₦airaland Forum

GreenandGold:
Basically handing over Intellectual Property to the Saudis for free again.

South African arms companies never learn.

By the way, I too thought SVI had the SF 6x6 competition sewn up. I've changed my mind, cos the Armomax Tac-6 seems to be putting up a spirited fight. The fact that their vehicle has almost a decade of testing for the French Special Forces, seems to give them an edge. I also like the broad range of modular options, like the command variant, the comms variant, the anti-drone variant, the 120mm auto mortar variant and the guided rocket launcher version in Pic 2.
But instead of the 2 or 4 rockets, I hope they explore the 23-rocket MLHS launcher from Arnold Defence, which gives you the option of using both guided and unguided rockets.

Kenya boosts armoured vehicle fleet with Springbuck and M1117 APCs
Kenya’s inventory of armoured vehicles continues to grow, with the country recently taking into service new DCD Springbuck armoured personnel carriers (APCs) from South Africa and second hand M1117 armoured security vehicles from the United States.

In early February this year, a large convoy was seen transporting Springbuck armoured vehicles to the capital Nairobi ahead of formal commissioning on 6 March by the Ministry of Interior.

The vehicles were commissioned by Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen at the General Service Unit (GSU) Headquarters in Ruaraka. At least half a dozen Springbucks were seen at the ceremony. Murkomen said the vehicles were part of the government’s modernisation agenda that has seen a major drop in criminal activity, particularly in the norther parts of the country, with banditry dropping by 70%. The new vehicles will be deployed to address cattle rustling, banditry, and terrorism.

The vehicles acquired are Springbuck Standard Duty (SD) models. The 4×4 SD has B6 ballistic protection (up to 7.62×51 mm rounds) and can withstand a TM57 landmine directly under the hull, or two under any wheel. The SD is the lightest in the series and weighs 9 000 kg and has a 1 500 kg payload. It is powered by the MWM 6.10T 6.45 litre six cylinder turbocharged diesel delivering 194 hp.

The Springbuck HD is powered by an MWM 6.12TCA 7.2 litre six cylinder turbocharged diesel engine delivering 286 horsepower and giving a maximum speed of 110 km/h and range of 600 km. The 13 000 kg vehicle has a payload of 2 500 kg and B7 ballistic protection (up to 30.06 armour piercing rounds).

Kenya’s military has been operating the Springbuck for at least five years, with several surviving improvised explosive device (IED) hits in operations along the border with Somalia. In 2019, DCD said it was manufacturing a new batch of Springbuck SD (Standard Duty) and HD (Heavy Duty) vehicles for East and West African customers, but provided no further details. Official Kenyan confirmation of Springbuck operation came in March 2024 when the Ministry of Interior commissioned equipment for an internal security operation, including eight Springbuck APCs.

Also this year, the first M1117 Guardian APCS being provided by the United States were spotted driving on Kenyan roads, with videos emerging in June of at least half a dozen driving in convoys.

In mid-2024, the US revealed plans to transfer eight UH-1 ‘Huey’ and eight MD500 helicopters to Kenya along with roughly 150 M1117 armoured vehicles to improve regional security following a historic visit by Kenyan President William Ruto to the United States. Equipment deliveries were due between late 2024 and mid-2025 to bolster Kenya’s ability to provide regional peace and security and participate in peacekeeping missions.

The M1117 vehicles are from US Excess Defence Article stocks. The Massachusetts National Guard, through the State Partnership Programme (SPP), is helping Kenya with M1117 refurbishment and training. This is a collaboration between the Kenya Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (KACEME) and the Massachusetts National Guard.

A team of maintenance experts from the Massachusetts National Guard exchanged best practices on the M1117 with members of the KACEME at the Kahawa Barracks in Kenya in late May this year. “For the Kenya Defence Forces, the refurbished vehicles will serve as a critical component of their mounted infantry operations. For the Massachusetts National Guard, the mission enhanced their innovation and critical thinking skills, finding creative solutions to resource constraints while adapting to a work environment different from the maintenance US facilities they are familiar with,” the Massachusetts National Guard said in June.

In noted the Kenya Defence Forces acquired 144 M1117s from the US last year. “Massachusetts National Guard soldiers previously operated and maintained the vehicle during military police operations and agreed to partner with Kenya to refurbish the newly acquired fleet. Once restored, the vehicles are expected to be deployed to the Kenya-Somalia border for counterterrorism operations alongside US forces.”

“In November 2024, the Massachusetts National Guard team conducted an initial two-week site visit to perform inventory checks, inspections and fault assessments. During their return in May, they addressed the identified capability gaps and supported advanced maintenance operations, such as weapons configuration, boresighting, depth recovery setup, and removal of power packs and turrets. The team also helped KDF take measurements to begin fabricating tools for turret stands, powerpack stands and lifting brackets,” the National Guard said.

The M1117 armoured security vehicle (ASV), also known as the Guardian, was developed by Textron Marine & Land Systems’ (TM&L) Cadillac Gage. It was first introduced into the US Army’s Military Police inventory in 1999, with several thousand subsequently manufactured for the US. Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom were the two major missions in which the vehicle was involved as mission essential equipment.

The infantry carrier vehicle can accommodate two crew and eight passengers. The M1117 comes with a 40mm MK-19 grenade launcher and a 12.7mm machine gun. It is protected against anti-tank mines and ballistic threats. The M1117 is powered by a 260hp Cummins 6CTA8.3 diesel engine coupled with an Allison MD3560 six-speed transmission, giving a top speed of over 100 km/h.

In July last year, Kenya received the first two of the eight UH-1 helicopters pledged. Besides increasing Kenya’s capacity to provide regional peacekeeping support and participate in security operations, the helicopters will be used in air assaults, to deploy and evacuate troops, and deliver supplies.

Since 2020, the US has allocated $230 million in civilian security and defence sector funding to Kenya, including ongoing advisory and training assistance from the Massachusetts National Guard that benefits Kenyan pilots, logistics personnel and the KDF’s Disaster Response Battalion.

Last year the US designated Kenya a key non-NATO ally, but that status is now in jeopardy. On 1 August, US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch introduced a suite of legislative amendments, including a call for review of Kenya’s designation as a major non-NATO ally. Under the amendment, the US President must submit a report to Congress evaluating whether Kenya’s policies remain aligned with US national security goals. This assessment is expected to scrutinise not only Kenya’s bilateral military cooperation with the United States but also its growing entanglements with China and Russia.

Source: defenceWeb

Lurker4Long:

By the way, I too thought SVI had the SF 6x6 competition sewn up. I've changed my mind, cos the Armomax Tac-6 seems to be putting up a spirited fight. The fact that their vehicle has almost a decade of testing for the French Special Forces, seems to give them an edge. I also like the broad range of modular options, like the command variant, the comms variant, the anti-drone variant, the 120mm auto mortar variant and the guided rocket launcher version in Pic 2.
But instead of the 2 or 4 rockets, I hope they explore the 23-rocket MLHS launcher from Arnold Defence, which gives you the option of using both guided and unguided rockets.

At "an undisclosed location, with some undisclosed people", the guys from Armormax put their vehicle armour to the test.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8S9Kw4NoII

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkfKkcsVEQg?si=mRuPEFIcT8E9ug5z

This guy is accusing S.Africans of cowardice in DRC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3idmtJF7iRM?si=-tjseqV7D7LADu2F


I don't understand why there are mercenaries from outside Africa fighting in Africa while Africans themselves rarely become mercenaries

https:///africaintel/12135

4 minutes of drone strike by the Somali army against militants. Looks like the byraktar. Turkey is doing a good job arming and training them. They will probably be better equiped than Kenya in the future.

If Kenya were smart they would finish the border wall and stop buying Turkish drones and substitute with Chinese.

Eventually Somali will come calling for disputes territories in Kenya. And given Kenya corrupt nature they won't see it coming.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=_Hw89c8XFjc&si=wC8DwsPmbGbgOML5

I hope that calms your doubts as to Kenya's level of preparation against external threats.

Karis1:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=_Hw89c8XFjc&si=wC8DwsPmbGbgOML5

I hope that calms your doubts as to Kenya's level of preparation against external threats.

Your naive.

This proves nothing. The country has outdated equipment, has a culture of theft of public resources,and doesn't produce its own munitions. Even the locally produced m4s are defective because they are prone to overheating

Tinfoil:
Your naive.

This proves nothing. The country has outdated equipment, has a culture of theft of public resources,and doesn't produce its own munitions. Even the locally produced m4s are defective because they are prone to overheating

Kenya has been manufacturing some of it's own bullets and munitions since 1977 through the 'Kenya ordinance factory'
Although
some of the labeled bullets have found themselves into various conflicts including congo, somalia and recently used by the rsf in Sudan

In the medium to long term somalia has bigger issues to deal with
Right now somalia has so many break away regions with their own governments, two of the break away regions are already allied with the Kenyan govt(jubbaland and Somaliland), and not to mention they are struggling to hold back terrorists from taking the capital

Tinfoil:
Your naive.

This proves nothing. The country has outdated equipment, has a culture of theft of public resources,and doesn't produce its own munitions. Even the locally produced m4s are defective because they are prone to overheating

Do you have proof of the claims you've made? I will agree with the part on corruption and outdated equipment, but compared to regional and continental militaries, Kenya punches well above it's weight. Kenya does produce part of its own munitions at the Kenya Ordinance Factory in Eldoret and spare parts for equipment at the Numerical Machining Complex and Kenya Army Corps of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.

You have not provided any proof to substantiate your claim on rifles overheating, and that in itself isn't a problem. Barrels in rifles are changed periodically during use due to heat stress, so please provide proof where overheating in Kenyan made rifles has led to suboptimal accuracy.

For the point you're trying to drive across, release the pedal on emotions, switch gears into due diligence, and go throttle to the metal on facts. Only then will you earn a further reply from this end. Any attempt at ragebait will be met with the contempt it deserves.

Tinfoil:
https:///africaintel/12135

4 minutes of drone strike by the Somali army against militants. Looks like the byraktar. Turkey is doing a good job arming and training them. They will probably be better equiped than Kenya in the future.

If Kenya were smart they would finish the border wall and stop buying Turkish drones and substitute with Chinese.

Eventually Somali will come calling for disputes territories in Kenya. And given Kenya corrupt nature they won't see it coming.

First of all, Somali is way more corrupt than Kenya, Just FYI.

If Turkey is selling the Byraktar to both Kenya and Somalia, it's more than likely an indication that they will either continue to do the same or stop supporting any side in the unfortunate event of a conflict.

The border wall is meant to stop cross border attacks from sandal wearing militia not a conventional army with heavy armour, air power etc. If there was to be a conflict then they would surely make sure they have enough logistics to breach concrete.

And FYI, the legitimate dispute of Kenya-Somali territory is in the ocean. They have no legitimate claim on Land. Only a fantasy of one day Uniting all Somalis in the horn of Africa.


-------

And last but not least. Kenya has been a stable state hosting millions of refugees from Somalia, Sudans... And thousands from Rwanda, Burundi and DRC etc.. Economically, we have been an anchor and a safe haven for the region. While since independence of most African countries, all Somali has to show for it is civil war and conflict after conflict which mostly stems from internal clan politics. If other foreign countries like Turkey are helping Somali regain it's lost glory after almost half a century and then the first thing they do is pick a fight and start another conflict the moment they have a semblance of a stable economy, I'm pretty certain that no one will be willing to bet on them when they start another conflict in the region. It will most likely mean that after that conflict is over, they will start another fight with someone else and that's not good for business. Even Turkey will need Somali to be stable enough for them to be paying customers.

US Government approves,$350million arms sakes to Nigeria 🇳🇬

Fidha254:
They havOnly a fantasy of one day Uniting all Somalis in the horn of Africa.


-------

And last

Brother those fantasies are what wars are fought over, just like Armenia and Azerbaijan, Thailand and Cambodia,....

I think I didn't explain myself well. The problem is not Somalia it's Turkey. They are not selling anything to Somalia they are gifting them. Why? Oil and gas. There is nothing Kenya can offer them that can be more beneficial than the billions of dollars they stand to make.

What is being played is a very good long term game by Turkish intelligence to lure Kenya into laxity.

That conflict is inevitable. Kenya needs an ally that hates turkey and would be willing to fight them by proxy. Like Russia.

Throwback Thursday: SANDF in Mozambique.

Tinfoil:
Brother those fantasies are what wars are fought over, just like Armenia and Azerbaijan, Thailand and Cambodia,....

I think I didn't explain myself well. The problem is not Somalia it's Turkey. They are not selling anything to Somalia they are gifting them. Why? Oil and gas. There is nothing Kenya can offer them that can be more beneficial than the billions of dollars they stand to make.

What is being played is a very good long term game by Turkish intelligence to lure Kenya into laxity.

That conflict is inevitable. Kenya needs an ally that hates turkey and would be willing to fight them by proxy. Like Russia.

It's a fantacy dimming each day the sun rises from east and sets in the west. Even the Somali refugees assimilated in Kenya don't want to go back let alone the Kenyan-Somalis. Heck even within Somali, as Baller254 pointed out, breakaway regions like Somaliland, Puntland, and now Jubaland no longer want to be part of Somalia itself. And before they even finish deviding Somalia, the area between Somaliland and Puntland is already a disputed area, (pic below) meaning a future potential for Somaliland and Puntland going to war over the disputed area!

Turkey arming Somalia for future oil and gas is a quid pro quo, it's barter trade, so yes, they are selling them drones, only difference is payment will come later.
So let me give you a counter to your argument that Kenya does not have anything to offer. A consortium of Turkish rail companies was awarded the over $3 Billion constract to build Tanzania's railway (Part of EAC railway masterplan)
The same Turkish consortium was awarded another $3Billion contract to build Uganda's Railway that will connect to Kenya's https://www.enr.com/articles/59717-turkish-firm-yapi-merkazi-awarded-3b-uganda-rail-project

Kenya's new railway project was halted mid-way (After China paused funding belt and road mega projects), i.e 120km past Nairobi at Naivasha municipality where there is a dry port and a planned SEZ industrial zone. And guess who is the second anchor tenant at the planned SEZ after China? Turkey is investing almost $800m in the SEZ.

Construction of Turkish Industrial Complex in Nakuru, Kenya, commences
A US$ 760M project for the construction of a Turkish Ceramic, Granite and Tiles Special Economic Zone (SEZ) or rather Turkish Industrial Complex in Nakuru county, Kenya, has begun.

Developed by Turkish Industry Holding the project involves the construction of a total of six factories. The factories will mostly produce high-end construction materials, forestry, furniture, and cleaning products for export.

These products include medium-density fiberboard (MDF), a raw material for the furniture industry, and granite and ceramic tiles. Additionally, the complex will produce, cement, steel, aluminium profile, tissue paper, sanitary towels, and towel napkins.

Plans and expectations for the project
The (MDF and cement plants will be manufacturing 30% of products for the local market. The remaining 70% will be for export to regional and global markets including Europe and the US. This is according to the Turkish Industry Holding‘s board chairman Mehmet Coskun,
https://www.tcgtkenya.com/construction-of-turkish-industrial-complex-in-nakuru-kenya-commences/

Read more here: https://www.tcgtkenya.com/


And while Turkey gave Somali TB2 as aid, Turkish engineers provided the technical expatise that helped Kenya develop it's own version of Israeli made Aerostar drone. This technology transfer has pontential for bigger projects in the future.

Kenya has reverse-engineered Israel’s Aerostar drone – christened ‘TAI’ – with the help of Turkish engineers. The model was unveiled in 2021.
https://africasolutionsmediahub.org/2024/05/02/arms-race-made-in-africa-military-drones-on-the-rise/

----
So as much as Turkey is gambling on winning future Oil and Gas projects in Somalia by helping them rebuild, They will need a stable Somalia for that to happen and for their investments to be sustainable over a long period of time. On the other hand, Turkey will also want to make sure by them helping Somalia, it's not to the detriment of a stable Kenya where they have significant investments in luxury hotels and construction companies, not to forget Turkish arilines only dedicated airport lounge in Africa is in Nairobi, meaning a significant profit in Africa comes from it's Nairobi route.. Also, Turkey may win the contract to extend the railway from Naivasha, Kenya to the border with Uganda. All these investments in the billions across EAC are investments worth preserving and maintaining good relations with.
------


If you doubt what I'm saying, just look at how Turkey acted recently with Ethiopia (Another country where Turkey built a railway among other investments). Ethiopia recognized Somaliland as a state in exchange for a port deal, Somalia govt was furious. Turkey offered to mediate and resolve the conflict as opposed to siding with Somalia. Win-win means Turkey gets to do business with both. They will probably want to construct the railway from Somaliland to Ethiopia.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/9/turkey-says-somalia-ethiopia-to-resume-talks-on-port-deal

If Badger IFV is a no show, why not acquire the Mbombe 8

Trending Video of Nigerian Air Force T-129 ATAK Helicopters.

Goosebumps, literal chills!!!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BhCu6o2ew?si=51FxSiVk6QYcTAlX

Nigerian Air Force M346FA spotted flying.

Now with it's GRIFO RADAR installed.

kabe1:
Nigerian Air Force M346FA spotted flying.

Now with it's GRIFO RADAR installed.

..

Tinfoil:
That conflict is inevitable. Kenya needs an ally that hates turkey and would be willing to fight them by proxy. Like Russia.

This story is old.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYLKKxt9RK8?si=nlcDb4snhuPsjHut

Ex Red Lion takes centre stage in Simon’s Town
South Africa’s naval “capital” Simon’s Town will – until Friday – continue proving itself worthy of the sobriquet as the SA Navy (SAN) goes through its force preparation paces in Exercise Red Lion.

The exercise includes naval bases, stations and facilities in Eastern Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal with the Western Cape, as home to the fleet, its harbour and a naval base taking a visible lead ashore and on False Bay.

Drills and evolutions ranging from guarding key points to firefighting, disaster management and response as well as rescues, gunnery, boarding and weapon orientation ensured residents knew they live in “navy territory”.

The three SAN platforms – the Valour Class frigate SAS Amatola (F145) and inshore patrol vessels SAS Adam Kok III (P1573) and SAS King Shaka Zulu (P1572) – tasked for the force preparation exercise had a bonus while at sea last Friday in the form of a reported PASSEX (passage exercise) with a visiting naval vessel. The foreign ship was the French offshore patrol vessel, FS Auguste Techer (P781).

Other at sea evolutions were a simulated attack with a harbour patrol boat (NPB) in the “bad guy” role, flying stations and towing.

Ashore SAN teams worked with their counterparts in the Cape Town Metro, National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and SA Police Service (SAPS) fine tuning multi-disciplinary responses to bomb and IED (improvised explosive device) threats, emergency evacuation and others such as roadblocks, crowd management, bomb threat, coastal patrols, bush fire and drone capability. A SAN report has it this part of Red Lion “promoted interaction between the SAN and the City of Cape Town, Safety and Security Directorate representatives, to build familiarity and foster strong working relationships”.

Exercise Red Lion started on 4 August with 18 days – and nights – of work ending on Friday 22 August.

Source: defenceWeb

Lurker4Long:
Ex Red Lion takes centre stage in Simon’s Town

More Ex Red Lion...

Lurker4Long:
More Ex Red Lion...

last.

Invigorated Denel pursuing new UAV, missile, and other projects
Denel is making a research and development push to develop new products in order to drive business, and this includes fixed and rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), missiles, and autonomous systems.

The state-owned defence conglomerate’s latest Corporate Plan outlines its new market focus, with an effort to drive business by investing in research and development. Denel wants to use new partners and existing associate companies to help enter new markets, and collaborate with industry leaders and technology providers. This includes product co-development and collaboration with entities like the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

One of Denel’s primary research and development focuses is the Marlin missile, now known as the Joint Strike Missile (JSM). This is a multi-role radar-guided beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air and surface-to-air system. The demonstrator has already been tested, from 2015 at the Overberg Test Range, with “global and local demand.”

“The Marlin BVRAAM technology demonstrator project (Marlin/Glow) was defunded in 2019, and resulted in a successful launch of a demonstrator missile from the Gripen test aircraft at TFDC [Test Flight and Development Centre]; the key elements of the dual-pulse rocket motor and the radar seeker exist,” Denel told Parliament in a mid-June report.

The Joint Strike Missile will be developed for both ground- and ship-launch (Umkhonto-R) and for air-launch (R-Darter or Marlin). It will also be an integral part of a wider ground-based air defence system (GBADS) solution for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

Denel is also looking at space capabilities, including the completion of a locally designed, manufactured and launched satellite. It is also pursuing the upgrade of the Overberg Test Range for satellite launchers, and tracking and testing for national space initiatives. South African National Space Agency and Department of Science and Innovation funding will be used to ensure the Overberg Test Range is ready to launch a first satellite in 2028. “This will strategically position South Africa to develop a sovereign space launch capability,” according to Denel’s latest Corporate Plan.

New UAVs

Two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are on the cards, including fixed and rotary wing platforms. The rotary wing aircraft would have a maximum takeoff weight of 600 kg and be able to carry 120 kg of payload. The Rotary Wing UAS (RW-UAS) has applications in law enforcement, public safety, border patrol, search and rescue, communications relay etc. The aircraft is at the concept development and testing phase.

The fixed wing aircraft (Denel FW-VTOL) would feature four rotors for vertical takeoff and landing and a pusher propeller for horizontal flight. The electric aircraft is envisaged to be able to fly for about 50 km and have an endurance of 45-60 minutes. Denel said it is designed to fill an ‘eye in the sky’ role by carrying cameras and other payloads up to 2 kg. Applications include aerial surveillance and reconnaissance, security and surveillance, search and rescue, disaster response, law enforcement, agricultural monitoring, mapping and surveying, infrastructure inspection, emergency medical delivery etc. The FW-VTOL is at the product development stage, which is to be followed by test marketing and product launch.

According to the 2025-26 Corporate Plan, Denel has seen how artificial intelligence is enabling greater autonomy in defence systems, such as self-driving vehicles, and as a result Armscor, Denel and Dibakwane Group will collaborate to develop self-driving and weapon launching autonomous systems. Also on the unmanned front, Denel is looking at incorporating first person view (FPV) attack drones as part of vehicle weapon systems.

There are various potential areas of collaboration Denel is pursuing, including with Turkey’s Aselsan on the 105 mm Light Medium Turret for armour applications; with Tata India for development Ahead type 35 mm ammunition; and with Turkish companies to develop a 35 mm turret system on a land vehicle. Denel would supply the main weapon or full turrets and the Turkish companies the platform.

Denel also wants to diversify its aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) offerings, including on the AS350 and A109 helicopters, C-130 Hercules transport, and PT6A and T56 engines.

SANDF support

For the SANDF, Denel has several proposals, including fitting its Impi lightweight missile on Rooivalk attack helicopters and the Seeker 400 UAVs used by Defence Intelligence; developing the Joint Strike Missile for air defence and air-to-air applications; upgrading the Seeker 400 (dual payloads, weapons, synthetic aperture radar, extra fuel, electronic warfare payload); and integrating the Umbani bomb kit on the Gripen fighters for an indigenous stand-off strike capability.

Denel is exploring a number of new research and development opportunities, including an upgrade of the Rooivalk attack helicopter. A mid-life upgrade of the South African Air Force’s 11 Rooivalks would mainly centre around the avionics and electronic systems as well as software updates, with smaller improvements to the airframe. The upgraded helicopter could be sold internationally. “This will include upgrading the manufacturing capability and producing new airframes – potential 50 -100 units,” Denel reported. The Rooivalk could be fitted with Denel’s Impi lightweight guided missile. This weighs 12-25 kg (depending on boost model) with ranges of up to 14 km.

Part of Denel’s turnaround plan is improving support for the SANDF and the security cluster, including rejuvenation of Denel Pretoria Metal Pressings (PMP). The latter is planning product diversification, including a 23 mm press-in primer, a 30×173 mm hardened cartridge case for the Bushmaster cannon, a 30/35 mm electronic fuze, and 27×145 mm Mauser ammunition for the SA Air Force’s Gripen fighters (at present this ammunition is imported from Germany).

Source: defenceWeb

GreenandGold:
Basically handing over Intellectual Property to the Saudis for free again.

South African arms companies never learn.

Another one? Yet again from the UAE?
No problem with the vehicle, as the SA company was commissioned to do the design and the IP legitimately belonged in the UAE. But I suspect that howitzer is a Denel G5. And there's no way even the corrupt Zuma idiots at Denel back then would think they could get away with thievery of this world-leading tech. Perhaps produced under licence? In that case, I want to read the royalty agreement.

Hensoldt South Africa signs major deal to enhance Saudi Arabia’s EW capabilities
Hensoldt South Africa’s GEW business unit – specialising in spectrum dominance – has signed a landmark contract with Saudi Arabian Military Industries Advanced Electronics Company (SAMI-AEC), representing one of the largest projects in GEW’s history.

The multi-year project will provide a modern electronic warfare capability in Saudi Arabia in support of civil and military operations, while advancing capability development in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, Hensoldt South Africa said in a statement on 3 September.

The scope of delivery includes state-of-the-art communications intelligence (COMINT) technologies as part of the Kingdom’s C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) capability, augmented by comprehensive training programmes. These advanced sensor systems will enable early detection and countering of threats, ensuring the safety of communities and critical infrastructure, according to Hensoldt South Africa.

“The programme strengthens the longstanding industrial partnership between Hensoldt South Africa and SAMI-AEC, with Hensoldt Middle East providing technical support on the ground. Wholly owned by Hensoldt South Africa, Hensoldt Middle East has been developed over several years to strategically address the local market, while driving knowledge transfer, technology development and skills enhancement in the region,” according to the company.

“Electronic warfare is increasingly critical in our current global context,” said Gilbert do Nascimento, Managing Director of the GEW business unit. “This contract is both a recognition of our proven track record in this vital domain – and a commitment to equip our partners with cutting-edge capabilities. We highly value our partnership with SAMI and look forward to supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in strengthening its strategic capabilities and long-term vision.”

Hensoldt South Africa, the Group’s largest industrial base outside of Germany with 800 South African employees across four sites, has been active in the Middle East for nearly two decades, with major deliveries since 2007.

“As the largest economy in the Middle East and one of the fastest-growing worldwide, Saudi Arabia remains pivotal in the future defence landscape. By supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and investing in local skills, technology transfer and capability development, Hensoldt South Africa aims to play a role in shaping the trajectory of defence in the region,” the company said.

Hensoldt South Africa had a big presence at last year’s World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia, saying the country holds “strategic importance for Hensoldt SA”. At the exhibition, collaboration agreements with INTRA Defence Technologies, SCOPA Military Industries and STIRA Strategic Systems solidified Hensoldt SA’s role in developing next-generation electro-optic systems and spectrum dominance solutions for the defence, security and civilian market in Saudi Arabia, the company said.

SAMI-AEC was established in 1988 and in December 2020 was fully acquired by SAMI, making it a 100% Saudi-owned company. Today it is active across Defence and Aerospace (D&A), Digital Business, Energy and Security Business units. “SAMI-AEC has been able to acquire significant technical knowledge through its emphasis on the development of comprehensive Engineering & Development (E&) capabilities and the establishment of partnerships with international companies,” according to SAMI-AEC.

It has developed “substantial design and manufacturing, systems engineering and integration, systems development and IT services capabilities” and continues to invest in expanding its capabilities in E&, manufacturing, test processes and manpower development. SAMI-AEC employs more than 3 600 staff, including over 1 500 engineers and experts.

Source: defenceWeb

Quantum Dynamic partners with Czech company to locally manufacture Mbombe 4 vehicles
Czech defence company STV Group and Paramount entity Quantum Dynamic have entered into a joint marketing and licensed manufacturing agreement to offer Paramount’s Mbombe 4 mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle to the Czech Republic and other markets.

The M4 Golem (the Czech version of the Mbombe 4) was recently showcased by STV Group at the International Defence and Security Technology Fair (IDET) 2025 in Brno in May, where it attracted strong interest and has since undergone extensive trials and evaluations for requirements in the Czech Republic, Quantum Dynamic said in a statement.

Under the agreement, STV and Quantum Dynamic will jointly market the M4 Golem in the Czech Republic, while establishing a licensed production capability that will enable full local manufacture of the vehicle. This collaboration forms part of Quantum Dynamic’s portable production approach, which allows advanced defence technologies to be produced under licence in partner countries. This approach facilitates technology transfer, job creation, skills development, and the building of local industrial capacity – ensuring not only operational independence but also lasting socio-economic benefits, the company said.

“Crucially, Quantum Dynamic’s in-country production guarantees security of supply for the recipient country. Nations can maintain full control over their own defence systems, ensuring reliable availability of equipment and critical spare parts in times of conflict. This independence also enables ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and modernisation of vehicles within national borders, avoiding reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthening national security resilience,” the company added.

“The M4 Golem has already proven itself on the global stage as one of the most advanced armoured vehicles of its class. This cooperation enables us to bring this battle-proven platform to the Czech Republic, while also building sovereign industrial capacity that guarantees security of supply, maintenance, and modernisation in country,” said Pavel Beran, Director of Special Projects at STV Group.

The Mbombe family (4×4 Mbombe 4, 6×6 Mbombe 6, and 8×8 Mbombe features a flat mine-protected floor, giving a lower and better stability than V-shaped armoured hulls. All three models share 80% common components to reduce through life costs and make training and logistics easier. A six-cylinder diesel gives a top speed of more than 110km/h.

The 16 tonne Mbombe 4 provides a payload of nearly three tonnes, encapsulating weapon systems, ammunition, crew and supplies. The vehicle has been designed to accommodate a wide range of payloads and turrets, including a 30 mm cannon. The onboard mission computer and interface system is able to integrate with both Western and Eastern-made weapon systems. The vehicle offers STANAG 4569 Level 3 ballistic protection and Level 4a/4b blast protection.

Since its launch in 2019, the Mbombe 4 has been ordered by half a dozen nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, United Arab Emirates, Togo, and India – Bharat Forge manufactures the Kalyani M4 domestic version for the Indian Army. In 2022, Paramount revealed the Mbombe 4 would be produced in Thailand as the D-Lion.

STV Group specialises in the production of military equipment and the repair and modernisation of military vehicles and aircraft, including the supply of spare parts. The company is a producer of a full range of ammunition, including tank and artillery ammunition. It also manufactures helmets and bulletproof vests. A substantial part of the company’s production portfolio is in use by the Czech Army and the Police of the Czech Republic.

Quantum Dynamic was established by the family behind Paramount Group and operates under a broad licence agreement structure giving it access to Paramount’s global Intellectual Property (IP) and suite of capabilities across the naval, aerospace, land systems, cyber, internal security, customs and excise, border security and counter-poaching domains. It offers a range of business functions and customer solutions, including project management, structured finance solutions, infrastructure development (greenfield and brownfield developments), modernisation programmes, training, logistics and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO).

Source: defenceWeb