₦airaland Forum

@rka1 WELL THOUGHTOUT RESPONSE WHEN NIGERIA IS AT THE RECEIVING END BUT WHEN SOUTH AFRICA FACED THE SAME SITUATION IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC ALL SORTS OF INSULTS WERE TRADE BY YOUR KIND.

Latest NIGERIA MILITARY INVENTORY @AUGUSTUS CHECK THE NUMBER OF COMABT HELICOPTERS....CHECK THE NUMBER OF COMBAT AIRCRAFTS....COMPARE EVERY MILITARY HARDWARE IN YOUR INVENTORY AND COMPARE THAT WITH SOUTH AFRICA......YOU WILL FIND CLOSURE ON THE DEBATE
http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32118:nigerian-armed-forces&catid=119:african-militaries

@AUGUSTUS BOTSWANA IS MAKING INROADS IN AVIATION HISTORY:

Botswana is actively looking to purchase South Korea's T-50 supersonic advanced trainer and its FA-50 light combat aircraft, the South Korean Defense Ministry said on 18 November 2013.

The Botswana Air Force’s current compliment of aircraft consists of 14, F-5A fighter jets and F-5D trainers it bought from Canada in 1996. However it is now looking to replace them with more suitable modern aircraft.

Botswana’s Minister of Defence, Dikgakgamatso Seretse, met with his Korean counterpart Kim Kwan-jin in Seoul on 30 October 2013 during his visit to attend the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2013.

As a result of the deal, a senior South Korean military delegation will visit Botswana between 23 and 28 November 2013, to expand defense ties and seek opportunities to export home-made trainer jets to Botswana, Seoul's defense ministry said on 18 November 2013. The delegation will consist of a team of eight military, acquisition and Air Force officials, led by a two-star general.

The Korean delegation plans to meet Botswana officials and hold a business presentation on the T-50 supersonic trainer, built jointly by Korea Aerospace Industries (KIA) and US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, as well as the FA-50, a light attack variant of the T-50.

"The visit is aimed at providing government support to facilitate the export of the T-50 or the FA-50," a senior South Korean Defence Ministry official said on customary anonymity. "We hope the upcoming visit could help pave the way for South Korea to tap into Africa, expanding its overseas market focused in Southeast Asia, Latin America and Europe."

It is presently known that the Botswana government is seeking to acquire about 16 jets, with plans to receive a first batch of eight aircraft with no specific date yet to be decided, according to military officials.

The latest move comes as KAI, South Korea's sole aircraft maker, is stepping up its overseas marketing efforts to make inroads into emerging nations with growing defense needs. Thailand is currently negotiating with KAI to buy T-50s and FA-50s, with plans to buy the first batch of nine jets out of the proposed purchase estimated at 16 aircraft, according to industry sources and military officials. In addition, Seoul is set to export 12 FA-50s worth some US$ 450 million to the Philippines, expecting to sign a deal by the end of 2013.

Botswana proves an attractive market for low volume defence sales, in that it currently requires an upgrade to its fighter and trainer fleet, and because it ranks second after South Africa in terms of GDP, with a per capita GDP of US$ 8,550.

Although an unusual source of military equipment, South Korea does indeed offer a competitive package. This is largely due to the participation in the design programme of the US defence giant, Lockheed Martin, as well as the fact that prices are expected to be competitive due to the fact that South Korea is still looking to establish itself as a defence equipment exporter in the military aircraft arena.

As such, South Korea may prove to be an interesting new entrant into African defence markets, in that it remains typically unknown and politically neutral, when compared to the offerings provided by typical African defence equipment suppliers, such as the US, France, China, Russia and the South Africa. This could give Korean exports a significant advantage, particularly if they are built to the high specifications which their US allies typically select, and that of South Korean industrial giants such as Hyundai are world renowned for in their ship building offerings. As such, being a new player in African defence markets will not be without their challenges, but should the South Koreans maintain a competitive position in terms of price and equipment performance, they could very well make significant inroads in the future.

@AUGUSTUS WHILE NIGERIA BUYS SOUTH AFRICA IS EXPORTING AND RAKING IN BILLIONS IN REVENUES AND MAYBE SOUTH AFRICA WOULD BE ARMING THE VERY SAME AIRCRAFT SINCE NIGERIA BOUGHT IT FROM BRASIL

the annual Dubai Air Show it was announced that the UAE Armed Forces has placed an order for the production of an undisclosed number of Tawazun Dynamics' Al Tariq precision-guided weapon systems at a total value of AED 1.8 billion (US$500 million). Manufactured by Tawazun Dynamics, a member of the Tawazun Group, Al Tariq is a family of strap-on bomb kit systems. Utilizing GPS/INS guidance, Al-Tariq provides users with an all-weather, day/night operational capability and has a range of up to 100km and is used against tactical and strategic targets.

The order is part of the General Headquarters (GHQ) of the UAE Armed Forces drive to support home-grown defence manufacturing capabilities, to provide job and career development opportunities for the UAE nationals and to benefit from Tawazun's experience in the industrial and manufacturing fields.

Tawazun Dynamics was set up in September 2012 as a joint venture between Tawazun Holding and the Denel Dynamics division of Denel. Tawazun Dynamics is operating its Abu Dhabi-based facility for the development, manufacture, assembly and integration of precision-guided systems for conventional air munitions exclusively for the UAE Air Force. Its flagship project, the Al Tariq, is currently entering high volume production. The company is 51% owned by Tawazun and 49% by Denel.

The announcement comes amid the US policy trend of not selling precision weapons to Arabian Gulf states.

The R5bn contract will see the precision-guided bomb systems being integrated onto Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets flown by the air force of the UAE. The Group Chief Executive Officer of Denel, Riaz Saloojee, says the decision to equip the Mirage fighters with the Al Tariq bombs demonstrate Denel's global competence in designing world-class precision-guided munitions and missile systems.

The Al Tariq recently successfully completed a range of tests designed to measure its efficiency against static and moving targets. The targets were hit with an accuracy of more than 1.5 metres. Weapon navigation was by means of the advanced GPS-aided inertial navigation system which gives the weapon all-weather and day and night capabilities. Defence Industry Daily reported that Tawazun Dynamics’ Al-Tariq (originally: Umbani) glide bomb kit for Mk80 family bombs, with pop-out wings and propulsion bolt-ons that can boost its range to 100 km/ 60 miles, is the first example of the weapons the partnership will offer. Tawazun Dynamics is also offering dual-guidance GPS/IIR options, making Al-Tariq a direct competitor to Sagem’s AASM, Boeing’s JDAM-ER, and Raytheon’s AGM-154 JSOW. It could even be seen as an alternative to products like Lockheed Martin’s JASSM. The exact suite of weapons that will be offered through the partnership will be made clear at a later date. The Umbani-derived “Al-Tariq” bomb kits to convert 500 – 2,000 pound bombs into extended range precision glide weapons is the only near-certainty, and the only weapon listed so far by Tawazun Dynamics.

The integration of the Al Tariq with the Mirage, manufactured by Dassault Aviation is an important milestone for both Denel and Tawazun, and expectations are that the bomb systems will in future also be fitted onto other fighter jets.

By creating a joint firm near Abu Dhabi to manufacture and develop guided weapons, the new Tawazun Dynamics partnership will be able to offer GPS-guided glide bombs and more to customers throughout the Middle East, and around the world. Defence Industry Daily pointed out that it is another significant crack in a set of barriers that have given western countries a great deal of leverage with countries who buy their fighters. New entrants like Brazil, Turkey, South Korea, and South Africa are introducing advanced systems for the global market. As alternatives proliferate, the environment that allowed America and European countries to use the continued supply of advanced weapons as a political bargaining chip is eroding quickly.

The remaining barrier to Tawazun’s partnership is that the weapons it creates have to be integrated with specific fighters. In the UAE’s case, that means its French Mirage 2000-9s, and its US-manufactured F-16E/F Block 60s. If they were facing a different customer, France and the USA might choose to deny permission for integration with their fighters, using weapon export laws and other obstacles in order to stifle incipient competition for their domestic firms, and preserve that aspect of their national influence. However, the UAE is not that customer.

France is in negotiations with the UAE for a major buy of its Rafale fighters, which could provide the platform’s desperately-needed export endorsement. The USA has a significant strategic relationship with the UAE, and does a multi-billion dollar weapons business of its own that includes the possibility of F/A-18 Super Hornet family sales and more F-16E/Fs. Neither country can afford to jeopardize those investments and partnerships, even if the request diminishes their global influence in the defence trade.

The ability to sell to other Mirage 2000 customers opens up markets in Brazil, Qatar, and India, among others, as these are countries that all operate the aircraft. If the UAE chooses the Rafale, one would expect integration on that platform as well. South Africa flies JAS-39C/D Gripens, but has been slow to integrate new weapons like the Umbani GPS glide bomb kit due to lack of funds. Instead, South Africa integrated Umbani onto its Hawk Mk.120 advanced trainer and light attack jets, which could become a viable export platform depending on the partnership’s terms. The F-16E/F is unique enough that the UAE may have to work to include earlier F-16C/D Block 40+ planes, but if they did, it would open up a huge opportunity around the world.

Although the partnership is still in its early stages, Denel says it can offer much more to the market through this partnership:

The Mokopa short-range, semi-active laser guided strike missile, with a tandem warhead for better armour penetration. It can be carried on helicopters, and has been tested from land and ships. Denel Dynamics’ catalogue includes fixed-wing aircraft as a possibility, but is mum on tests or integration. The -600C temperatures at high altitudes are a formidable problem for conventional anti-tank missiles, so it remains to be seen how broad that “fixed wing” capability really is. If the UAE funded testing and improvements, it could create a competitor to MBDA’s Brimstone missile, which proved very effective in Libya.

The 1,200 kg Raptor-II rocket-boosted glide weapon, which can be guided by TV & GPS (with an IIR option) over its 130 km range. Integrated aircraft include older Mirage models, and the Russian SU-24 long-range strike aircraft.

The A-Darter advanced short-range air to air missile, in development as a partnership with Brazil. The UAE is already working to field the US’AIM-9X missiles for its F-16s, and fields MICA missiles on its Mirages, so it may not be interested.

The Ingwe beam-riding laser-guided anti-tank missile, which can be used by soldiers or fired from helicopters or vehicle mounts; Iraq is already a customer, equipping its EC635 scout helicopters.

The Umkhonto IR-guided short range naval anti-aircraft missile, which can also be deployed as a ground Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM).

@AUGUSTUS YOU ARE BANKRUPT IN TERMS OF KNOWLEDGE ON POLITICAL, MILITARY AND SOCIAL TOPICS BUT DOES EXCEL IN NEGATIVE PROPAGANDA AGAINSY SOUTH AFRICA....NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY TO PROVE THAT NIGERIA IS FAR SUPERIOR THAN SOUTH AFRICA, THE FACTS ON THE GROUND PROVES OTHERWISE.....CHINA IS NUMBER TWO ECONOMY IN THE WORLD BUT THE LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT CANNOT BE COMPARED WITH JAPAN, GERMANY, BRITAIN ETC.

SUCH A SCENARIO IS WHAT WILL BE REPEATING ITSELF WITH SOUTH AFRICA VERSUS NIGERIA......SOUTH AFRICA IS 100 YEARS ADVANCE IN COMPARISON WITH NIGERIA AND IT WOULD TAKE NIGERIA PRECISELY THE VERY SAME PERIOD TO REACH THE SOUTH AFRICAN STANDARD IN 2013 MEANWHILE @ THAT TIME THE GAP WOULD BE TWICE AHEAD FOR SOUTH AFRICA.

FOR NIGERIA TO ACHIEVE RESPECT MUST FIRST PRODUCE A NIGERIAN MADE MICROCHIP AND BE SELF SUFFICIENT AND STOP RELYING ON CHINESE, US, ISRAEL AND PAKISTAN FOR ASSISTANCE.

SA leads satellite game in Africa

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is marking its territory as a major global player, launching Africa's first nanosatellite, unveiling a state-of-the-art In-Orbit Testing (IOT) facility, introducing a new ultramodern high-frequency digital laser, and assisting in India's first Mars operation, all within a one-month period.

SA's first CubeSat satellite will be launched from Russia this week, 21 November.

The satellite, called ZACUBE-1, is a type of nanosatellite measuring 10 cubic centimetres and will be used to collect data on space weather. While this is the third satellite to be launched by SA, it is the very first nanosatellite to be launched on the African continent.

The satellite was built by CubeSat students at the French South African Institute of Technology (F'SATI), which is based on the campus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), in collaboration with SANSA and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

SANSA spokesperson Vaneshree Maharaj says the nanosatellite will house science experiments, one of which will assist SANSA in collaborating with the space weather radar in Antarctica. "It is a demonstrator of new technology, as well as enabling our young scientists and engineers to gain practical experience in designing and developing these satellites," she says.

According to director of F'SATI professor Robert van Zyl, the CubeSat will be launched from Yasny Launch Base, in Russia, and be placed in orbit at an altitude of 600km. Running on the same amount of power as a five-Watt bulb, ZACUBE-1 will orbit the Earth up to 15 times a day, with the main aim of gathering data on space weather for SANSA.

Van Zyl explains that the CubeSat programme uses CubeSat technology platforms for practical, hands-on skills training and applied research. "This approach offers our students a unique learning experience and prepares them very well to participate in the South African space industry," he says.

Over a period of just three years, the ZACUBE-1 programme has graduated 22 Master's students and contributed to 10 conference papers, three scientific journal papers, the development of the African Space Innovation Centre and a Research Chair.

The team at CPUT is already developing ZACUBE-2, which will be three times larger than the first, says Van Zyl.

Last month, SANSA unveiled a high-frequency digital radar in Hermanus that forms part of the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN), an international network of more than 30 radars used to monitor the dynamics of space weather. The radar system is expected to be shipped to Antarctica before the end of the year, where it will be installed at the South African Antarctic Research Base, SANAE IV.

Antarctica is a prime location for space weather research, as the Earth's magnetic field lines converge at the poles, acting as a funnel for space plasma to travel into the Earth's atmosphere.

SANSA Space Science communications officer Catherine Webster explains that, just as there is weather on Earth, there is weather in space, and it can interfere with, and cause damage to, satellites that are relied on for communication, navigation, resource management, and national safety and security.

"Understanding space weather, a term used to describe the effects the sun has on Earth and the planets of our solar system, is a global priority," says Webster. As host to the only Space Weather Centre in Africa, SANSA provides an important service to the nation by monitoring the sun and its activity to provide information, early warnings and forecasts on space weather conditions.

SANSA Space Science MD Dr Lee-Anne McKinnell explains that communication and navigation technology, town planning, and resource and disaster management are highly dependent on satellites operating in the space environment. "Understanding this environment has become vital in order to protect technology in space and on Earth from the devastating effects of space weather."

SANSA decided to undertake the "ambitious" project of constructing the radar in-house to take advantage of the training opportunities offered by a project of this magnitude, as well as the opportunity to develop a radio frequency laboratory, says McKinnell. "Through the development of the SuperDARN Radar, SANSA is able to provide a state-of-the-art radar platform for space science research to take place nationally and internationally, further enhancing South Africa as a global space player."

Addressing national challenges

Another boost to SA's ability to use satellite data to address national issues, was SANSA's recent unveiling of its new IOT antennae facility at its Hartebeesthoek station.

MD of SANSA space operations Raoul Hodges says the new facility consists of a new 10m Ku-DBS band antenna and an equipment room, fitted with IOT equipment and infrastructure to assist clients to successfully commission new satellites.

SANSA has a number of space programmes that aim to benefit SA, including the provision of satellite data, products and services to government departments to monitor a variety of aspects such as growth of informal settlements, natural resources like water, and providing real-time data for management of disaster and recovery.

In order to download data, track and support these satellites over SA, the agency has a state-of-the-art facility at Hartebeesthoek that supports numerous international space launches, and provides IOT and telemetry, tracking and command for global clients.

According to Hodges, SA is in an ideal position to assist satellite operators in the qualification and commissioning of their new satellites, as the country has a relatively radio-quiet environment and a good geographic position. "We have seen a steady growth in the market for IOT services, and with the existing KU-DBS facility carrying a high workload for normal transfer orbit operations, it made sense to develop a dedicated facility," he says. Data downloaded at facilities such as the one at Hartebeesthoek is compiled annually to create a national mosaic, which is in essence a combination of images taken by the Spot 5 satellite to create a map of the entire country. This map is used mostly by government departments to address various issues facing SA.

The Spot 5 mosaic was recently launched and SANSA has already secured agreements with supplier of Spot imagery, Astrium, to acquire Spot 6 and 7 data, which will offer higher-resolution images.

SANSA Earth Observation MD Dr Jane Olwoch explains the mosaic is made up of 485 images taken by the Spot 5 satellite, which provides information of an area 60km by 60km within each tile.

The national mosaic was first incepted in 2006 and this year's national mosaic has seen a number of improvements, including an enhanced method for colour balancing, an improved true colour algorithm, and no gaps in coverage. Another improvement is the inclusion of Web map applications in the packaging, which allow users connected to the Internet to explore the image footprints and preview the Spot 5 products for each of these footprints.

Acquiring the data for one map costs R17 million, excluding staff salaries and the storing and processing of data. "It is definitely a costly exercise, but the value you get out of it is much more than the money you put in," says Olwach.

Olwach explains that the data provided by the national mosaic is used for a variety of purposes, such as comparing the annual maps to measure the growth of informal settlements, industrial development and the country's urban footprint.

"The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries uses the map to look at pollution in the water, particularly in Hartbeespoort Dam," says Olwach. The department also uses the map to measure climate change, as well as the viability of land for agriculture.

"They also use it to estimate crop produce. For example, they have seen this year there is going to be a reduction in maize, which means an increase in the price," says Olwach. The map has even been used by police to monitor the country's borders.

Although the map is primarily used by government, it is made available to all public entities, including schools, universities and research institutions. Users are able to access the SANSA Earth observation catalogue, which contains Spot 5 and other satellite imagery from the data archive.

Educational benefits

SANSA delivers a vital contribution to education in the country. In addition to making Spot 5 data available to educational institutions, the agency also launched the pilot of its Fundisa School Resources discs to all the Dinaledi schools in the country last month.

Fundisa Resources is a data disc with data sets and tools specific to SA that is produced by SANSA, in collaboration with DST, annually. These discs are delivered to up to 16 tertiary institutions and enable lecturers and students to use the data either for teaching purposes or in their research.

According to Maharaj, the agency this year simplified the data and tools on the disc so it can be used by Grade 10 to 12 learners in their school work and projects. "These resources will help raise awareness about the value satellite imagery adds to Geographic Information Systems analysis, and allow learners to have these skills already when they leave school.

"By the time the learners graduate in Grade 12, they will have a greater understanding of Earth observation and can proceed to more focused studies at tertiary level."

While the Fundisa Resources disc usually contains data from three or four satellites for the whole of SA, the school education discs have each been individualised to contain scenes relating to the schools' areas of interest and surrounding communities, explains Maharaj. The satellite images can be used to observe a variety of aspects.

In addition to the data discs, SANSA has launched a Fundisa portal, where learners from all high schools in the country can access the latest satellite data, as well as a number of years' archived data, and engage with SANSA experts.

The focus for SANSA is to bring the benefit of space science and technology investment back to South Africans through various space programmes, from Earth observation and space science research, to providing space operations support and exploring the space engineering competencies through development of our next satellite, says Maharaj.

International player

Last week, SANSA announced it will take part in India's first Mars operation, by providing satellite tracking, telemetry and command services.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its PSLV-C25 rocket carrying the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) spacecraft in November. Less than two hours after the launch, SANSA's Hartebeesthoek ground station acquired the satellite signal and is providing the craft with transfer-orbit support services (TOSS).

Pandey Shyam, an ISRO scientist stationed at Hartebeesthoek for the TOSS duration, explains that the ground station is the closest point to the satellite per pass. "The satellite is in its elliptical orbit, and several manoeuvres are planned before the final Mars injection manoeuvre, which should take place around 30 November," says Shyam.

MOM will orbit the Earth for 20 to 25 days, before embarking on a nine-month expedition to Mars. This is India's first deep space mission and is aimed at establishing the country's technological capabilities. It will look for signs of life on the red planet and study its surroundings.

The Mars Orbiter has five unique instruments on board: a Lyman Alpha photometer, a Mars exospheric neutral composition analyser, a Mars colour camera, a thermal infrared imaging spectrometer, and a methane sensor for Mars. Shyam explains what makes the mission different to others is the methane sensor, because if methane is detected, it could be an indication of life.

If the orbiter reaches Mars successfully, India will become the first Asian country to have a spacecraft orbiting the red planet and the sixth agency to launch a spacecraft heading for Mars.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32787:sa-leads-satellite-game-in-africa&catid=90:science-a-technology&Itemid=204

Diehl Defence has expanded the envelope of its IRIS-T SL (Surface Launched) surface-to-air guided missile with successful firings at the Overberg Test Range earlier this month.

The company said two firings were conducted on a test campaign between November 4 and 8 as part of the development programme for the new guided missile plus launcher, contracted by the German Federal Office of Equipment, Information Technology and Utilization of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw).

Both missiles destroyed their targets with direct hits confirming the guided missile system´s expected precision, Diehl said. In one case the maximum distance lay far beyond 20 kilometres. The missiles were launched at EADS Do-DT 25 jet powered target drones.

Diehl test fired the IRIS-T SL for the first time on October 9, 2009, at Overberg. Further firings were conducted there in December 2012.

It is being developed for Germany as a stop-gap to the Medium Extended Air Defence System (Meads) being produced by Lockheed Martin and MBDA and is a ground-launched version of the infrared homing IRIS-T in service with the South African Air Force. It has a sharp nose cone to reduce drag that is separated prior to approaching a target.

Diehl Defence said the mobile, medium-range systems provide comprehensive 360 degree protection against air attacks by aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and guided weapons. They allow simultaneous engagement of several targets even at very short distances thanks to extremely short reaction times.

~

The South African Navy frigate SAS Spioenkop ported in Simon’s town earlier today, ending a six week voyage that took in six west African countries as part of the military diplomatic mission, Interop West.

The Valour class frigate, under the command of Captain Mike Boucher, was originally earmarked to fly the South African flag during the Africa Seapower Conference in Dakar, Senegal, as part of her mission. The late cancellation of this event allowed the frigate to make an extra port call at Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

On her transit up the west coast of the continent, Spioenkop’s first port of call was Walvis Bay in Namibia, followed by Luanda in Angola. From there she steamed on to Nigeria where she ported in Lagos before the next stop at Tema in Ghana. The second last porting was at Dakar, Senegal, before steaming northwards to Malabo.

On both the outbound and return legs the traditional Crossing the Line ceremony was performed making the entire Spioenkop ship’s company members “shell-backs”, those who have crossed the equator at sea and paid homage to King Neptune.

This tradition was not allowed to stand in the way of regular training aboard, with navigation and other sea skills regularly practiced. Training also saw a number of internal qualifications successful completed during the voyage.

As with any lengthy transit, maintenance of the vessel is an important task and this saw, literally, all hands on deck from time to time. A number of exercise evolvements were also undertaken with the navies of countries called on during Interop West.

In addition to a ship’s company numbering 180, Spioenkop also carried 12 Maritime Reaction Squadron (MRS) members and four SA Military Health Service medical specialists.

Receptions were held for local naval dignitaries and government officials accompanied by South African diplomatic representatives at all ports of call.

“Spioenkop represented South Africa well and people were amazed such a modern ship was part of the SA Navy. The ship and her crew were well received and supported by our High commissions, South African business communities in the countries visited as well as targeted publics,” Boucher said, with the Valour Class frigate safely tied up alongside in her home port.

Cape Town based company KND Naval Design, participating in the Dubai Airshow for the first time this year, has won a $30 million order for its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Kobus Potgieter, head of KND Naval Design, said that the company's unmanned division has sold its fixed wing Vars-1 UAV to a Central African country in a deal worth $30 million. The programme will be rolled out over the next three years. He told defenceWeb that the deal involves between ten and 20 systems.

KND has also signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with a Russian company for a similar deal at the Dubai Airshow, worth about $20 million. At the moment KND is in discussions to produce the systems there and expects to establish a second production facility in Russia.

KND has traditionally been associated with naval design, but four years ago, with local partners, started a new business division called KND Robotics. This is a 100% UAE owned company – due to a lack of resources, development funding and support for the programme in South Africa, it was decided to move the programme outside South Africa.

The main purpose of the new business entity is to develop and produce quality, affordable unmanned solutions to be implemented together with other KND products such as high speed patrol vessels.

Potgieter believes that the unmanned business is the way forward, with UAVs becoming more versatile and improving their performance – flights of 4 000 miles in length and heights of 45 000 ft have already been recorded, he pointed out.

At the moment KND’s UAV range comprises of the Vars-1 fixed wing vehicle, with an endurance of 10-11 hours cruising at 140 km/h, and the Shark rotary wing UAV. The Shark comes in two different variants, with the Shark I having an endurance of1.5 hours and a CM-160 camera with a range of 1.5-2 km. The larger and more powerful Shark II has an endurance of up to five hours and can see 5-7 km away using a Wescam MX-10 camera. The Vars-1’s camera is able to see 40 km away, Potgieter told defenceWeb.

KND introduced its UAVs in order to provide a total solution to clients, from design and manufacture to command, control and surveillance. For instance, it offers the 14.5 metre Ghost vessel which incorporates a retractable landing platform for a UAV. Production will start with two vessels in the UAE this year.

Apart from maritime operations, KND’s UAVs are also being promoted for a variety of other applications, such as wildlife surveillance (counter-poaching), geological mapping, aerial photography, news coverage, traffic control, crowd surveillance, pipeline and power line monitoring and of course military and maritime surveillance.

Denel is expanding its presence in the maritime environment with products and services to support naval operations and will use next week’s Maritime and Coastal Security Africa (MCSA) conference and exhibition to showcase them.

“Denel has traditionally been strong in the landward and aerospace sectors but many of our products and systems can also be used by maritime clients, both in the defence and civilian sectors,” said Denel chief executive Riaz Salojee.

Having a presence at the Cape Town event, which starts on Monday, is also part Denel’s strategy to grow revenue in new markets and find business opportunities for Denel’s existing core capabilities and proven products.

“Denel is a national asset and a strategic partner of our defence community, including the SA Navy. Our capabilities will be on display at MCSA which is the most important annual naval exhibition on the African continent.”

Earlier this month Denel successfully tested its extended range Umkhonto surface-to-air missile during live firing exercises at the Denel Overberg Test Range in the southern Cape. Umkhonto, designed and manufactured by Denel Dynamics, can now be fired from both land-based launchers as well as the SA Navy’s Valour Class frigates.

Saloojee said maritime security is growing in importance for South Africa and Africa, in general, with increasing demands to counter piracy in southern waters and protect the country’s marine resources along its 2 500 km long coastline.

Denel Land Systems manufactures the 35 mm dual purpose gun, used by South African frigates to defend against attacks by aircraft, helicopters and missiles. It can fire 35 x 228mm ammunition at a rate of 1 100 rounds a minute and engage targets at a distance of up to six kilometres.

The NATO standard ammunition used by this weapon system is locally manufactured by Denel PMP and Rheinmetall Denel Munitions.

The versatile 20 mm GI-2 is a rapid fire automatic cannon that can be fitted to land vehicles, helicopters and naval vessels. It is currently in used by all branches of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) and has been successfully exported.

Unmanned aerial vehicle systems designed and developed by Denel Dynamics, can stay up in the air for up to nine hours and cover a range of 200 km, providing naval forces with valuable reconnaissance information.

Saloojee said further that Denel is also expanding its expertise in systems engineering and command-and-control into the maritime environment with products and services for both the defence and civilian-security sectors.

There are a number of niche focus areas in which the company has proven systems-level experience and can add value to, and strengthen, the reach of the existing maritime sector. This also includes the strategic “C4I” sector of the defence environment – namely, Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence.

@AUGUSTUS you are a good propagandist to the Nigerians but a hollow motor mouth to those that undestand the Nigerian way of life including its military. Comparing Rooivlalk with Hind helicopters does show the low level of understanding of military matters. When I first encounted your posts you were full of praises for the Libyan military, which never even showed any backbone in face of the internal revolt. Then switch sides when GHADDAFI was overthrown.

Now you are praise singer of the Egyptian military which depends on the military aid for its survival. You were a praises singer of the 1963 obselete RONALD Surface to air missile as a game changer in these modern times.

True you are a patriotic Nigerian but do not exaggerate and lie in doing so......REALITY IS THAT SANDF IS FAR SUPERIOR TO NIGERIA AS IS THE STANDARD OF DEVELOPMENT BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES.

SOONER THE ECONOMY OF NIGERIA WOULD SURPASS SOUTH AFRICA ITS A FACT BUT THAT WONT ALTER THE BALANCE OF FORCES AS WITH CHINA OVER JAPAN, GERMANY, EUROPE AND OTHER DEVEOPED COUNTRIES

@AUGUSTUS OBSERVE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICAN AND NIGERIAN UAV......WHICH ONE LOOKS PROFESSIONAL AND WHICH ONE CAN ATTRACT CUSTOMERS.

The Nigeria Navy (NN) has contracted the China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company (CSOC) to upgrade its naval dockyard into at Port Harcourt into a world-class factory that will build offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and carry out maintenance on vessels.

The Chinese company, which won a contract to build two 95 metre P18N OPVs for the Nigerian Navy in 2009, is scaling up the facilities to enable it to do the remaining construction works on the vessels locally in Port Harcourt. Nigerian Navy chief of Policy and Plans Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogbor said the upgrading of the shipyard is part of the navy's drive to develop a local ship-building capability and an industrial base capable of maintaining the country's naval vessels.

"Localising building of naval vessels in Nigeria will make more naval ships available for patrol and protection of critical offshore infrastructure in Nigeria's maritime domain for the benefit of all,” Ogbor said.

CSOC representative Xu Qui said the first phase of the project will entail construction of a new jetty and other facilities for the repairing of ships up to 5 000 dead-weight tons (dwt). The second phase will focus on the construction of a new dry dock and auxiliary facilities with a capacity to build and repair offshore patrol vessels and 5 000 dwt ships. The third and final phase will see the setting up of a fully modern shipyard capable of building and repairing offshore patrol vessels, offshore platformss and seafaring vessels of up to 10 000 dwt.

According to Jane’s Defence Weekly, the first Chinese-built OPV is being built at the Wuchang shipyard in Wuhan and is expected to be delivered to Nigeria in mid-2014. The second vessel is also set to arrive in Nigeria in 2014, and will be completed either later next year or in early 2015.

According to Jane’s, the NN dockyard has already produced a 31metre long Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) and is using the experience gained to build a larger, 38-metre long SDB and a 16.56 m, 92 ton naval tug. The dockyard previously built a 90-passenger naval ferry (Sauka Lafiya) in 2009.

International interest in Nigerian ship-building has grown of late with Singapore-based Suncraft International offering the NN two low-cost ship designs - one for a 60 metre long vessel with a helicopter pad and the other for a 90 metre long vessel which has an integral hangar.

Suncraft has delivered at least a dozen 17 metre Manta and two 38 metre patrol craft to the Nigerian Navy, which will soon receive two Ocea FPB 98 patrol craft.

Many of the Nigerian Navy’s vessels are in poor condition due to lack of maintenance, but the Navy is embarking on a highly ambitious expansion programme that aims to acquire 49 naval vessels and 42 helicopters over the next decade. A number of vessels have been delivered over the last several years, such as the ex-US Coast Guard Hamilton class cutter NNS Thunder, and dozens of inshore patrol vessels. The Nigerian Navy will receive two more ex-United States vessels in 2014/15, the US Navy Survey Ship John McDonnell and the US Coast Guard Cutter

The Nigeria Navy (NN) has contracted the China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company (CSOC) to upgrade its naval dockyard into at Port Harcourt into a world-class factory that will build offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and carry out maintenance on vessels.

The Chinese company, which won a contract to build two 95 metre P18N OPVs for the Nigerian Navy in 2009, is scaling up the facilities to enable it to do the remaining construction works on the vessels locally in Port Harcourt. Nigerian Navy chief of Policy and Plans Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogbor said the upgrading of the shipyard is part of the navy's drive to develop a local ship-building capability and an industrial base capable of maintaining the country's naval vessels.

"Localising building of naval vessels in Nigeria will make more naval ships available for patrol and protection of critical offshore infrastructure in Nigeria's maritime domain for the benefit of all,” Ogbor said.

CSOC representative Xu Qui said the first phase of the project will entail construction of a new jetty and other facilities for the repairing of ships up to 5 000 dead-weight tons (dwt). The second phase will focus on the construction of a new dry dock and auxiliary facilities with a capacity to build and repair offshore patrol vessels and 5 000 dwt ships. The third and final phase will see the setting up of a fully modern shipyard capable of building and repairing offshore patrol vessels, offshore platformss and seafaring vessels of up to 10 000 dwt.

According to Jane’s Defence Weekly, the first Chinese-built OPV is being built at the Wuchang shipyard in Wuhan and is expected to be delivered to Nigeria in mid-2014. The second vessel is also set to arrive in Nigeria in 2014, and will be completed either later next year or in early 2015.

According to Jane’s, the NN dockyard has already produced a 31metre long Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) and is using the experience gained to build a larger, 38-metre long SDB and a 16.56 m, 92 ton naval tug. The dockyard previously built a 90-passenger naval ferry (Sauka Lafiya) in 2009.

International interest in Nigerian ship-building has grown of late with Singapore-based Suncraft International offering the NN two low-cost ship designs - one for a 60 metre long vessel with a helicopter pad and the other for a 90 metre long vessel which has an integral hangar.

Suncraft has delivered at least a dozen 17 metre Manta and two 38 metre patrol craft to the Nigerian Navy, which will soon receive two Ocea FPB 98 patrol craft.

Many of the Nigerian Navy’s vessels are in poor condition due to lack of maintenance, but the Navy is embarking on a highly ambitious expansion programme that aims to acquire 49 naval vessels and 42 helicopters over the next decade. A number of vessels have been delivered over the last several years, such as the ex-US Coast Guard Hamilton class cutter NNS Thunder, and dozens of inshore patrol vessels. The Nigerian Navy will receive two more ex-United States vessels in 2014/15, the US Navy Survey Ship John McDonnell and the US Coast Guard Cutter

The Pakistan Air Force is assisting the Nigerian Air Force with maintenance and training for its F-7 fighter jets and in building the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity.

Last week the Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, paid an official five-day visit to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral defence relations. Butt said he would help the Nigerian Air Force reach its full potential and promised that “the Pakistani Air Force and the Defence Industries of Pakistan will not hold anything back from the Nigerian people and the Nigerian Air Force. When we cooperate more, we will develop to reach higher heights,” Pan-African news agency (Pana) quotes him as saying.

Pana reports that Pakistani Air Force personnel are present in Nigeria working to maintain Nigerian aircraft. Two Pakistani pilots are providing technical assistance for the Air Force’s Chinese-built F-7NI and FT-7NI jets. Pakistan also operates the type and has trained Nigerian pilots.

The Pakistanis were brought in following several F-7 crashes and the loss of maintenance schedules, which resulted in the grounding of the fleet in October 2012. After assistance from the Pakistan Air Force, the jets were cleared to fly again, Pana reports.

Nigeria received 12 F-7Ni fighters and three FT-7Ni trainers from China, with deliveries commencing in 2009. An F-7Ni crashed in May 2012 whilst another one was lost in March 2011.

Nigerian Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh, said the Pakistanis had sent teams to look at the F-7s and instruct the Nigerian Air Force. He added that in addition to the F-7s, the NAF was looking for assistance with its C-130 transport aircraft, as well as instructor pilots for them, and also wanted help training pilots at the Nigerian Air Academy. Nigeria is in the process of refurbishing some of its grounded C-130s.

Butt’s visit comes after Badeh visited Pakistan last year.

Butt also met with Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, and other officials and agreed to increase defence cooperation between Pakistan and Nigeria. He said that the Pakistan Air Force was ready to cooperate with the NAF regarding combating militancy and terrorism, especially as this has also been the bane of Pakistan. Last week the Nigerian Air Force launched air strikes against Boko Haram militants in the north of the country. Numerous aircraft, including Alpha Jet trainers/light attack jets, have been deployed as part of the operation.

~

The Pakistan Air Force is assisting the Nigerian Air Force with maintenance and training for its F-7 fighter jets and in building the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity.

Last week the Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, paid an official five-day visit to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral defence relations. Butt said he would help the Nigerian Air Force reach its full potential and promised that “the Pakistani Air Force and the Defence Industries of Pakistan will not hold anything back from the Nigerian people and the Nigerian Air Force. When we cooperate more, we will develop to reach higher heights,” Pan-African news agency (Pana) quotes him as saying.

Pana reports that Pakistani Air Force personnel are present in Nigeria working to maintain Nigerian aircraft. Two Pakistani pilots are providing technical assistance for the Air Force’s Chinese-built F-7NI and FT-7NI jets. Pakistan also operates the type and has trained Nigerian pilots.

The Pakistanis were brought in following several F-7 crashes and the loss of maintenance schedules, which resulted in the grounding of the fleet in October 2012. After assistance from the Pakistan Air Force, the jets were cleared to fly again, Pana reports.

Nigeria received 12 F-7Ni fighters and three FT-7Ni trainers from China, with deliveries commencing in 2009. An F-7Ni crashed in May 2012 whilst another one was lost in March 2011.

Nigerian Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh, said the Pakistanis had sent teams to look at the F-7s and instruct the Nigerian Air Force. He added that in addition to the F-7s, the NAF was looking for assistance with its C-130 transport aircraft, as well as instructor pilots for them, and also wanted help training pilots at the Nigerian Air Academy. Nigeria is in the process of refurbishing some of its grounded C-130s.

Butt’s visit comes after Badeh visited Pakistan last year.

Butt also met with Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, and other officials and agreed to increase defence cooperation between Pakistan and Nigeria. He said that the Pakistan Air Force was ready to cooperate with the NAF regarding combating militancy and terrorism, especially as this has also been the bane of Pakistan. Last week the Nigerian Air Force launched air strikes against Boko Haram militants in the north of the country. Numerous aircraft, including Alpha Jet trainers/light attack jets, have been deployed as part of the operation.

~

@AUGUSTUS: HERE BELOW IS YOUR ROLAND SURFACE TO AIR MISSILE YOU HAVE BEEN BOOSTING ABOUT......HAHAHHAHAHAH AN OBSOLENTE MISSILE DEVELOPED IN 1963 SHAMMMMMMMMMME!!!!

The Roland is a Franco-German mobile short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. The Roland was also purchased by the U.S. Army as one of very few foreign SAM systems.

Roland was designed to a joint French and German requirement for a low-level mobile missile system to protect mobile field formations and fixed, high-value targets such as airfields. Development began in 1963 as a study by Nord Aviation of France and Bölkow of Germany with the system then called SABA in France and P-250 in Germany.[1] The two companies formed a joint development project in 1964 and later (as Aérospatiale of France and MBB of Germany) founded the Euromissile company for this and other missile programs. Aerospatiale took primary responsibility for the Roland 1 day/clear-weather system while MBB took primary responsibility for the Roland 2 all-weather system. Aerospatiale was also responsible for the rear and propulsion system of the missile while MBB developed the front end of the missile with warhead and guidance systems. The first guided launch of a Roland prototype took place in June 1968, destroying a CT-20 target drone and fielding of production systems was expected from January 1970. The test and evaluation phase took much longer than originally anticipated with the clear-weather Roland I finally entering operational service with the French Army in April 1977, while the all-weather Roland II was first fielded by the German Army in 1978 followed by the French Army in 1981.[2] The long delays and ever-increasing costs combined with inflation meant Roland was never procured in the numbers originally anticipated.

naijas show the world ur indegenous production without any technological borrowing from any western country.

@AUGUSTUS THE UAV TECHNOLOGY IS FROM ISRAEL NOT NIGERIAN

http://beegeagle./2013/07/03/an-israeli-made-aerostar-drone-of-the-nigerian-air-force-photo-credit-federal-ministry-of-information/

Scandal in Nigeria over Israeli arms firm’s Internet spying contract: @AUGUSTUS YOU DONT HAVE UR CAPACITY
http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&ved=0CEEQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Felectronicintifada.net%2Fblogs%2Fjimmy-johnson%2Fscandal-nigeria-over-israeli-arms-firms-internet-spying-contract&ei=48eNUqWHHKWM0AXJsoGQBA&usg=AFQjCNGDD1__vVHvPYFLDGt4_kV9CAxw6Q

@AUGUSTUS TELL NO LIES AND CLAIM HOLLOW AND EASY VICTORY:

BAE Systems (UK) has officially transferred Hawk Mission System Design Authority to ATE South Africa, allowing ATE to sign off any future upgrades or modifications on the South African Air Force's Hawk Mission System.

The Hawk Mission System Design Authority certificate was officially transferred at a ceremony held at ATE Premises in Midrand. ATE said the transfer was a significant milestone in the Hawk Lead-in-Fighter-Trainer programme and signifies the end of a major ATE capability build-up regarding Mission Systems and Software.

The ATE development of the Hawk Navigation and Weapons System (NWS) included numerous audits and reviews as conducted by BAE Systems, culminating in Alan Geddes (Mission Systems) and Anton Coetzee (Software) of ATE South Africa now having the authority to sign off any future upgrades or modifications on the Hawk Mission Systems. At aircraft level, BAE Systems would still sign off any modifications/upgrades in the aircraft, as it is a BAE Systems product.

Given this achievement, ATE said it has positioned itself to support Armscor and the South African Air Force in view of the potential introduction of a Helmet Mounted Capability and possible integration of the A-Darter Missile on the SAAF Hawk Aircraft as a future upgrade.

The NWS was developed under a R500 million (US$73 million at the time) prime avionics subcontract from BAE Systems, the first time that the latter has placed such a contract with a foreign company. BAE Systems Hawk South Africa Project Director Mike Rennardson in May 2006 said the order, when placed in April 2000, was the “biggest ever contract placed on a South African private sector aerospace firm.”

@AUGUSTUS NO AMOUNT OF NEGATIVE PROPAGANDA WOULD OFFSET SOUTH AFRICA'S ACHIEVEMENTS

BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa today unveiled new versions of its SD-ROW and TRT remotely operated gun turrets, which will be displayed at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition starting tomorrow.

BAE demonstrated its Self Defence Remotely Operated Weapon (SD-ROW) on an RG-32 vehicle at a range outside Pretoria today. The system is designed to be lightweight and cost effective and fills a gap in the market for a low-cost system. It is designed to carry a 7.62 machinegun – the version demonstrated today fired an FN MAG, but other weapons, such as the Russian RPK, are available.

The SD-ROW system has existed in 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm offerings, but the new version can mount 12.7 mm and 20 mm weapons (12.7 x 76 mm and 20 x 42 mm).

The system is designed to be affordable, light and simple to use, especially on small vehicles. A key factor was reducing weight and the total system weights just 75 kg, including 200 rounds of ammunition. It uses a day camera for targeting, but a laser rangefinder and infrared camera are optional extras. A stabilisation system enables it to engage targets whilst on the move. Traverse is 110 degrees a second and elevation is 85 degrees, which van der Merwe said would be useful in urban warfare situations.

Creating more of an impression at the demonstration today was BAE Systems’ newly designed tactical remote turret, the TRT-R30MK. The 30 mm Tactical Remote Turret was demonstrated with a Russian 2A42 30 x 165 mm cannon mounted on an Iklwa armoured vehicle, which is an upgraded Ratel infantry fighting vehicle (the turret has also been integrated on BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle). The cannon fired high explosive shells at a target over a kilometre downrange, scoring perfect hits and setting it ablaze. Single shots as well as the maximum 600 round per minute burst were demonstrated on several targets. Standard firing rate is 125 rounds per minute for best accuracy.

The TRT-R30MK is an evolution of the TRT-25 25 mm cannon. It can be adapted to carry various NATO cannons, including the Mk 44 Bushmaster. The weapon demonstrated today was housed in an unprotected turret in order to save weight and cost, but armour can be added. The turret’s control station can be integrated anywhere in the vehicle allowing for increased internal space for crew or extra payload. The system is equipped with electro-mechanical drives and high performance sight equipment (infrared camera and laser rangefinder) to allow for all round observation, fast reaction time and accurate firing on the move during day and night operation.

Two bins of ammunition were located in the turret aboard the Iklwa, along with a coaxial machinegun with 1 000 rounds of ammunition and smoke grenade launchers. In addition, the 30 mm version of the TRT can carry two anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), including Russian and NATO designs, as well as the South African Ingwe. The TRT on display at the African Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2012 exhibition in Pretoria will be fitted with two Russian Konkurs ATGMs.

The TRT family of turrets provides soldiers with a spectrum of self-protection and ground fire support capability, combined with the safety of an armoured protected vehicle. THE TURRETS WERE DEVELOPED COMPLETELY BY SOUTH AFRICA and remained the intellectual property of BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa. This means that changes and modifications can be made in house and neither turret contains any systems which are subject to US export control regulations.

@AUGUSTUS I CHERISH THE DAY YOU WILL POST FACTS NOT FICTION AND WHISH LIST THAT MAY NOT BE ACHIEVED: TO YOU ONLY SOCCER WILL NAIJA EXCEL ABOVE SOUTH AFRICA: SEE THE BELOW ATTACHMENT AND NO AMOUNT OF YOUR NEGATIVITY POSTED AS CORRECT DEBATE AND MASQUARATED AS FACTS CAN OFFSET THE POINT THAT SOUTH AFRICA IS AHEAD OF NIGERIA AND WITH NO HOPE OF CATCH UP SOON OR SURPASSING SOUTH AFRICA

Denel Land Systems showed off a wide range of its products at its Lyttelton facilities on Tuesday, showcasing proven technology, like its G6 artillery and R4 assault rifles, and new hardware, such as its Badger armoured vehicle, 60 mm breech loading mortar and 105 mm howitzer.

Stephan Burger, CEO of Denel Land Systems (DLS), said recent restructuring and acquisitions have broadened the company’s range of products and services, confirming its role as a strategic land systems partner to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). “We are extremely proud of what we have and who we are,” he told journalists at a briefing yesterday.
DLS said the strength of the company lies in its ability to meet South Africa’s entire landward defence needs – from infantry weapons and mortars to armoured vehicles, artillery and logistical support. The fact that Denel is now profitable and not making a loss any more further strengthens its ability to support the SANDF. “Our purpose is not only to make money – it is to support the strategic needs of the SANDF in terms of combat systems. We are fulfilling that role but we can’t do that by relying on South African business.”

As a result, some 80% of DLS turnover comes from export orders. Burger said that DLS is now a “mature and confident company which can build on a reputation and experience of more than 60 years. The next step will be to grow our share in the global markets – especially in our niche capabilities in artillery systems.”


Burger said that Denel’s G6 and G5 howitzers still set the global standards for long-range artillery. “The G6 was ahead of its time when it was first launched in 1987. Through our continuous research and investment in the gun we have ensured it remains ahead of the pack as the most versatile and reliable artillery system in its class. We are still outgunning all our global competitors by a wide margin.”

He told defenceWeb that DLS was in negotiations with a couple of customers for a “substantial number” of these weapons, which are in high demand.

On the artillery side, DLS yesterday showcased its 105 mm howitzer, which is still under development and waiting for an order so this can be completed. Burger told defenceWeb that the gun was more of a technology demonstrator and is taking a back seat to the G5 and G6, which are important products for the company. The 105 mm gun has a range of 30 km, versus the average of 18 km for other weapons of that calibre, Denel said. Burger noted that the 105 mm is important to Denel’s long-term planning as a next generation weapon.

Two of the main areas that Denel Land Systems is focusing on is artillery for export and the maintenance of the SANDF’s B-vehicle fleet. With upcoming contracts, DLS expects turnover to reach into the billions of rands soon.

DLS exhibited the smaller side of its range yesterday, including long range and regular 81 and 60 mm mortars, SS77 and mini-SS machineguns, automatic grenade launchers, 20 mm cannons and R4 assault rifles. Displayed on the Badger armoured vehicle was the 60 mm breech loading mortar. This design is water cooled, allowing a high rate of fire. Burger said it was one of a few such breech loading designs in the world but the only type of its size.

Denel has upgraded the R4 with new furniture able to fit a wide variety of attachments, such as laser and infrared sights, red dot sights, Milkor underbarrel 40 mm grenade launchers, shock prodders and other add-ons. The company has received orders for several hundred upgraded R4s for the South African military for evaluation as a subcomponent of its African Warrior programme. Burger said that occasional small orders for items like the SS77 and mortars are received from places like the United Arab Emirates and Columbia, for example.

Also on the small arms side, DLS has partnered with Swiss firearm company Brugger & Thomet (B&T), with the two companies sharing technology and product lines. Burger said the partnership was a cheap way of getting new capability.

Sales of Denel’s GI-2 20 mm cannon have been progressing well and the company says it has seen a resurgence in demand for this calibre of weapon, particularly for naval applications. Burger said there was a lot of interest in rapid fire cannons from the Far East. Denel recently supplied a number of 20 mm cannons and double SS77 machinegun mounts to Kenya for its Puma helicopters.

Also on display was the NTW-20 anti-material weapon, able to destroy high value targets such as bunkers, command and control stations and stationary aircraft with pin-point accuracy over distances of more than 1 200 meters. The 14.5 mm variant was used by a South African soldier to snipe M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this year, with one kill taking place at a range of 2 125 metres – one of the longest successful sniper kills in history.

On the vehicle side, Denel Land Systems demonstrated its new Badger infantry combat vehicle, which has just been ordered for the South African Army. The first of 238 Badgers will be delivered to the SA Army in the fourth quarter of 2016. Burger said the Badger order was “absolutely needed” for many reasons, one of which was to support the South African defence industry.

A number of different Casspir armoured personnel carriers were on display, including old and new variants in different configurations, such as ambulance and mine clearance. Specialist de-mining company Mechem, part of DLS, manufactures the Casspir vehicle, used by the United Nations in various peace missions.

Mechem is one of the few demining companies accredited by the United Nations and is currently active in post-conflict zones in 11 African countries. Its specially-trained sniffer dogs are able to detect landmines, drugs and contraband. They were impressively demonstrated yesterday, with the dogs detecting explosives, drugs and landmines and also tackling a ‘bad guy’. Denel said that its dogs are involved in anti-rhino poaching operations in the Kruger Park, as they are used for tracking and detection

@AUGUSTUS I CHERISH THE DAY YOU WILL POST FACTS NOT FICTION AND WHISH LIST THAT MAY NOT BE ACHIEVED: TO YOU ONLY SOCCER WILL NAIJA EXCEL ABOVE SOUTH AFRICA: SEE THE BELOW ATTACHMENT AND NO AMOUNT OF YOUR NEGATIVITY POSTED AS CORRECT DEBATE AND MASQUARATED AS FACTS CAN OFFSET THE POINT THAT SOUTH AFRICA IS AHEAD OF NIGERIA AND WITH NO HOPE OF CATCH UP SOON OR SURPASSING SOUTH AFRICA

Denel Land Systems showed off a wide range of its products at its Lyttelton facilities on Tuesday, showcasing proven technology, like its G6 artillery and R4 assault rifles, and new hardware, such as its Badger armoured vehicle, 60 mm breech loading mortar and 105 mm howitzer.

Stephan Burger, CEO of Denel Land Systems (DLS), said recent restructuring and acquisitions have broadened the company’s range of products and services, confirming its role as a strategic land systems partner to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). “We are extremely proud of what we have and who we are,” he told journalists at a briefing yesterday.
DLS said the strength of the company lies in its ability to meet South Africa’s entire landward defence needs – from infantry weapons and mortars to armoured vehicles, artillery and logistical support. The fact that Denel is now profitable and not making a loss any more further strengthens its ability to support the SANDF. “Our purpose is not only to make money – it is to support the strategic needs of the SANDF in terms of combat systems. We are fulfilling that role but we can’t do that by relying on South African business.”

As a result, some 80% of DLS turnover comes from export orders. Burger said that DLS is now a “mature and confident company which can build on a reputation and experience of more than 60 years. The next step will be to grow our share in the global markets – especially in our niche capabilities in artillery systems.”


Burger said that Denel’s G6 and G5 howitzers still set the global standards for long-range artillery. “The G6 was ahead of its time when it was first launched in 1987. Through our continuous research and investment in the gun we have ensured it remains ahead of the pack as the most versatile and reliable artillery system in its class. We are still outgunning all our global competitors by a wide margin.”

He told defenceWeb that DLS was in negotiations with a couple of customers for a “substantial number” of these weapons, which are in high demand.

On the artillery side, DLS yesterday showcased its 105 mm howitzer, which is still under development and waiting for an order so this can be completed. Burger told defenceWeb that the gun was more of a technology demonstrator and is taking a back seat to the G5 and G6, which are important products for the company. The 105 mm gun has a range of 30 km, versus the average of 18 km for other weapons of that calibre, Denel said. Burger noted that the 105 mm is important to Denel’s long-term planning as a next generation weapon.

Two of the main areas that Denel Land Systems is focusing on is artillery for export and the maintenance of the SANDF’s B-vehicle fleet. With upcoming contracts, DLS expects turnover to reach into the billions of rands soon.

DLS exhibited the smaller side of its range yesterday, including long range and regular 81 and 60 mm mortars, SS77 and mini-SS machineguns, automatic grenade launchers, 20 mm cannons and R4 assault rifles. Displayed on the Badger armoured vehicle was the 60 mm breech loading mortar. This design is water cooled, allowing a high rate of fire. Burger said it was one of a few such breech loading designs in the world but the only type of its size.

Denel has upgraded the R4 with new furniture able to fit a wide variety of attachments, such as laser and infrared sights, red dot sights, Milkor underbarrel 40 mm grenade launchers, shock prodders and other add-ons. The company has received orders for several hundred upgraded R4s for the South African military for evaluation as a subcomponent of its African Warrior programme. Burger said that occasional small orders for items like the SS77 and mortars are received from places like the United Arab Emirates and Columbia, for example.

Also on the small arms side, DLS has partnered with Swiss firearm company Brugger & Thomet (B&T), with the two companies sharing technology and product lines. Burger said the partnership was a cheap way of getting new capability.

Sales of Denel’s GI-2 20 mm cannon have been progressing well and the company says it has seen a resurgence in demand for this calibre of weapon, particularly for naval applications. Burger said there was a lot of interest in rapid fire cannons from the Far East. Denel recently supplied a number of 20 mm cannons and double SS77 machinegun mounts to Kenya for its Puma helicopters.

Also on display was the NTW-20 anti-material weapon, able to destroy high value targets such as bunkers, command and control stations and stationary aircraft with pin-point accuracy over distances of more than 1 200 meters. The 14.5 mm variant was used by a South African soldier to snipe M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this year, with one kill taking place at a range of 2 125 metres – one of the longest successful sniper kills in history.

On the vehicle side, Denel Land Systems demonstrated its new Badger infantry combat vehicle, which has just been ordered for the South African Army. The first of 238 Badgers will be delivered to the SA Army in the fourth quarter of 2016. Burger said the Badger order was “absolutely needed” for many reasons, one of which was to support the South African defence industry.

A number of different Casspir armoured personnel carriers were on display, including old and new variants in different configurations, such as ambulance and mine clearance. Specialist de-mining company Mechem, part of DLS, manufactures the Casspir vehicle, used by the United Nations in various peace missions.

Mechem is one of the few demining companies accredited by the United Nations and is currently active in post-conflict zones in 11 African countries. Its specially-trained sniffer dogs are able to detect landmines, drugs and contraband. They were impressively demonstrated yesterday, with the dogs detecting explosives, drugs and landmines and also tackling a ‘bad guy’. Denel said that its dogs are involved in anti-rhino poaching operations in the Kruger Park, as they are used for tracking and detection

The first of 238 Badger infantry combat vehicle will roll off Denel’s production facilities in October 2015, rejuvenating the South African Army’s landward defence capabilities.

Denel received the production contract nearly two months ago from Armscor. Due to delays in ordering the vehicles, the number to be acquired has been reduced from 264 vehicles to 238 as delays pushed up the price tag. The timetable has also slipped slightly, with the first example expected off the production line three months later than was announced last month.

Stephan Burger, the CEO of Denel Land Systems (DLS), said the industrialisation at its facilities in Lyttelton has already started and the manufacturing will commence in early 2015. The full fleet, which will replace the Ratels that are currently used by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), will be delivered by the end of 2022.

“The new Badger ICV is a combination of a locally-designed turret and a Finnish designed vehicle, customised for the unique South African conditions. The system will be produced locally and represents the apex of the South African defence industry,” stated Burger.

“It will provide South Africa’s soldiers with unrivalled firepower, mobility and maximum armoured protection. The SANDF will have an adaptable and flexible vehicle that can be used with equal confidence in both high-intensity warfare and peace support operations.”

Following an open tender process, Denel Land Systems was awarded the contract for the development of a new generation infantry combat vehicle by Armscor in 2007 to replace the 30 year old Ratel fleet.

The first prototype vehicle was delivered to Armscor and the SANDF in 2010. This vehicle is currently being subjected to extensive testing and modifications to meet the changing requirements of the SANDF, Denel said. The R8 billion+ Badger programme will create 2 000 jobs in South Africa, including 200 at Denel Land Systems.

With a budget of R1.3 billion, Denel Land Systems and its sub-contractors have, within five-and-a-half years developed and tested five variants of the Badger, improved its armour capability, developed new weapons for the vehicle, developed crew simulators and logistics support systems.

Burger told defenceWeb that 16 of the 238 Badger chasses will be built in Finland (as the Badger is based on the Finnish Patria vehicle) and the remainder will be made in South Africa, with the transfer of skills and intellectual property (up to 70% of the vehicle will be produced locally).

A notable feature of the Badger is its modular turret system, developed in five variants, namely Section, Command, Mortar, Missile and Fire Support models. A single turret structure, fitted with different weapon modules, will simplify the logistic support and reduce the cost of through-life support, Denel said.

The Badger variants are equipped with either a 30mm externally-driven cam-operated cannon, a locally developed 60 mm breech-loading long-range mortar both developed by DLS, a 12.7mm machine gun or the Ingwe anti-tank missile system developed by Denel Dynamics. These weapon systems are integrated into the DLS turrets. The breech loading mortar is water cooled, allowing a high rate of fire. Burger said it was one of a few such designs in the world but the only type of its size.

“Although the development phase is still in process, we are confident that the Badger will generate considerable international interest in the vehicle and open a number of prospects for future exports that could result in the injection of foreign direct investment into South Africa,” said Burger.

The Badger project has already resulted in Malaysia ordering R3.5 billion worth of turrets and weapons from Denel, developed for the Badger. Burger told defenceWeb that he expects the total Badger system to be exported. He said the vehicle’s uniqueness is a world requirement. Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America are target areas.

~

The sharp end of the South African Army was demonstrated with great effect on Friday during the open day of Exercise Seboka, the single largest force preparation exercise of the year.

The open day, held at the SA Army Combat Training Centre (CTC) at Lohatla in the Northern Cape, saw the SA Army put over 100 armoured vehicles into live-fire combat against a simulated enemy. The open day started off with a demonstration of soldiers’ weapons, including R4 assault rifles, RPG-7 rockets, mortars and 7.62 mm light machineguns.

It was then the turn of the vehicles to literally set the veld alight, with different variants of the Ratel firing mortars and cannon rounds at targets in the distance. Static firing by Olifant main battle tanks, G6 self-propelled artillery and Rooikat reconnaissance vehicles was followed by a dramatic simulated battle involving dozens of vehicles tearing around the battlefield and firing their weapons.

Other participants that got a chance to fire their armament included the Ratel ZT-3 armed with Ingwe anti-tank missiles and one of the most spectacular explosions of the day occurred when a mine-clearing line charge was launched by rocket and detonated, creating a fireball over a hundred metres long.

In addition to 3 054 personnel, more than 120 combat vehicles are involved in Exercise Seboka. This includes 55 Casspirs, 65 Ratels, 16 Olifants and 12 Rooikats. Dozens of support vehicles are also taking part.

Unlike last year, no helicopters were present for the operation as SA Army Chief Vusumuzi Masondo said the Army “felt that no air assets were required.” Last year Oryx and Rooivalk helicopters supported Seboka. The Rooivalk was also absent from last month’s Air Capability Demonstration, as three have been deployed with the United Nations to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Another notable omission was the Oerlikon 35 mm anti-aircraft artillery units.

Seboka, which means teamwork and harmony, tests the state of combat readiness of the SANDF’s landward forces for conventional operations. To this end the exercise is usually set up as a friendly force vs opposition force encounter where certain points have to be taken and air- and bridgeheads established.

In addition to allowing officers to hone their planning, control and command skills, Seboka is also a live fire exercise with troops demonstrating various battlefield skills, from orientation through to movement onto and through designated targets.

This year’s exercise scenario centred on an intervention force under an African Union/United Nations mandate intervening in a fictitious country. The main portion of the exercise began on November 15, with observers deployed to monitor ‘enemy’ forces. Two days later forces were scheduled to move forward to an assembly area before moving out on November 18 and engaging in skirmishes. On November 19, the friendly forces are scheduled to take their main objective, concluding the exercise.

Masondo said the exercise was important because it allows the army to hone its skills and fulfil its primary task of defending the country. It is also vital for training forces prior to external peacekeeping deployments and deployments on the borders. “We find ourselves getting more and more involved in peace enforcement operations, for instance in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Darfur, Sudan,” Masondo said.

He added that Seboka was the culmination of different types of training, from artillery to tanks. In the end, all the different elements of the Army have to deploy as a single force – something Seboka is able to give them experience with.

Brigadier General C P van Schalkwyk, SA Army Force Preparation, said that Seboka demonstrates the Army’s combat readiness and its capacity to protect South Africa. He said the Army is able to carry out whatever task it receives and fulfil its mandate and that the forces deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa’s borders are doing an “excellent” job.

Participating forces for Seboka 2013 include 46 SA Brigade, 4 Artillery Regiment, 8 SA Infantry Battalion, 4 SA Infantry Battalion, 1 SA Tank Regiment, 1 Special Service Battalion, 10 Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, 2 Field Engineer Regiment, 1 Tactical Intelligence Regiment, 2 Signal Regiment, 16 Maintenance Unit, 101 Field Workshop, 8 Medical Battalion Group and 46 Rapid Deployment Air Operations Team.

~

Exercise Ndlovu, now underway, is expected to provide the South African Army and Joint Operations (J Ops) Division a first opportunity to test the recently-delivered Chaka brigade-and-below C2 system.

Chaka is an “operationally urgent” South African designed and built system ordered for about R57 million to provide the SA Army and J Ops a modern information and communications technology-based C2 system. Developed under Project Legend, Chaka consists of a static C2 system to support deployed brigade headquarters, mobile C2 systems to support battalion and company commanders, and location sensors, called “Impi” to track own forces. The Army wanted enough of these to support three simultaneous peace support operations elsewhere in Africa and one training exercise at home.

Manufacturer SAAB says Chaka enables a brigade commander and his staff to enjoy situational awareness unequal to that available up to now, plan operations and electronically send the resulting operational orders to subordinate commanders and control the execution of their plans.

The fact that the system is truly South African guarantees continuous, cost-effective support of the system, as well as the possibility of developing any additions to the system, according to evolving needs. This puts the SANDF in full control of their system.

SA previously also developed and built the heart of SA Air Force's Air Picture Display System (APDS), which is that service's air mission C2 system. SA adds the landward command and control domain to the existing air command and control domain in one business entity.
The advantage to the SANDF is that the expertise gained in the air environment is also available for the landward C2 domain. Furthermore, Saab Systems SA has already integrated elements of both systems to move towards the achievement of a more integrated joint command and control system for the SANDF.

Chaka was developed on the back of years experience with a brigade-level wargaming solution called BattleTek...Wargaming and C2 are actually two sides of the same coin - ‘train as you fight, fight as you train'

The world's biggest and most advanced radio telescope, capable of detecting signs of extraterrestrial life in the far reaches of the universe, will be located in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
The decision to split the location of the $2 billion "Square Kilometre Array" followed intense lobbying by the two leading bidders, South Africa one side and a joint bid from Australia and New Zealand on the other.

South African electronic warfare technology has, and continues to make its mark in the international military arena, with home-grown self-protection systems being used by numerous defence forces around the world.

A wide range of defence forces – including India, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Oman, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, South Korea, the Netherlands, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Germany, Peru, and Greece - are using indigenous South African electronic warfare technology. Approximately 95% of the systems manufactured in South Africa are sold to export markets, making it a valuable source of revenue for South Africa. Job creation in engineering and production are additional advantages, according to Saab Grintek Defence.

South Africa is one of the a few countries in the world to have successfully developed a passive radar system, capable of detecting both large and small aircraft using only a signal receiver.

At last week’s Aardvark Roost Electronic Warfare Conference held outside Pretoria, Francois Maasdorp, an engineer at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), told delegates that with passive radar one only needs a receiver to detect signals emitted by other sources, such as FM radio towers, TV transmitters, WiFi and weather radar.

This makes passive radar (also known as passive coherent location, passive bistatic radar, piggyback radar and covert radar) cost effective, highly mobile and covert. By using several antennas one can use triangulation to identify the location of an aircraft, or by using a single receiver one can use the angle of arrival of the signal to determine a target’s location.

Maasdorp said there were many examples where passive radar would be useful, such as border safeguarding, peace mission support, disaster relief, active war support, air traffic control (ATC) support etc. Replacing or complementing ATC radar in Africa is a very useful application of passive radar, according to the University of Cape Town, as it would be fractionally cheaper than buying active radar systems.

One of the most important benefits of passive radar is that it is covert, as it does not rely on a transmitter that can be detected and destroyed. Furthermore, it is possible to detect stealth aircraft using passive radar. Conventional radar relies on a signal bouncing back from a target – in the case of stealth aircraft, this signal is absorbed or reflected away from the radar receiver. A passive radar, on the other hand, measures distortions and disturbances in the soup of signals in the atmosphere and detects the aircraft in this way.

GREAT FOR NIGERIA NAVY

Nigeria Navy (NN) has contracted the China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company (CSOC) to upgrade its naval dockyard into at Port Harcourt into a world-class factory that will build offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and carry out maintenance on vessels.

The Chinese company, which won a contract to build two 95 metre P18N OPVs for the Nigerian Navy in 2009, is scaling up the facilities to enable it to do the remaining construction works on the vessels locally in Port Harcourt. Nigerian Navy chief of Policy and Plans Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogbor said the upgrading of the shipyard is part of the navy's drive to develop a local ship-building capability and an industrial base capable of maintaining the country's naval vessels.

"Localising building of naval vessels in Nigeria will make more naval ships available for patrol and protection of critical offshore infrastructure in Nigeria's maritime domain for the benefit of all,” Ogbor said.

CSOC representative Xu Qui said the first phase of the project will entail construction of a new jetty and other facilities for the repairing of ships up to 5 000 dead-weight tons (dwt). The second phase will focus on the construction of a new dry dock and auxiliary facilities with a capacity to build and repair offshore patrol vessels and 5 000 dwt ships. The third and final phase will see the setting up of a fully modern shipyard capable of building and repairing offshore patrol vessels, offshore platformss and seafaring vessels of up to 10 000 dwt.

According to Jane’s Defence Weekly, the first Chinese-built OPV is being built at the Wuchang shipyard in Wuhan and is expected to be delivered to Nigeria in mid-2014. The second vessel is also set to arrive in Nigeria in 2014, and will be completed either later next year or in early 2015.

According to Jane’s, the NN dockyard has already produced a 31metre long Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) and is using the experience gained to build a larger, 38-metre long SDB and a 16.56 m, 92 ton naval tug. The dockyard previously built a 90-passenger naval ferry (Sauka Lafiya) in 2009.

International interest in Nigerian ship-building has grown of late with Singapore-based Suncraft International offering the NN two low-cost ship designs - one for a 60 metre long vessel with a helicopter pad and the other for a 90 metre long vessel which has an integral hangar.

Suncraft has delivered at least a dozen 17 metre Manta and two 38 metre patrol craft to the Nigerian Navy, which will soon receive two Ocea FPB 98 patrol craft.

Many of the Nigerian Navy’s vessels are in poor condition due to lack of maintenance, but the Navy is embarking on a highly ambitious expansion programme that aims to acquire 49 naval vessels and 42 helicopters over the next decade. A number of vessels have been delivered over the last several years, such as the ex-US Coast Guard Hamilton class cutter NNS Thunder, and dozens of inshore patrol vessels. The Nigerian Navy will receive two more ex-United States vessels in 2014/15, the US Navy Survey Ship John McDonnell and the US Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin.

GREAT FOR NIGERIA NAVY

Nigeria Navy (NN) has contracted the China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company (CSOC) to upgrade its naval dockyard into at Port Harcourt into a world-class factory that will build offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and carry out maintenance on vessels.

The Chinese company, which won a contract to build two 95 metre P18N OPVs for the Nigerian Navy in 2009, is scaling up the facilities to enable it to do the remaining construction works on the vessels locally in Port Harcourt. Nigerian Navy chief of Policy and Plans Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogbor said the upgrading of the shipyard is part of the navy's drive to develop a local ship-building capability and an industrial base capable of maintaining the country's naval vessels.

"Localising building of naval vessels in Nigeria will make more naval ships available for patrol and protection of critical offshore infrastructure in Nigeria's maritime domain for the benefit of all,” Ogbor said.

CSOC representative Xu Qui said the first phase of the project will entail construction of a new jetty and other facilities for the repairing of ships up to 5 000 dead-weight tons (dwt). The second phase will focus on the construction of a new dry dock and auxiliary facilities with a capacity to build and repair offshore patrol vessels and 5 000 dwt ships. The third and final phase will see the setting up of a fully modern shipyard capable of building and repairing offshore patrol vessels, offshore platformss and seafaring vessels of up to 10 000 dwt.

According to Jane’s Defence Weekly, the first Chinese-built OPV is being built at the Wuchang shipyard in Wuhan and is expected to be delivered to Nigeria in mid-2014. The second vessel is also set to arrive in Nigeria in 2014, and will be completed either later next year or in early 2015.

According to Jane’s, the NN dockyard has already produced a 31metre long Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) and is using the experience gained to build a larger, 38-metre long SDB and a 16.56 m, 92 ton naval tug. The dockyard previously built a 90-passenger naval ferry (Sauka Lafiya) in 2009.

International interest in Nigerian ship-building has grown of late with Singapore-based Suncraft International offering the NN two low-cost ship designs - one for a 60 metre long vessel with a helicopter pad and the other for a 90 metre long vessel which has an integral hangar.

Suncraft has delivered at least a dozen 17 metre Manta and two 38 metre patrol craft to the Nigerian Navy, which will soon receive two Ocea FPB 98 patrol craft.

Many of the Nigerian Navy’s vessels are in poor condition due to lack of maintenance, but the Navy is embarking on a highly ambitious expansion programme that aims to acquire 49 naval vessels and 42 helicopters over the next decade. A number of vessels have been delivered over the last several years, such as the ex-US Coast Guard Hamilton class cutter NNS Thunder, and dozens of inshore patrol vessels. The Nigerian Navy will receive two more ex-United States vessels in 2014/15, the US Navy Survey Ship John McDonnell and the US Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin.

WHAT THE UN SAYS ABOUT THE ROOIVALK

South Africa's Rooivalk attack helicopter saw action for the first time this week, playing a decisive role in defeating M23 rebels.
In a fortnight of fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Congolese army troops drove the rebels from their strongholds.

M23's shelling of civilians prompted the 3000-strong UN force, which includes 1345 South African troops, to join the final battle this week.

General Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz, commander of the UN forces, told the Sunday Times that the Rooivalk had proved its worth.

Last Sunday, the rebels bombed the town of Bunagana, killing six civilians and injuring 10. "It was important to silence their weapons, using a combination of artillery and helicopters," said Cruz.

The Rooivalk went into action on Monday against the rebel positions.

Cruz said the Rooivalk had "performed very well as reinforcement to the mission" and would be deployed in future attacks.

"They are very good aircraft - very precise with very good technology. We need this kind of fire power for our missions."

The attack on Monday marked the end of the 20-month M23 rebellion. On Monday evening, African heads of state meeting in Pretoria, including Congo president Joseph Kabila, issued a joint declaration that the M23 must publicly renounce its rebellion. By Tuesday morning, the Congolese army occupied all key M23 positions around Bunagana.

Bunagana is 80km north of Goma, which was shelled by M23 rockets in August before the rebels were driven off strategic hills overlooking the town by an offensive that left three South Africans wounded.

South African special forces troops said this week that they had used mortar and sniper fire to dislodge the rebels. "They fled to Rwanda after we took their positions," said a South African soldier.

By late this week, the charred remains of M23 military vehicles were the only visible signs of these battles.

Life is returning to normal in these towns after more than a year under M23 occupation. Markets are thronging with people and peasants are returning from their fields carrying grass, wood and sugar cane or pushing chukudus, the wooden bikes used in the Congo to transport goods.

"Life was going from bad to worse under M23," said Amos Kambale, a teacher in Rutshuru. "They would charge taxes on lorries driving through here. And when they arrived many people were killed, so we felt very unsafe."

"People are very happy about this defeat," said Goma lawyer Tresor Kitsongo, "but the problem has not been solved. We need real peace, but if the government doesn't want to develop the country there will be another rebellion."

http://www.timeslive.co.za/specialreports/stinvestigations/2013/11/13/rooivalk-plays-key-role-in-routing-rebels

NIGERIA A RICHEST COUNTRY IN AFRICA

South Africa is the world's richest country in terms of its mineral reserves - worth $2.5 thousand billion - according to research by the American banking group Citigroup, reports Bloomberg.
The Citigroup report, which was compiled by its mining analyst, Craig Sainsbury, says that Russia comes second after South Africa, and Australia third.
The research states that South Africa, Guinea, the Ukraine, India and Kazakhstan all have mineral reserves unrelated to energy worth more than $200bn.
Mines in these countries also all have average life spans of more than 100 years at current rates of exploitation.
Countries like Guinea and Kazakhstan with high resource values but limited mining activity could see greater demand from the world's biggest mining companies and foreign wealth funds, the report continues.
Sainsbury says Chinese mines have an average 17-year life of mine, according to surveys by the US Geological Survey system.
Sainsbury says it's no wonder that China continues to invest massively in metals and mining, Bloomberg reports.
He says that China is expected to continue investing in copper and iron ore, together with energy resources like coal and uranium.
Of South Africa's $2 500bn worth of reserves, $2 300bn resides in the platinum group metals.
Russia's iron ore reserves are valued at $794bn - more than the Australian iron ore reserves, which are estimated to be worth $737bn.
Iron ore reserves in the Ukraine, according to Sainsbury, are worth $510bn, and Guinea has bauxite (aluminium ore) worth $222bn.
In dollar values Guinea, South Africa, India, the Ukraine and Kazakhstan are the countries that under-produce the most in terms of their reserves, says Sainsbury.
India will need to increase its domestic production rates, especially in light of its economic upturn. But bureaucracy and national protectionism will probably scare off any foreign investors, the report declares.

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CDkQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.miningmx.com%2Fnews%2Fmarkets%2FSA-richest-country-in-the-world.htm&ei=HJuEUqC8Cemn0AXThYCIDg&usg=AFQjCNFvTN201wHDAVKC_2DglQxD2kB79g