating NZ 4 times in a row...for the first time since 1949!
Winning the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009!
Just Argentina remains and Rugby Championship 2024 gets added to the World Cup!

bidexiii:
Sets of MSPV Panthera T8 3DR APC for the NPF.

Why doesn't the NPF simply publish the specs for the vehicle they want, and have Proforce, Epail and Innoson compete to produce it?

Saab South Africa supplying MAW 400 sensors to Hanwha Systems for Korean C-130H fleet protection

Saab South Africa has secured a contract to supply its latest MAW 400 missile approach warning sensors for integration into Hanwha Systems’ self-protection system that will be used on Republic of Korea Air Force C-130H Hercules transports.

Saab said the contract came about after the company participated in Hanwha’s Direct Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system development.

“These cutting-edge sensors will be seamlessly integrated into Hanwha’s self-protection system, significantly bolstering the overall capabilities of the aircraft,” Saab said in a statement, adding “the MAW 400 sensors represent the latest technology in UV (ultraviolet) missile approach warning. With their enhanced data processing capabilities, networking capability, and improved sensor sensitivity, they offer superior threat detection and situational awareness.”

“We are proud to partner with Hanwha Systems, one of Korea’s leading defence companies. This order strengthens our Electronic Warfare position in the Korean market. We hope to continue this cooperation to the future Korean and global market ” said Frans Vermaak, Business Development and Marketing Executive at Saab.

As part of the contract, Saab will provide engineering support and training in-country to ensure a seamless integration with the rest of the system.

Saab Grintek Defence recently launched its next generation MAW 400 and LWS 330 missile approach and laser warning sensors for airborne platforms, now in production, with a European customer the first to take these new products.

Saab’s South African business unit incorporates the MAW 400 and LWS 330 in its latest Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS), the IDAS 310. IDAS 310 is designed to provide protection for aircraft and helicopters against all types of threats, including radar-guided missiles, anti-aircraft artillery, and other types of radio frequency, infrared, and laser threats. IDAS previously used the MAW 300 and LWS 310 systems.

Saab South Africa, through its local footprint Saab Grintek Defence, manufactures and develops integrated electronic warfare self-protection systems for customers around the world. The company offers electronic warfare, sensor technology, laser warning, and training systems, as well as avionics and security and support solutions. More than 30 different aircraft types in over 15 countries are using the company’s IDAS system. India is a big IDAS customer, with more than 200 systems installed on Indian Air Force and Army Dhruv helicopters since 2005.

Hanwha is one of only half a dozen countries around the world to design and manufacture DIRCM systems. In June it announced a contract by the Korean Defence Acquisition Programme Administration for the Air Force’s C-130H transports.

The project is to improve the survivability of C-130H aircraft by equipping them with protective equipment such as directional infrared countermeasures, missile approach warning systems (MAWS) and a survival management computer (EWC).

As reported by The Korea Economic Daily, Hanwha plans to introduce an integrated aviation survival system solution by integrating the DIRCM developed with domestic technology and the MAWS provided by overseas partners into the EWC.

Hanwha started operational testing of the DIRCM in 2017, with flight testing in 2020-21.

The contract for C-130H integration is expected to be completed by 30 November 2027 and is worth $57.42 million, Hanwha revealed in June.

South Africa's arms exports nearly doubled in 2023

Personally, I am pleased we sell more high-value/hi-tech electronics than vehicles/MRAPS. That's a sector bankers have to pretend to understand. The over 250 SA defence companies suffer from the fact that SA banks refuse to trade in this export market - the 22nd largest defence exporter in the world.
More and more I'm running into merchant/investment bankers and private equity guys saying things like, "These guys make Electronic Warfare systems, radars, range-finders, artillery &mortar sights, C2/battlefield management systems etc, that they've selling to NATO countries. They've been coining it since Russia invaded Ukraine. Is there a play here?"

I almost want to scream, "Denel was the largest 20 years ago but it is just 6 companies out of over 250 defence companies in SA, you idiots! There has always been a play! If you had backed the other 200 companies they would have grown and the UAE, Turkish and Saudi companies run and staffed by Saffer talent wouldn't be eating our lunch!"

I don't say this because there's a lucrative market in shepherding deals where bigger western companies buy 51% of SA companies. And the JSE remains with not a single instrument or derivative to cash in on the current arms madness/spree.

GreenandGold:
...more like they can't lose their gravy train to the Cape Town Metro

There's that too. I always tell my DA friends that they missed an opportunity to meaningfully push for rail devolution to metros back in 2016, when they ran Cape Town, Joburg, Pretoria and PE at the same time. It's almost as if the party was so surprised at their success in those local elections, they had no plan!

GreenandGold:
Are they testing them out?

Testing went on from Feb 2023 with SF and the police STF, with different rifles/manufacturers. I think I posted it here then? SF Brigade has acquired both 5.56 and 7.62
It has always been my preferred replacement for the R-series as a domestic licenced production, for a variety of reasons. Somewhat related to the R-series making for seamless transition in terms of logistics; a cinch and cheaper to set up a production line; none of the complications of an AR-type platform which domestic producers like ADG favour; and avoids the geo-politics of the obvious licence update with Israeli IWI.

GreenandGold:
I think you guys also need a fast train between the airport, the CBD and surrounding towns, something like the Gautrain. I don't know if there's a feasibility study on it. Cape Town remains the only major "international" city without one.

The MyCiti bus service from CT International to the Civic Centre is enough for now. What we desperately need is a 2nd airport, which with our geographical squeeze between the mountain and the sea, would have to be located far out, probably Atlantis way. Then a Gautrain-like service would be viable. From the 2011 census to the 2022 one, our province has gone from 5th in population to 3rd, so our infrastructure needs have to keep up commensurately.

But first, national govt has to surrender Metrorail to the City, so we can integrate public transport. I have a MyCiti bus card and app on my phone, which I can tap anywhere on the bus routes, but not on the train, which is ridiculous. There was a successful pilot project to extend that to the minibus taxis, which proved the concept, but what's missing is the rail aspect for seamless transit.
The ANC Transport ministry won't allow that of course, cos residents in other metros will start asking questions about their dysfunctional systems.

SAAF 22 Squadron training with 4 Special Forces Regiment. 4SFR operators with CZ Bren 2 rifles.

Off-topic

GreenandGold, I had a lunch engagement with friends who live on the other side of the mountain, in St James (you know how precious we Capetonians are about our side of the mountain). Decided to do something I haven't done since I left university 20 years ago: take the train.
These friends are renowned for their extensive wine cellar and multiple-course meals, so driving after a visit is out of the question.

So much has changed at Metrorail, I felt like a tourist in my own hometown!

POSTSCRIPT: BTW, I paid 15 Rand (.84 cents USD) for the single ride 26 kilometres from Cape Town Station to St James, far less than the $3.25 single ride I recently paid for an equi-distant trip from Midtown Manhattan on the MTA, on a decidedly grotty, inferior service.
By comparison my Uber service home later in the evening was extortionate at 375 Rand ($22 USD). I got a lift back from Westbury, Nassau County to Manhattan, but I gather an Uber would be minimum $55.
I'm fortunate to be able to jet off to any metropolis, but I wouldn't live anywhere else.

Moral of the story? We should do everything we can to improve public utilities, as to paraphrase former guerilla, then Bogota mayor and now Colombia president, Gustavo Petro, " A developed country is not a place where the poor have cars [private services]. It's where the rich use public transportation [public utilities].

Faithful007:
Good lord. If we go by what socialist means, no major politician in America will fit that mould. Maybe you have recently been sleeping in one of MAGA's several echo chambers.

Come now, "socialist/communist" now means whatever the Right does not like!
For example: Republicans who decry Trumpian protectionism and advocate for free trade are "socialists"!
Dems hankering for similar such are "communists"!

jl115:
They might not be socialist in name but they are socialist in their policies and tendencies, this is undisputable.

Also nothing about the Reps and their policies are populist and the opposite is true about the Dems though

Faithful007:
Be advised, this is not an Afrikaner Whatsapp Group chat .

Nigerian Navy getting new Malaysian patrol boats

The Nigerian Navy’s patrol boat flotilla will add two new patrol vessels to its fleet in September following a successful two-year build in Malaysia.

Shipbuilding companies KN Aluminium and Engineering (KNAE) and Northern Shipyard, both Malaysian private limited companies, completed construction, fabrication and manufacture of what a Malaysian news agency termed “38 metre Sea Eagle” vessels using local expertise and labour.

The Sea Eagle is a Suncraft design for for naval or coast guard patrol duties within Exclusive Economic Zones(EEZ). The Sea Eagle comes with a stern ramp to accommodate a fast-launched RHIB or Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) to fulfil additional operational requirements. Top speed is 29 knots and armament is a 20 or 40 mm cannon.

The new additions (P197 and P198) to the Nigerian Navy fleet will be ferried to Lagos’ Apapa Port aboard a cargo vessel, Bernama reported.

Present at the construction completion ceremony on 13 August was Malaysian Deputy Defence Minister Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari.

Noting the 99% local labour and expertise component of the build, KNAE Director Khee Chee Kheong said his company specialised in the design, manufacture and integration of ships using the latest and most advanced systems to meet the needs of an ever-evolving maritime industry.

He expressed the hope that the ability to build the two vessels would be further recognised with opportunities to build ships for the Malaysian Navy.

Northern Shipyard via its Corporate Relations Manager, Captain Baharin Baharom, noted the newest vessel to exit its yard marked continuity in that it followed a previous contract for four Manta Mk II patrol craft in February 2020, which are now in service with the Nigerian Navy. The Nigerian Navy is a repeat customer for the Manta Mk II and by 2013 had taken 22 of the 17 metre long vessels into service.

The Nigerian Navy has previously acquired Sea Eagle vessels, notably commissioning the NNS Zaria and NNS Burutu in April 2009.

Exnavyboy62:
Savour the joy for now, enjoy the moment while it lasts.
Dricus vs Joshua, Boxing Rules only. “WE WILL BE THERE!!!”.

At least you're not invading, yet!

GreenandGold:
You're putting it lightly when you say "Dricus defended his title"... Let's just say, a certain Canadian rapper lost by betting against a South African

*I'm still putting it lightly*

Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie!

Off-topic
An excellent Saturday for SA sports in Perth.
The Springboks retained the Mandela Challenge Plate, and Dricus defended his title.

South Korea’s KF-21 fighter radar being tested by Paramount in South Africa

Testing of the KF-21 Boramae fighter radar continues in South Africa, on a modified Boeing 737 operating out of Wonderboom National Airport.

The Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar is among the most challenging components of the indigenous KF-21 fighter jet programme. South Korea originally sought to acquire AESA radar technology from the United States, but export restrictions precluded this, and so it decided to develop its own radar for itself. The KF-21 AESA radar programme marks South Korea’s first AESA radar development efforts, and may be scaled for other future applications.

The radar is being developed under the auspices of the South Korean Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA), with the South Korean Agency of Defence Development (ADD) and Hanwha Systems Co (HSC) taking the lead. Paramount Aerospace Systems was contracted as a subcontractor by HSC and Italian aerospace company Leonardo to test the radar.

An AESA radar electronically steers the radar beam by using hundreds or thousands of transmit/receive modules on the antenna. Advantages over traditional radars include increased detection range (thanks to beam focussing and steering), improved resolution (particularly against stealthy targets), enhancing tracking capability (including of multiple targets), lower probability of interception and jamming (due to electronic agility and redundancy), and longer service life due to fewer moving parts.

In December 2021, airborne tests of the KF-21’s AESA radar on modified Boeing 737 took place in South Africa, attended by developers from the ADD and HSC. The following year, airborne tests took place in South Korea as well after the modified Boeing 737 arrived in South Korea at the beginning of March, and had the radar fitted onto a new nose section. The modified Boeing 737 (ZS-TFJ, msn 26541) subsequently flew a number of sorties over Korean airspaces before heading to South Africa for further testing.

ZS-TFJ flew for Ceskoslovenske Aerolinie and Czech Airlines between 1992 and 2013 as OK-XGC. It was then transferred to Africa Aircraft Maintenance and registered as ZS-TFJ in 2015. In July 2020 the aircraft was taken over by Paramount Aerospace Systems, when it was seen with AESA testing markings (but without the modified nose at that stage).

In 2023 DAPA said the modified Boeing 737 from November 2022 to February 2023 carried out 18 radar test flights, with flight tracking data showing multiple flights from Wonderboom.

ZS-TFJ has been seen at Wonderboom again this year just in the last week carried out multiple flights in the Pretoria region lasting about three hours at a time, including on 6 and 8 August.

Radar testing is also being carried out on board the KF-21, which performed its maiden flight on 19 July 2022. Radar evaluation flights on the KF-21 are expected to take place from March 2023 to February 2026, evaluating things like maximum detection range in air-to-air mode, tracking distance, and tracking accuracy.

South Korea plans to start mass producing the KF-21 by mid-2026. The Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) has a requirement for a large number of KF-21 aircraft to replace its ageing fleets of F-4E Phantom and F-5E Tiger II fighter aircraft, which were inducted from the mid-1970s.

Paramount expertise

Paramount offers a wide variety of aviation services, and through Paramount Aerospace Systems the company can provide flight testing, aircraft modification and refurbishment, upgrades, maintenance, mission equipment development and installation. The company does installation work globally for a wide range of customers, with one being the conversion of two Embraer Lineage 1000 business jets into maritime patrol aircraft.

Paramount Aerospace can establish an air force through the acquisition and supply of aircraft, spares and maintenance and the training of transport, helicopter and fighter pilots. It also has a ground school that trains ground crew and technicians able to maintain aircraft. The company offers Mirage F1 upgrades – it refurbished two F1 squadrons for Gabon and Republic of Congo after acquiring the ex-SAAF F1 fleet – but can source and supply various aircraft types.

It has also assisted the US-based Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) make its legacy F1s airworthy again. Maintenance and training are growing in importance for Paramount Aerospace Systems, which in April 2018 received a contract from US aviation service provider Draken International for the overhaul of and engineering support for 22 ex-Spanish Air Force Mirage F1 jets, which are offered to the US Air Force and allied nation customers for adversary training. Paramount acquired four ex-French F1Bs for pilot and maintenance technician training.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/south-koreas-kf-21-fighter-radar-being-tested-by-paramount-in-south-africa/