₦airaland Forum

MiddleDimension:
I really do not understand the issue going on forever in the DRC.

Honestly what do you expect from the worlds largest Frankenstein country riddled by Neo-colonialism and nepo rule?

Namibian Marine Corps Amphibious Commandos

Namibian Army

AskiaHarem:
Honestly what do you expect from the worlds largest Frankenstein country riddled by Neo-colonialism and nepo rule?

that waa a long time ago. They should mo e on already.

GreenandGold:
India

How do you judge the two planes? If you were to take one to battle, which would it be?

I have seen several videos on YouTube by those who say they are pilots in the US airforce analyzing the SU57. They often times down play the jet and call it a fourth generation fighter. What do you think about that claim?

MiddleDimension:
that waa a long time ago. They should mo e on already.

No that’s how it’s always been since its inception and still is today. Only the methods have changed.

MiddleDimension:
How do you judge the two planes? If you were to take one to battle, which would it be?

I have seen several videos on YouTube by those who say they are pilots in the US airforce analyzing the SU57. They often times down play the jet and call it a fourth generation fighter. What do you think about that claim?

To be honest, the F35 is a superior plane in possibly every field..... However, I would settle with the SU-57 because of politics. As much as I don't consider Russian weapons on my shopping list, but I would take them over Western systems because of politics.

MiddleDimension:
How do you judge the two planes? If you were to take one to battle, which would it be?

I have seen several videos on YouTube by those who say they are pilots in the US airforce analyzing the SU57. They often times down play the jet and call it a fourth generation fighter. What do you think about that claim?

Su-57 over F-35 because of maneuverability and double engines.

American pilots downplaying the Su-57 as a 4th generation fighter…?? No surprise there, TopGun Maverick has them brainwashed

https://youtube.com/@themoverandgonkyshow?si=XrhsL1twg2Oj1Al2

This is a YouTube channel of a former US airforce pilot. You should hear the type of things he says about aircraft’s from other countries especially China and Russia 😂

Exnavyboy62:
Su-57 over F-35 because of maneuverability and double engines.

American pilots downplaying the Su-57 as a 4th generation fighter…?? No surprise there, TopGun Maverick has them brainwashed

https://youtube.com/@themoverandgonkyshow?si=XrhsL1twg2Oj1Al2


This is a YouTube channel of a former US airforce pilot. You should hear the type of things he says about aircraft’s from other countries especially China and Russia 😂

The Sukhoi 57 is not even a true stealth aircraft in modern standards. Even the RCS of the F-117 nighthawk is slightly better than it.

rugged7:
Very easy to mouth off.

The present SANDF is nowhere comparable to the Apartheid South african Army.

Your army is ill-trained, ill paid, ill-equipped and inexperienced.

Your gripen fleet is practically grounded. The 1 or 2 that can fly will be quickly brought down by Rwandan SAM missiles.

The Rwandan army is a seasoned fighting force with recurrent exposure to the force doctrine right from the Ugandan Bush wars..

That small professional Rwandan army will bring the blundering south african army to it's knees.

Like Kagame told you, fuqq around and find out.

chronically underfunded yes, under paid definitely not, ill trained nope, inexperienced no....maybe go chech what SANDF soldiers are paid if you don't believe me, also the facts on the ground say otherwise, in conflicts post 94 the KD is always 40 to 1 or more...show me any military in the world that has managed that.

rugged7:
The United Kingdom is the most evil & poisonous colonial relic of all other european countries.

Even France and Belgium pale in comparison.

This is why the americans fought them and beat them. Now they keep them at arm's length.

Everything directly or indirectly wrong and rotten with the country Nigeria can be traced to the five leperous fingers of the diabolical Brits.

victim mentality right here always blame the Whitey!

Weak state + abundant mineral riches = a free for all!

Uganda said to deploy 1,000 more soldiers in DRC near M23 conflict
Troops officially in the country to help fight another insurgency, though Uganda has sided with M23 before

Nairobi — Uganda has deployed more than 1,000 additional soldiers in the east of Democratic Republic of Congo in the past week near an area where the Kinshasa government is fighting M23 rebels, four diplomatic and UN sources said, heightening fears of a regional escalation.

Residents said the troops were moving towards the conflict zone.

The Rwanda-backed M23 recently captured regional capital Goma in an anarchic and mineral-rich part of the DRC where wars in 1996-1997 and 1998-2003 drew in outside nations and resulted in the deaths of millions of people, mostly from hunger and disease.

The additional Ugandan deployment north of Goma would raise its numbers there — officially to back DRC President Felix Tshisekedi’s army against another rebel force — to between 4,000 and 5,000 troops, according to UN sources.

Rwanda also has troops operating in eastern DRC.

Uganda has been helping the DRC fight the Islamist Allied Defence Forces (ADF) since 2021, and the new deployment of between 1,000 and 2,000 troops was under that auspice in a push called Operation Shujaa, the sources said.

In a region of complex and often-shifting alliances, UN experts say Uganda has also backed the ethnic Tutsi-led M23, which is the latest in a string of Rwanda-backed rebellions to take up arms in the name of tghe DRC’s Tutsis.

Residents in the town of Butembo said they had seen columns of Ugandan soldiers heading south towards the front line with the M23 since the weekend.

Ugandan army spokesperson Felix Kulayigye denied a major new deployment, saying its forces had changed their “posture to offensive defence”, without giving further details.

DRC communications minister Patrick Muyaya did not respond when asked if more troops had arrived, but stressed the priority of Ugandan soldiers in the area was to fight the ADF, though combat against M23 and Rwandan soldiers was also possible.

“There’s still a lot of suspicion about Uganda, a lot of suspicion about what’s generally happening with the M23,” he said.

Uganda’s ‘surge’

Corneille Nangaa, head of the Alliance Fleuve Congo, an umbrella organisation that includes the M23 fighters, said Uganda provided no support but neither did he expect hostility.

Uganda denies UN reports that it has helped train some M23 fighters and given the group a rear base to move men and arms.

Having seized much of North Kivu province, M23 rebels have been consolidating their hold on Goma and moving on Bukavu, a town about 200km to the south. After meeting resistance from Congolese and Burundian forces, they have said they do not plan to take the city.

Uganda and Rwanda have both entered eastern DRC in the past in the name of protecting their borders but faced accusations of looting natural resources, especially gold.

Zobel Behalal of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime think-tank, said eastern DRC is as important for Uganda’s economy as it is for Rwanda’s, and the country would do what it needed to protect its interests.

“The surge is preparation for this,” he said, referring to Uganda’s efforts to ensure that it managed any spreading conflict so that it continued to benefit from wealth and trade over their shared border.

Uganda has been helping Tshisekedi’s army hunt down the Islamic State-allied ADF which originated in Uganda but has been based in the DRC since the late 1990s. Ground and air attacks have disrupted ADF operations and forced them to flee strongholds.

Adding to concerns over Uganda’s potentially ambiguous position, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the influential son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and head of the military, has been publicly supportive of Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and his government.

In 2022, he referred to M23 as “brothers of ours” fighting for the rights of Tutsis in the DRC.

Reuters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYgu2PSyuAE?si=GDEV7FWYGJb3M5lj

Some Nigerians can be very ignorant and immature. Just read the comments under this video

jl115:
victim mentality right here always blame the Whitey!

I am tired of them.

The fact remains that the British colonial rule of Nigeria was a good experience. It was so positive that a sdction of the country did not want us to become independent at the time we became independent. We actually go our independence on a platter of gold. No wars, no hatred, just negotiations.

Nigeria is actually a positive legacy of the British.

Not technically a gulf, but oh well 😅

GreenandGold:
Not technically a gulf, but oh well 😅

We could just retire the name "Indian Ocean" rename it "African Ocean"!

Lurker4Long:

We could just retire the name "Indian Ocean" rename it "African Ocean"!

Don’t bother. That would be Gulf of Nigeria soon enough

Breaking News; Trump and Musk proud as Tinubu plans to make South Africa the 37th state of Nigeria.

Don’t worry about the spellings of the headline,just focus on the news content. Ohhh and by the way, that is Musk’s twin brother holding the mic, he prefers to keep a low profile hence, why no one knows about him

Exnavyboy62:
Don’t bother. That would be Gulf of Nigeria soon enough

Breaking News; Trump and Musk proud as Tinubu plans to make South Africa the 37th state of Nigeria.

Don’t worry about the spellings of the headline,just focus on the news content. Ohhh and by the way, that is Musk’s twin brother holding the mic, he prefers to keep a low profile hence, why no one knows about him

I just spilled my coffee and the entire cafe is looking at me funny!

NTSA:
A picture is worth 1,000 words

You were on to something

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKefOY_3IQ0

Saab South Africa and HAL sign agreement for manufacture of laser warning systems in India

Coinciding with the Aero India exhibition, Saab and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering local manufacture of Saab’s LWS-310 laser warning system.

The MoU provides for the Transfer of Technology (ToT) “so that HAL will gain the capability to manufacture LWS-310 within India. This includes setting up necessary infrastructure, training programmes and transferring technical expertise from Saab to HAL to ensure long-term support for the system,” Saab said on 13 February.

“This agreement demonstrates Saab’s commitment to providing long-term defence capabilities through strategic collaboration. Our partnership with HAL extends the reach of advanced electronic warfare solutions, not only in India but also in other key markets on HAL platforms,” said Jan Widerström, President and Managing Director at Saab Grintek Defence.

The agreement builds on a strong partnership between Saab in South Africa and HAL that began in 2005 during the development of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) programme.

Saab’s IDAS (Integrated Defensive Aids Suite) has been selected as the electronic warfare (EW) self-protection system for the Indian Air Force and Indian Army Aviation Corps variants of the HAL Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter. Saab Grintek Defence has received multiple contracts over the years for Indian IDAS systems. IDAS warns against radar, laser and infrared (IR) guided threats and automatically deploys appropriate countermeasures. IDAS has been designed for both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Saab also produces protection systems for both land and naval applications.

The LWS-310 laser warning system is a key component of Saab’s self-protection systems for aircraft, land vehicles, and naval vessels. With rapid threat warning and threat classification, LWS-310 enables a combat management system to employ effective countermeasures against laser threats, which further increases situational awareness and self-protection capabilities, Saab said.

The LWS-310 can be incorporated onto land vehicles as part of Saab’s Land Electronic Defence Systems (LEDS), naval vessels as part of its Naval Laser Warning System (NLWS), and aircraft as part of IDAS.

Mapping South Africa’s arms exports: trends, key markets, and regional demand

South Africa’s long struggling defence industry has, in recent years, experienced somewhat of a revival. The National Conventional Arms Control Committee’s (NCACC’s) annual reports have shown that the country’s arms exports have grown yearly since 2020, with the NCACC’s 2023 annual report indicating the near doubling of exports year on year. What is particularly notable is that the industry appears to be showing significant growth in both old and new markets.

Trends in South African Arms Exports

South African defence exports have experienced growth in general: the major sources of growth can largely be ascribed to ammunition exports and to a lesser extent armoured combat vehicles as well as electronic warfare equipment. This is largely in line with global trends, with demand for munition – 155 mm shells in particular – growing significantly since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reporting that global military spending rose to $2 443 billion in 2023, “the highest level ever recorded by SIPRI.”

While the state-owned arms manufacturer Denel appears to have somewhat stabilised, the majority of South Africa’s export growth can be attributed to the private sector with companies such as Paramount Group and Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) expanding their production capabilities to keep up with the growth in international demand. This includes Rheinmetall’s decision to acquire a majority stake in the South African firm Resonant which is a “specialist in plant engineering for chemical applications.” Rheinmetall described this decision as a “response to the growing global demand in the ammunition sector and the resulting customer requirements for the construction of corresponding production facilities.”

Europe Remains a Key Market

Europe has been and remains a primary export destination for South African produced arms is due to a range of factors such as the fact that South African arms conform to NATO standards and the significant increase in European military spending since 2022. According to SIPRI, Central and Western European military spending has increased by some 10 percent between 2022 and 2023 while Eastern European countries have increased spending by approximately 31 precent during the same time period.

This being said, the primary South African export remains various types of ammunition such as Rheinmetall Denel Munitions’ 155 mm Assegai artillery ammunition as well as mortar bombs, with Germany, Estonia and Hungary all placing major orders since 2022.

Notably, in 2023 orders from Hungary and Germany represented some 24 and 26 percent of South Africa’s arms exports with Europe as a whole representing some 56% of South African arms export licences approved in 2023 by the NCACC.

Strong Growth in the African and Emerging Markets

South African defence firms have also increasingly focused their export efforts on the African and other emerging markets to drive their revenue. While neighbouring states such as Mozambique remain regular customers, defence firms such as Paramount Group and DCD Protected Mobility have been experiencing success in exporting to other African states

Unlike the European market, South African exports in Africa have largely been dominated by the export of military vehicles, such as Paramount Maatlas to Ghana, while DCD has experienced particular success through the export of their Springbok range of armoured personnel carriers and Husky mine clearance vehicles, with Côte d’Ivoire in particular placing orders exceeding R500 million recent years.

The most current figures available indicate that Africa represented some 20 percent of South Africa’s defence exports in 2023. Africa has evidently emerged as key source of growth and revenue for the South African defence industry. Other emerging markets in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East represented approximately one quarter of South Africa’s arms exports in 2023.

Middle East Demand Still Strong

While sales to Middle Eastern countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia were lower in 2023 when compared to previous years, South African firms continue to export significant amounts of arms to the region. While the Middle East and North Africa represented approximately 8% of South African arms exports in 2023, the region represented well over a quarter of South African arms exports between 2018 and 2022, according to the various annual reports released by the NCACC.

The primary export markets for South African arms in the region remain the UAE and Saudi Arabia with orders totalling just under R5 billion between 2018 and 2023 between the two of them. More recently, Türkiye has emerged as an increasingly prominent importer of South African arms, ordering some R377 million worth of arms in 2023 alone.

Additionally, the Middle East remains a key market for some of South Africa’s more advance weapons systems. These range from artillery systems such as the G6 self-propelled howitzer to imaging and countermeasures equipment. It is important to note that the 2023 decline of exports to the Middle East, proportionally and in real terms, is likely reflective of cyclical pressures as similar year on year declines can be observed over the past decade.

Although the South African defence industry remains a shadow of its former self, recently the industry has, because of a range of factors, begun to see a significant uptick in its fortunes. From renewed European demand to expansion in emerging markets, the industry seems to be healthier than it has been in recent times.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/editors-pick/mapping-south-africas-arms-exports-trends-key-markets-and-regional-demand/

Lurker4Long:

We could just retire the name "Indian Ocean" rename it "African Ocean"!

"Expropriation of oceans without compensation"

Hensoldt showcases new GMJ9500 man-portable RCIED jammer at IDEX

Hensoldt is showcasing the latest addition to its man-portable radio-controlled improvised explosive devices (RCIED) jammer family, the GMJ9500, at the IDEX 2025 exhibition underway in Abu Dhabi this week.

Designed to provide mission-critical protection against radio-controlled improvised explosive devices, the GMJ9500 series delivers a lightweight, modular and highly adaptable solution for military and security forces operating in high-threat environments, Hensoldt said in a statement.

The GMJ9500 family offers jamming technology for three primary applications: protecting infantry squads during patrols, enhancing safety in de-mining and counter-IED operations and safeguarding EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) and bomb squad technicians against RCIED threats.

With a 20 MHz – 6000 MHz frequency range, the system employs advanced jamming algorithms to neutralise RCIED threats effectively, Hensoldt added. The modular design allows operators to configure jammers based on specific mission requirements, offering flexibility across multiple operational scenarios.

The GMJ9500 jamming system features a modular configuration, and can be tailored for optimal performance against varying threat landscapes: software-defined technology enables the integration of new jamming waveforms as threats evolve, ensuring long-term adaptability. Additionally, the system effectively jams drone-controller frequencies, enhancing operational security against unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) threats.

The GMJ Mission Software enables precise programming of attack frequencies and blocked bands while ensuring seamless integration with own-force communications, Hensoldt said. The software automatically calculates jamming waveforms and generates mission files for rapid deployment, enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness.

The GEW business unit of Hensoldt South Africa specialises in communication monitoring and jamming, direction finding, electronic countermeasures/warfare, electromagnetic spectrum management and security systems. Since the 1960s the company has been involved in providing electronic support, electronic attack and electronic warfare solutions. Its signal intelligence and spectrum monitoring systems have been sold and are in operation in more than 30 countries worldwide, including with the South African Air Force, Army and Navy, and the spectrum regulatory body, ICASA.

The company’s jamming systems are used to protect fixed targets, convoys, individual vehicles and foot patrols (manpack system) against remotely controlled improvised explosive devices and other threats, such as the roadside bombs.

Hensoldt South Africa is also active in the fields of airspace surveillance, and security systems, particularly perimeter and border fencing systems with integrated alerting systems to localise a breach. Such systems have been successfully used to counter wildlife poaching.

Hensoldt South Africa is increasing its involvement in the radar, data link, identification friend or foe (IFF), customer services and business development fields, amongst many others. Its Radar Business Unit offers 3D radar, synthetic aperture radar, radar for counter-UAV operations and passive radar. One of the biggest radar projects in South Africa in recent years is Hensoldt South Africa’s Quadome dual-mode, three-dimensional (3D), multi-mission radar for air and surface surveillance as well as target acquisition. This has already attracted its first export customer, the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Centauri and Mersad team up to bring down the drone threat

Recent conflicts, notably in the Ukraine, have shown the increasing use of attack drones that are posing a serious threat to military forces and their equipment.

South African defence company Centauri has partnered with UAE-based Mersad Technologies to display an innovative solution at IDEX 2025 this week.

The Centauri TriAD system was developed in South Africa to be integrated on armoured vehicles, naval vessels or in static positions where it can protect airfields, military bases and key installations. Being compact and light weight, it can fit even on light vehicles.

According to Dr Nahyan Al Mansoori, chairman of Mersad Technologies, the Centauri TriAD drone protection system is both very effective and arguably one of the most cost-effective available.

“Many other anti-drone systems on the market are prohibitively expensive, but defence forces are left with very little choice,” he said. “I’m confident the Centauri system is the best comprehensive option to consider, especially as it will significantly decrease the cost to take down drones.”

Gert Rossouw, Centauri chief executive officer, explained that the Centauri TriAD system makes use of kinetic and sensor-based technologies to detect, track, and neutralise incoming drones with high accuracy and efficiency.

“The system uses radio frequency identification (RF-ID) and radar to detect incoming drones from a distance,” he said. “Optical sensors then visually confirm and track the drone’s movement, followed by an assessment of the threat level. Depending on the range and the tactical scenario, the target is then engaged and eliminated.”

The Centauri TriAD system is based on the company’s proven CRx-30 ROWS (remotely operated weapon station) that fires 30 x 113 mm programmable air-burst ammunition.

“Broadly speaking, the TriAD operator starts firing at an incoming attack drone – or drone swarm – when the tracking system determines a high take-down probability of, say 80%,” Rossouw explained. “As the weapon fires the programmable 30 x 113 mm ammunition in short bursts at the very high rate of 30 rounds per second, it creates a web of steel at successive intervals ahead of the approaching drone, thereby destroying it.”

The TriAD’s effective range starts at 2 000 metres, but a higher kill rate is achieved at closer range.

In addition to the main weapon three Centauri MB6-40 multi-barrel grenade launcher systems provide a further layer of protection. This complementary weapon suite launches volleys of 40 x 51 mm medium-velocity (MV) grenades for a close-in protective virtual dome above the weapon station.

The MV ammunition has an effective range of 900 m, but it offers protection as close as 50 m against the enemy drone attack.

“Mersad Technologies has partnered with Centauri for their extensive experience in the conceptualising, design and development of military products for the international defence industry,” Al Mansoori stated. “Besides a full range of mechanical and electronic design services, Centauri specialises in weapon and turret systems, all of which complements our own offerings.”

At IDEX this week, Mersad Technologies is also displaying a range of other weapon systems and related equipment.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/centauri-and-mersad-team-up-to-bring-down-the-drone-threat/

Lurker4Long:
Centauri and Mersad team up to bring down the drone threat

Recent conflicts, notably in the Ukraine, have shown the increasing use of attack drones that are posing a serious threat to military forces and their equipment.

South African defence company Centauri has partnered with UAE-based Mersad Technologies to display an innovative solution at IDEX 2025 this week.

The Centauri TriAD system was developed in South Africa to be integrated on armoured vehicles, naval vessels or in static positions where it can protect airfields, military bases and key installations. Being compact and light weight, it can fit even on light vehicles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WOOiLcFpjA&t=34s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeIGh39L6Hc

Etion Create’s CheetahNAV Compact makes IDEX 2025 debut

Pretoria-based electronics company Etion Create’s new CheetahNAV Compact vehicle navigation system is making its debut at the IDEX 2025 exhibition in the United Arab Emirates this week. It is the latest derivative of the proven and successful CheetahNAV that has been introduced and delivered to several Middle East customers in the past two years.

“The Middle East has become a focus area for Etion Create and since we showed the CheetahNAV in Abu Dhabi some years ago, interest in our products has grown in many regions around the world,” said Tobie van Loggerenberg, executive manager for business development at Etion Create.

Etion Create is a division within Reunert Applied Electronics Holdings.

According to Van Loggerenberg, the latest CheetahNAV Compact was designed for compactness and space-efficiency, ensuring it can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of vehicle platforms. Despite its reduced size, the display maintains excellent readability and clarity, thanks to advanced display technologies, the company said.

Besides route planning functionality, the CheetahNAV Compact utilises real-time moving map technology that provides the driver and crew members continuously with accurate situational awareness information.

Like Etion Create’s CheetahNAV, the system provides dead-reckoning horizontal position accuracy of 0.2% of distance travelled in a GNSS denied situation.

“This translates, by way of example, to accuracy of just 200 metres over a distance of 100 kilometres,” Van Loggerenberg explained. “It can integrate with any number of different inertial navigation systems and can be aligned with any of the satellite navigation constellations.”

The CheetahNAV Compact makes use of an advanced Inertial Navigation System (INS), comprising several aids, to provide accurate position, velocity, heading, and pitch and roll of the platform. The tactical grade integral inertial measurement unit (IMU) ensures jamming-free operation.

According to Etion Create both the CheetahNAV and its compact variant are made for tough operational conditions, having been designed and tested to withstand severe customer environments.

“For the benefit of our customers, we provide different language packs, as in this instance Arabic for the Middle East,” Van Loggerenberg affirmed. “Importantly, our customer can rest assured that Etion Create products are non-ITAR controlled.”
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/land/land-land/etion-creates-cheetahnav-compact-makes-idex-2025-debut/

Newly unveiled APC's of the Namibian Military, looks like they are mounted with a RWS, anyone that can help ID them?

.

ViceAdmirlAgain:
Newly unveiled APC's of the Namibian Military, looks like they are mounted with a RWS, anyone that can help ID them?

That's the Milkor Bushcat APC. Any idea how many you guys have acquired?
Welcome back!

Baller254:
You were on to something

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKefOY_3IQ0

Isn’t this the same doge who’s been shutting down organizations investigating Elon’s companies for fraud, abuse, negligence, among other things; the same Elon who’s been banning/censoring people on Twitter in mass the past year or so, funneling fake news, and hanging out with self proclaimed Neo Nazi’s?

NTSA:
.

Yea saw that Trump bowed his head to Putin as predicted.