₦airaland Forum

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Ibrahimanees:
Doesn't mean any civilian authority can walk up to a soldier and give him a counter command

Gidan kwano man! Ya ne

Odunayaw:
Gidan kwano man! Ya ne

Baba kalau wlh, check your email, I don lose your contact

Kings and Generals finally covered the South African Border War


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StRksfQz3nU

US business leaders have ignored the Orange Idiot, judging by how many are here at the B20. In fact, all the proposals at the B20 have been adopted.

And then there was this, via Bloomberg:

Thriving in Trump’s Crosshairs

In May, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived at the White House hoping to dislodge Trump’s allegations of a so-called “white genocide” that the administration used to levy punitive tariffs on imports from the country. Ramaphosa received a dressing-down and left Washington empty-handed.

The meeting worsened already frayed ties, culminating in Trump’s boycott of this week’s G-20 summit in Johannesburg. The 30% tariff remains in place, threatening to derail the economy just as painstaking reforms were beginning to take hold. And yet South African assets are thriving in ways few in Washington or Pretoria anticipated.

Last week, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered an impressive budget update in which revenue exceeded previous projections, prompting the National Treasury to double down on its fiscal-consolidation plans. Inflation’s trajectory has turned, enabling the central bank to target 3% inflation rather than a 3% to 6% band. Another vote of confidence came from S&P Global Ratings, which upgraded South Africa’s credit assessment for the first time since 2005 and kept a positive outlook. Few would have predicted such an endorsement in the immediate aftermath of Washington’s tariff shock.

The weak dollar has helped. The rand gained almost 10% this year, while South African 10-year credit default swaps are at their lowest since 2014 as the cost of financing dollar-denominated debt eases. Equities have widened their lead against emerging market peers.

With the US row still casting a long shadow, the market activity suggests a deeper confidence in reform momentum. A serious breakdown in relations with Washington isn’t trivial. Trade and investment ties remain vital. But the gains from Pretoria’s policy overhaul are hard to ignore. This is most evident in the near-elimination of the crippling power shortages that had been a defining symbol of economic malaise. For now, as yields on the country’s benchmark bonds plunge, bullish sentiments are their highest in two decades.

These green shoots are encouraging for an economy long hobbled by entrenched corruption and brazen, violent crime. The reforms are encouraging private investment in ailing state-owned enterprises in energy and logistics. Land reforms that draw the ire of Elon Musk, a former Trump ally, are also ongoing.

And there was the vintage selloff ahead of last year’s elections as foreign investors feared what might happen when the African National Congress, the party of Nelson Mandela, finally relinquished its overall majority. As elsewhere in the emerging world, that created great a chance to buy.

The surprising stability since the vote also helped to expand the multiples that investors are prepared to pay for South African stocks. It long commanded a premium to the rest of the emerging world, which was wiped out under former President Jacob Zuma. Valuations have resurged of late, and almost brought the country back in line with other emergents.

Despite the progress, Godongwana argues that he’s only beginning. Speaking at the inaugural Bloomberg Africa Business Summit in Johannesburg this week, he promised to adopt a new fiscal anchor. This won’t be straightforward. The ruling coalition is fragile, and this is likely to face political opposition.

Still, he’s determined to push through the reform to stabilize the debt-to-GDP ratio this fiscal year. That will hinge on a spending restraint that’s likely to upset voters. But inflation, which accelerated less than expected, remains within the central bank’s comfort zone, possibly mitigating the painful effects of fiscal consolidation.

Consumer prices rose 3.6% in October, compared with 3.4% a month earlier. Bloomberg Economics’ Yvonne Mhango sees inflation climbing to 3.9% by year-end, although she expects a stronger rand and faster-than-expected fiscal tightening to help contain the rise.

It remains in South Africa’s interest to keep Washington at arm’s length. Few can spook investors as quickly or as theatrically as Trump. And while the Rainbow Nation, buoyed by the G-20, may be eager to prove its resilience, Ramaphosa should remember that an unrestrained Trump could be very bad news.

—Richard Abbey

Lurker4Long:
US business leaders have ignored the Orange Idiot, judging by how many are here at the B20. In fact, all the proposals at the B20 have been adopted...

What Politicians Can Learn From Business at G-20

By Ana Monteiro
November 20, 2025 at 4:18 PM GMT+2
Welcome to Next Africa, a newsletter on where the continent stands now — and where it’s headed. Sign up here to have it delivered to your email.

This week, we take a closer look at Africa’s investment prospects as global political and economic leaders converge on Johannesburg for the inaugural Bloomberg Africa Business Summit, the B-20 meeting and a Group of 20 gathering. Today’s edition looks at how businesspeople and politicians are taking divergent approaches in the US-South Africa relationship.

US political and business leaders aren’t singing from the same song sheet on South Africa, the host of this weekend’s Group of 20 summit.

Diplomatic relations between the countries are so fraught that President Donald Trump ordered an American boycott of the first annual gathering of the global group in Africa, complicating the handover to leadership of the G-20 at the end of the year.

Titans of industry from the two nations — who have to deal with Trump’s 30% tariffs on South African goods entering the US — are choosing a more collaborative route.

Executives backed all proposals at the B-20 corporate forum in Johannesburg that precedes the political gathering, said Nonkululeko Nyembezi, co-chair of the body and chairwoman of Standard Bank, Africa’s biggest lender by assets.

Gary Litman, the US representative, said business people have “very common views, which makes developing recommendations relatively easy.”

This contrasts with the parlous state of affairs between Pretoria and Washington, with the US warning South Africa this week that it would block any outcome framed as a consensus G-20 position.

Ties with the two governments frayed as soon as Trump returned to the White House.

Pretoria hasn’t had an ambassador in the US capital for most of this year since Ebrahim Rasool was expelled over critical comments he made about Trump. Special envoy Mcebisi Jonas hasn’t received a visa to travel to the US since his appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

South Africa has failed to persuade the US president that it’s not targeting White Afrikaner farmers.

The diplomatic standoff adds to difficulties companies already face — navigating the complexity of tariffs, inflation and fragile supply chains.

The US accusations are “very sad,” says Hendrik du Toit, who leads and founded Africa’s biggest independent fund manager, Ninety One. South Africa, which still hasn’t concluded a trade deal with Washington, “could be a natural ally to the US” on the continent, but needs a “managerial overhaul of how the state is run.”

Industry can offer some lessons to politicians on how to make the world work.

News Roundup

The US formally warned South Africa against pushing for a joint statement at this weekend’s summit. The White House openly opposes South Africa’s G-20 presidency and its core agenda of solidarity, equality and sustainability — part of Ramaphosa’s push for a more inclusive world order. “Washington’s absence negates its role over the G-20’s conclusions,” South African foreign ministry spokesman Chrispin Phiri said in response.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-11-20/g-20-south-africa-us-business-show-politicians-how-to-reach-agreement

Ibrahimanees:
Doesn't mean any civilian authority can walk up to a soldier and give him a counter command

Why was a soldier doing the job of a security man or if there is a real threat, the job of a police.

If the Admiral had a real threat to his property which is outside the barrack, by the way, he could have got a police protection and depending on how such things are done within the Nigerian law, it would have been granted him. There is no need a commissioned officer be used as a gateman (aboki mallam) to the personal property of his superior.

The lieutenant in question

MiddleDimension:
Why was a soldier doing the job of a security man or if there is a real threat, the job of a police.

If the Admiral had a real threat to his property which is outside the barrack, by the way, he could have got a police protection and depending on how such things are done within the Nigerian law, it would have been granted him. There is no need a commissioned officer be used as a gateman (aboki mallam) to the personal property of his superior.

The lieutenant in question is the CSO to the Admiral, so it is not out of place being there. Wike also could have sent the FCTA team with police escorts as against going there personally

GreenandGold:
Decided to create my own version I was referring to using the TAC-6 double-cabin platform. It gives the platform the ability to mount a forward-facing HMG and doubles up as a force multiplier.

And here's the SVI version.

Armormax Defence and ST Engineering demo mortar-mounted TAC-6 vehicle

Singapore’s ST Engineering recently teamed up with Armormax Defence to host a demonstration to select members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and diplomatic corps, in which they showcased the 120 mm Ground Deployed Advanced Mortar System (GDAMS) on the TAC-6 vehicle.

The demonstration took place at Armscor’s Alkantpan artillery range in the Northern Cape on 29 October.

Grant Anderson, Managing Director of Armormax Defence, said ST Engineering’s GDAMS is a world leading 120 mm rapidly deployable mortar system (it can also be configured with an 81 mm barrel). Capable of deploying in under 15 seconds, its fire control system locks it onto target coordinates and allows for immediate engagement.

During the Alkantpan demonstration, an eight-round fire mission with just two crew took a minute and a half from the time the TAC-6 stopped to the time it pulled off. “With the GDAMS base plate being firmly planted on the ground (the GDAMS hydraulically pushes down, almost lifting the rear of the TAC-6 off the ground) first round accuracy is assured.”

The coordinates for the fire mission were provided by an onboard drone unit which is housed in a dedicated launcher on the roof of the TAC-6. Equipped with a laser range finder, high definition optical and thermal/infrared cameras, the drone is capable of flying out to the 9 km maximum range of the GDAMS, ranging targets and sending back accurate coordinates to the fire control computer. It is capable of observing fall of shot and then returning, tracking and landing on the TAC if it has moved to a different location.

Anderson highlighted that after firing, the TAC-6’s mobility allows rapid relocation. Traditional mortar or towed systems are vulnerable once they fire (counter-battery radar detects ballistic trajectory) but the TAC-6 can “shoot-and-scoot”, minimising exposure. Additionally, the combination of real-time drone spotting means that the system may fire fewer rounds with higher accuracy (thanks to precise coordinates and battle damage assessment), reducing ammunition signature and logistics tail, which in turn lessens the opportunity for enemy detection and retaliation. “This behaviour inherently compresses the kill chain: fewer steps, higher speed, higher accuracy, reduced exposure.”

In the Double Cab configuration, the TAC-6 can carry at least 50 rounds of ST Engineering’s extended range PM120 GPS guided ammunition, along with additional smoke, illumination and traditional high explosive (HE) rounds.

The TAC-6 GDAMS was protected against drones by two six-barrel Centauri CRx-40, 40mm grenade launchers. These launchers can fire a sequence of ST Engineering’s airburst grenades to counter inbound first-person view (FPV) drones. When using 40×51 mm grenades, the CRx-40 can engage targets out to 500 metres. The CRx-40 is typically integrated with Centauri’s TriAD hard-kill counter-UAV system, comprising radio frequency, radar, and acoustic sensors for detection, an electro-optical/infrared module for target engagement, and a CRx-30 30×113 mm cannon plus CRx-40 turret.

After the conventional GDAMS mortar rounds were demonstrated to the guests at Alkantpan, the new ST Engineering 120 mm GPS guided precision (PM120) round was then demonstrated. This can reduce the average 120 mm mortar round CEP (circular error probable) of around 135 meters at maximum range down to a CEP of sub 10 meters (CEP is where there is a 50% probability that rounds will fall within the radius of a circle centred on a target). “This moves the traditional role of the 120 mm mortar from an area weapon to that of a precision weapon system,” Anderson said.

“The net effect of the combined systems is that the highly mobile and agile TAC-6 can pre-deploy the spotter drone, and once the target is identified, expediently move to a firing position, stop and deploy the GDAMS, execute a fire mission using either the incredibly accurate GPS guided or traditional HE rounds, and then rapidly depart before any counter battery fire or FPV drones can be brought to bear,” Anderson explained.

“On today’s transparent battlefield, the ability to shoot and scoot, using obscuring terrain and features and always seeking beneficial firing positions is paramount. Recent and current global conflicts are driving a change in doctrine, lightning-fast response to opportunity and target intelligence, coupled with decisive and accurate application of force makes the difference between victory and defeat. The TAC-6 GDAMS gives a battlefield commander a really versatile addition to the force at his disposal,” Anderson said.

He added that ST Engineering selected the TAC-6 as a platform of choice for the GDAMS. The 6×6 TAC-6 is a modular, high-mobility tactical vehicle based on a heavily modified Toyota Land Cruiser 79 series but with an added third axle, increasing payload (up to 4 400 kg), and giving a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of seven tons. With 50% extra traction from the third axle, the TAC-6 offers high cross-country mobility.

The extra payload capacity is able to support a wide range of vehicle configurations, such as weapons platform, drone platform, logistics vehicle, etc. To date, in addition to the ST Engineering 120 mm GDAMS mortar unit, the TAC-6 has been outfitted with various remote weapons systems, the Aselsan Alkar 81 mm mortar and the Centauri TriAd 30×113 mm & 40 mm counter-drone system.

The TAC-6 is aimed at filling a multitude of civil and military roles – from firefighting to weapons carrier – with agility and versatility at its core. The vehicle is powered by a 4.5 litre V8 turbodiesel engine driving an eight speed automatic transmission developed and homologated by ZF. The TAC-6 has done over 250 000 km of testing in Europe and Africa.

So far Armormax Defence has built single, double and stretch versions of the TAC-6 (the latter with an extra 50 centimetres of length). An armoured personnel carrier variant is in the works, as is a variant with an armoured cab. Armormax specialises in armouring private vehicles – it has armoured nearly 2 000 vehicles over the last 20 years – and offers a variety of armour packages for the TAC-6. STANAG Level I vehicle armour can stop shell fragments as well as 7.62 mm and 5.56 mm bullets: lightweight armour and 40 mm ballistic glass is employed throughout to replace the original windows.

https://defenceweb.co.za/land/land-land/armormax-defence-and-st-engineering-demo-mortar-mounted-tac-6-vehicle/

Lurker4Long:
Armormax Defence and ST Engineering demo mortar-mounted TAC-6 vehicle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLL_X43pIbs

GreenandGold:
Personally, I think it's a better configuration. It's not late for SANDF reconsider and send a different spec to Armscor.

After watching the Tac6 mortar version demo, I'm inclined to agree with you on the double cab. It should be a mix of single and double, depending on the variant.
For example on the 120mm mortar variant, a double cab is imperative, as you have driver, drone & counter-drone operator, and the 2 mortarists.

BTW, couldn't wait to escape the Big Smoke fast enough; am already at the airport for my 16h30 flight back to Cape Town and watching the National Ceremonial Guard prepping for the latest head of state G20 arrival. Who gets to land at Waterkloof Air Force Base and ORT and how is that decided? Keir Starmer (on a military plane) landed here at civilian ORT this morning, so did Vietnam and China; Zimbabwe got Lanseria and Brazil & India will get Waterkloof AFB.

OlaOmoBakare:
The lieutenant in question The lieutenant in question is the CSO to the Admiral, so it is not out of place being there. Wike also could have sent the FCTA team with police escorts as against going there personally

If They did not respect Wike's presence as a minister of the Fed Republic, is it some policemen the soldier would have respected? Did you not hear what he told he ASP?

''You are mu Junior!'', as if there are equivalent ranks between any of the armed forces and the police.

He, like many people in our security agencies, are ignorant of certain things, which is why they behave that way in the first place.

If he is an ADC, then that's the more reason he should not be there in the first place especially when his principal is not there. He should always be with his principal.

MiddleDimension:
If They did not respect Wike's presence as a minister of the Fed Republic, is it some policemen the soldier would have respected? Did you not hear what he told he ASP?

''You are mu Junior!'', as if there are equivalent ranks between any of the armed forces and the police.

He, like many people in our security agencies, are ignorant of certain things, which is why they behave that way in the first place.

If he is an ADC, then that's the more reason he should not be there in the first place especially when his principal is not there. He should always be with his principal.

Where the questions should be focused is why the CDS who Wike called upheld the Lt's orders

Lurker4Long:
US business leaders have ignored the Orange Idiot, judging by how many are here at the B20. In fact, all the proposals at the B20 have been adopted.

The 4-year-old orange f00l is scared they'll vote to release the exotic island files in his absence. So he's trying hard to make the G-20 look bad.

Lurker4Long:
And here's the SVI version.

They're up to something here....

Lurker4Long:
After watching the Tac6 mortar version demo, I'm inclined to agree with you on the double cab. It should be a mix of single and double, depending on the variant.
.

They cooked here....

THE SADC MILITARY EXERCISE BLUE LUGWASHO 2025

...

South African counter-drone system earns capability pass mark

With successful capability trials completed Centurion-based Centauri Technologies is living up to its “from concept to combat” motto with the TriAD counter-drone system.

The trials – integrated and multi-layered – on the TriAD C-UAS (counter-unmanned aerial system) were undertaken using a vehicle mounted configuration at an undisclosed venue in the wake of its public debut at the February IDEX 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

“The trials validated Centauri’s TriAD system, which fuses radar, RF (radio frequency) and electro-optical sensors with AI (artificial intelligence) decision support to detect, prioritise and defeat hostile drones in real time with multiple hard kill effectors,” Xander Louw, Chief Product Officer, is on record as saying in a statement.

“Since then, we’ve refined the TriAD system capabilities, leading to an extensive series of controlled proof-of-concept trials. These are designed to demonstrate end-to-end detection, tracking, identification and defeat of small unmanned aerial systems from one interoperable system.”

The tests combined proven sensors with Centauri’s remotely operated weapon stations (ROWs) and a unified command and control (C2) stack. This showed a single vehicle-integrated solution providing effective, layered protection for convoys, bases and high-value assets.

TriAD is a sensor agnostic platform development integrating detection and tracking sensors, ROWs are Centauri proprietary systems.

They comprise the CRx-7 (7.62 mm LMG), CRx-30 (30×113 mm cannon) and CRx-40 (six-shot 40 mm grenade launcher) remote weapon stations, for graduated kinetic response.

The trials proved tracking from 360° radars matched with RF detection and EO/IR imagery from optical sensors significantly reduces false positives, enabling speedy identification and fast confident engagement decisions.

Importantly, the statement has it, the TriAD decision-support algorithm ranks multiple simultaneous contacts producing engagement orders aligned with operator judgement.

“In effect this means the C2 system fuses radar, RF and optical tracks into a single tactical picture, which feeds AI-based classifiers. In this manner, threats are prioritised and the operator is given recommendations for an optimal effector – which weapon to use.”

As an example, in the event of a low threat reconnaissance drone, the operator could use RF jamming or fire the CRx-7 7.62 mm light machine gun. For higher risk or hardened drone platforms, the 30 mm CRx-30 cannon (long range) or CRx-40 (close-in protection) grenade launcher could be fired using airburst munitions.

The TriAD features a human-machine interface (HMI) that allows the operator a fast handover between sensor feeds and provides single-click selection of recommended effectors (weapons) or manual override.

Louw has it further Centauri’s design priorities focused on modularity and export flexibility.

“TriAD can be configured with different sensor/effector mixes, depending on customer needs. Some might prefer a sensor-heavy detection grid with soft kill options, while others would opt for a hard kill vehicle-mounted solution for use on contested environments.”

Its architecture allows integration on armoured vehicles, naval vessels or as static installations, such as around airfields and military bases. Thanks to its compact and low weight design, it can be integrated on light vehicles, enhancing interoperability.

The Chief Product Officer said Centauri’s trials reflect an industry-wide shift toward layered, networked counter-UAS approaches combining sensors, soft and hard-kill options under unified decision systems. Customers benefit from TriAD’s single vendor delivered integration that shortens time-to-deploy compared with assembling disparate subsystems.

“What remains is acceptance testing and qualification. Centauri will expand the trial envelope to include EW (electronic warfare) resilience tests, GNSS (global navigation satellite system) denial scenarios and longer range integration with vehicle convoys,” Louw said.
https://defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/south-african-counter-drone-system-earns-capability-pass-mark/

The SAAF

GreenandGold:
The SAAF

sick! Y'all got some of the best aviation photographers
Honestly

Nigerian Air Force M346FA conducting tests with Air to Air missiles and a recon pod.

Nigerian Air Force AW109S Trekker

GreenandGold:
The SAAF

Did you enjoy that lovely roar from all those jets patrolling the JHB skies for the G20?

GreenandGold:
The SAAF

Is the plane in the second picture what Nigeria is trying to procure?