₦airaland Forum

Earlier this month South Africa’s home-grown combat support helicopter - the Rooivalk - came through its baptism of fire admirably and unscathed as part of the UN Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) in the DRC.

This was a proud moment for not only 16 Squadron, the SA Air Force (SAAF) and the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) but also those engineers whose vision to develop and manufacture a South African gunship close on 30 years ago were more than justified by the first combat sortie. Reports from the eastern DRC have it that UN management was “impressed” with both the performance of the Rooivalk as well as the support provided to keep the rotorcraft airborne and operational.

This was echoed by a SAAF brigadier general who told a SAAF Association function “the air force is incredibly proud of what Rooivalk and its air and ground crews have done”.

Taken in conjunction with another outstanding example of military prowess in the same part of the continent, it is hard to understand why the SANDF has not made more of what it can do in combat. In fact, the communications machine at SANDF headquarters has still not issued a single statement on either the reported more than 2 000 metre kill by a South African sniper in August or the single sortie success of the two Rooivalks.

Both these have been the subject of hundreds, if not thousands, of comments on various South African military and military aviation forums. By and large the men and the equipment they used – in both instances 100% Proudly South African - have been fulsomely praised with only a few adverse comments.

These comments have gone on about the need to keep specific weapons and equipment information out of the public domain so as not to forewarn the enemy – the M23 in the DRC. Others have been more forthright saying the super sniper shot and the Rooivalk sortie should be used for propaganda.

There are pros and cons to both sides but when a defence force is almost continually on the receiving end of poor press, with a resultant drop in morale, both these incidents, if properly used by military media officers, would have boosted all men and women in uniform. At the same time South Africans who do not generally take an interest in military matters would also have had a reason to push out their chests and be proud of the SANDF.

SA has a capable naval force, but it is geared towards battles and not patrol capability, says Saab Grintek Defence.

South Africa has one of the most capable naval forces on the continent, but it is geared towards battles and not patrol capability, argues Magnus-Lewis Olsson, CEO of Saab Grintek Defence (SGD) South Africa.

This was a key point of discussion during last year's Maritime and Coastal Security Africa (MCSA) Conference, where the fragility of offshore infrastructures was highlighted. These are regarded as ‘soft targets' due to it being exposed to threats from ‘above, below and the sea'. It was agreed that the ability to respond is key to safeguarding offshore facilities.

South Africa has the most capable naval force on the continent, equipped with stealth frigates and torpedo-armed submarines, but there is a great need in the form of equipment for offshore patrols – a requirement that will hopefully receive continuing consideration in the South African government's maritime security strategy," concludes Lewis-Olsson.

State owned defence company Denel is pursuing orders worth R35 billion and hopes to grow its revenue to more than R7 billion over the next five years, targeting primary markets in Africa, the Middle East, South America and the Asia-Pacific.

The company expects half of its future orders to come from Africa, including within South Africa, and intends to create a long-term order book of more than five times its turnover. Denel has R22 billion worth of contracts to fulfil over the next seven to ten years.

Riaz Saloojee, Denel Group Chief Executive, told the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises that the company is modernising its products to give them a global appeal, from artillery, unmanned aerial vehicles and maintenance services.

Denel said it is investing more than R528 million a year in Research and Development which will grow in the coming years with a specific focus in the fields of artillery and unmanned air vehicle production. “Denel is improving its technology base in the field of asymmetrical warfare through the acquisition of specialised armoured vehicle manufacturer, LMT, and the introduction of new missile technology.” LMT is involved in producing Badger armoured vehicles for the South African Army and Denel Dynamics is working on the A-Darter air-to-air missile and Umkhonto ground-to-air missile.

Denel is also investing in skills, spending 3% of its payroll – R46 million – on skills development and bursaries.

“By 2018 Denel will have moved from its current position as a ‘good company’ to be a ‘great company’ and a national asset that all South Africans can be proud of,” said Saloojee, pointing out that the process is underway with restructuring. Over the last year, 11 businesses have been integrated into six divisions, reducing costs.

Revenue has improved by more than 10% and profit grew by R30 million to R71 million in the previous financial year, the company said. The only remaining loss-making unit in the group, Denel Aerostructures, has improved its position by 35%.

Exports now contribute 50% of the group’s revenue, growing from R1 329 million to R1 783 million during the 2012/13 financial year, particularly within the company’s missile and landward defence businesses.

Some of Denel’s highlights over the last year include the redelivery of the eleventh and final upgraded Rooivalk combat helicopter to the South African Air Force in December 2012, the development of the A-Darter, the joint venture on guided weapons with Tawazun Holdings, the opening of the Russian Helicopters MRO facility, the awarding of the 200+ vehicle Badger contract, and supporting counter-rhino poaching operations.

Looking to the future, Denel hopes to fly its new Seeker 400 optionally armed unmanned aerial vehicle later this year and develop the Marlin family of missiles

@AUGUSTUS NOTHING TO OFFER ACCEPT THAT I CAN PROVIDE A DESCRIPTION OF YOURSELF AS A person who is consumed by envy against SOUTH AFRICA and your hatred/bitterness towards South Africa for having an advantage that YOU Nigeria don't have. For instance, envious/jealous behavior such as a friend has a nice new car and instead of being truly happy for them you badmouth them or the car or make up something ridiculous because YOU can't afford it yourself. If someone has money and YOU don't you say they recieved it through less than stellar means. If someone is more talented than YOU you say their work isnt as good as anyone thinks or they are just lucky. This kind of 'jealousy' is destructive and displays itself as having a bad attitude towards the object of the envy and also being passive aggressive.

sandf new procument plan:

Under the Defence Review the Army, Navy, and Air Force have laid-out criteria for effectively meeting their strategic demands. The Review stresses the importance of six broad strategic areas in which urgent procurements will be prioritised for the near to medium term (according to the draft policy paper):
Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs) – Currently Utilising decades-old Ratel ICVs, pertains to Project Hoefyster
Armoured Personnel Carriers – Possibly pertains to Project Vistula
Logistics Vehicles – Pertains to Project Vistula
Light Artillery – Likely based on a locally-designed 105mm system
Aerial Weaponry – Sourcing appropriate munitions for the Gripen multirole aircraft
Combat Support Ships – Pertains to Project Millenium


For the Air Force, major procurement projects have already been completed under the Strategic Defence Package (SDP), in the acquisition of Gripen and Hawk multirole aircraft. For the Army and Navy there are several outstanding projects of note. In the immediate short-term, it is the land forces who will almost certainly receive budget priority, with naval procurements swiftly following. This will be directed at the following major projects:

Project Vistula

Project Vistula, the SA Army’s procurement allotment which intends to replace the current “B” fleet of SAMIL 50 and SAMIL 100 soft-skinned (i.e unarmoured or lightly armoured) transport vehicles, has received renewed interest by ARMSCOR following a shelving of the project in 2007.

Vistula will replace the B fleet with around 5,000 vehicles of various configurations for use by the Army. These include 8x8, 6x6 and 4x4 vehicles fulfilling basic transportation, mine-resistant capable, and logistics vehicles depending on the need and supplier’s ability to provide the correct vehicles.

Project Hoefyster (Horseshoe)

Project Hoefyster is aimed at replacing the now-outdated, 30-year old Ratel Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) in use by the SANDF. At present, Government has agreed upon a deal to procure 264 “Badger” 8x8 IFVs with an estimated cost of R8bn. The IFV would transport SANDF mechanised troops on operations, serving as a support platform for troops during combat. The range of turret models which Denel Land Systems (DLS) is offering would enable the complete combat needs replacement and upgrading of the SANDF’s current Ratel system, enabling combat forces to utilise infantry support, heavy weapons (mortars) and anti-tank capabilities in one mechanised brigade. The SANDF currently has two mechanised infantry battalions (excluding artillery and support mechanised units), and will need far more than the currently-ordered IFVs to be completely refitted.

Naval Considerations

In terms of naval procurement, Project Millenium, Project Biro, and Project Saucepan are designed towards sourcing new LHD-class vessels, Offshore Patrol Vessels, and Maritime Patrol craft respectively.

A ten-year multibillion-rand Armscor contract, which would see State-owned Denel produce over 200 armoured vehicles for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), was expected to “significantly and permanently” change the South African defence industry.

The full-scale manufacture of the Badger New Generation Infantry Combat System would deliver direct and indirect jobs, while enabling enterprise development opportunities and increasing skills development and retention in the defence industry.

“This is the most significant defence contract signed with a South African company in at least the last ten years and demonstrates government’s and the SANDF’s confidence in the ability of the local industry to provide frontline equipment,” Denel Group CEO Riaz Saloojee said.

The production of the Badger is expected to create about 2 000 jobs during its production period, but the spin-offs in the defence industry would be multiple job opportunities primarily in the development and manufacturing phases.

Small- and medium-sized enterprises would benefit as they act as subcontractors and suppliers for the project.

The infantry combat vehicle would provide the SANDF with unrivalled firepower, mobility and maximum armoured protection to the soldiers it transports and was expected to eventually replace the SANDF’s existing fleet of armour protected combat vehicles, such as the Ratel.

“The production order for the Badger vehicle represents a significant chapter in the history of the SANDF in that it provides a much-needed capability for troops involved in critical peacekeeping operations in other African countries,” Secretary for Defence Dr Sam Gulube said.

SANDF SEBOKO MILITARY EXERCISE IN 2012

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=photos%20of%20the%20advance%20air%20missiles%20of%20the%20sandf&source=web&cd=7&ved=0CFUQFjAG&url=%68%74%74%70%3a%2f%2f%77%77%77%2e%6d%69%6c%69%74%61%72%79%70%68%6f%74%6f%73%2e%6e%65%74%2f%66%6f%72%75%6d%73%2f%73%68%6f%77%74%68%72%65%61%64%2e%70%68%70%3f%36%34%39%35%34%2d%53%6f%75%74%68%2d%41%66%72%69%63%61%6e%2d%4e%61%74%69%6f%6e%61%6c%2d%44%65%66%65%6e%63%65%2d%46%6f%72%63%65%2f%70%61%67%65%31%38%37&ei=GulUUp_yJ4OwiAeBqoHoAw&usg=AFQjCNELlFqod32W2eOXbmiOBrMN_6mrsQ&bvm=bv.53760139,d.aGc&cad=rjt

DEFENCE and Military Veterans Secretary Sam Makhudu Gulube was among luminaries at the unveiling on Thursday of DCD Protected Mobility's new R100m armoured vehicle manufacturing facility in Gauteng.

A unit of the wholly South African-owned heavy engineering firm DCD Group, DCD Protected Mobility said the 36,000m² plant in Isando enabled it to service South African National Defence Force (SANDF) demand for military vehicles. It would also allow it to increase its share in global markets, of which the US was the largest.

The company had sold about 2,000 military-use vehicles over the past 18 years, mainly to overseas customers. This had brought in about R10bn in foreign revenue.

The group's armoured vehicles had won both domestic, US and Australian defence force awards.

Mr Gulube said South Africa's defence industry exported about R5bn of equipment every quarter, and was a force for socioeconomic good. It brought jobs, engineering capacity, and research and development skills to South Africa. This included the Department of Defence investing about R500m a year in research and development, along with partners Denel and Armscor, and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

Mr Gulube also said the department had a budget of between R6bn and R8bn a year for defence force "capitalisation", not including the operations budget.

Deployment and procurement in the SANDF was largely based on United Nations peacekeeping mandates, including land-mine clearing.

DCD Group MD Rob King said the plant could supply the SANDF using South African skills and materials, in line with the state's localisation programme. This would be in addition to DCD Protected Mobility's existing export markets, including the US Army and Marine Corps, and police and military forces in Africa, Britain, France, Australia, Canada, Spain and Turkey.

Protected Mobility's factory had the latest laser-cutting technology, a hydraulic roller, metal press, saws and drills, and four state-of-the-art robotic welding machines.

Local content levels for Springbuck and Mountain Lion armoured personnel carriers (APCs), and Husky land-mine vehicles, were between 50% and 70%.

They used US, German and Brazilian engines, with DCD Protected Mobility adding value.

The Husky was the world's leading mine clearance vehicle, and along with the APCs was tested to North Atlantic Treaty Organisation standards. Many had been sold to US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

DCD Group developed and owned the intellectual property for the vehicle-mounted mine detector system. The group said it had established itself as a fully accredited, socially responsible international systems integration house.

Mr King said DCD Protected Mobility was positioned to become a preferred South African manufacturer for foreign, original equipment manufacturers. The firm could also support Denel, Armscor and the Department of Defence by enabling SANDF contracts to be awarded to domestic manufacturers.

He said the defence focus had been almost exclusively on exports. Since 2009, DCD Protected Mobility had created 1,300 permanent jobs, both direct and indirect. "However, the group's focus is diversifying, given the local demand expected ... from the SANDF's vehicle replacement programmes, which will be some of the biggest in the world in the next decade," Mr King said.

United States announces the termination of military aid to Egypt....now lets wait and see in five years whether Egypt would continue to maintain its military mighty...and continue to be Africa's number 1. The aid was 1,2 Billion US dollars a year and with such a massive personnel, Egypt would find it difficult to pay its salary and maintain its military combat capabilities and hardware.

In less than 3 years Egypt would announced military rationalising process...meaning cutting both military personnel and equipment, reducing training of its soldiers, pilots and navy combat activities. iT WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR EGYPT TO MAINTAIN ITS CURRENT MILITARY STATUS WITH SUCH A MASSIVE FINANCIAL GAB.

SANDF SNIPERS IN THE DR CONGO CAUSES HAVOC TO THE M23

@AUGUSTUS HERE IS THE SOUTH AFRICAN ANSWER TO THE ELECTRONIC WARFARE AIRCRAFT.....AS I SAID TO YOU BEFORE SOUTH HAD THESE TOYS FOR OVER 30 YEARS BEFORE NIGERIA COULD EVEN THINK OF ONE

Role: Air-to-air refueling, electronic surveillance/warfare, command and control post for fighter aircraft.

Description: Boeing with reconfigurable main cabin for passenger seats or cargo pallets. Additional fuel tanks in cargo holds. Retractable hoses on each wingtip and in rear fuselage which allows for simultaneous refueling of three fighters

I invite all Nairas to read this attached link and make reasonable and objective comments

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=sandf%20special%20forces%20attack%20ships%20in%20angola&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCwQFjAA&url=%68%74%74%70%3a%2f%2f%77%77%77%2e%73%61%64%66%2e%69%6e%66%6f%2f%54%69%74%6c%65%53%70%65%63%69%61%6c%46%6f%72%63%65%73%2e%68%74%6d%6c&ei=QxlRUuf2HK-yiQes7YCgBA&usg=AFQjCNHtCZtNbjlJ81mp3Ib3bvra7HB4Hw&bvm=bv.53537100,d.aGc&cad=rjt

South Africa to launch third satellite into space next month.

South Africa is expected to launch its third satellite into space next month.

The satellite ZA-Cuba will join Sunsat and Sumbandla which was launched in 2009.

Students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology designed the satellite.

Speaking at the World Space Week celebrations in Kimberley, Science and Technology Department Director-General Phil Mjwara says the satellite will be used to observe the earth for research purposes.

"This is a small experimental tube satellite so it's a satellite which usually is built by students in partnership with universities and in this case Cape Peninsula University of Technology has been working on this small experimental satellite which I believe by now will be ready for possible launch in late November."

Speaking at the same event, Lorenzo Raynard of the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement says their role is to fund research programmes and to expose school children to the world of science.

"Our function as part of the NRF is to make sure that the public is provided with access to that research information so our involvement here as part of the world space week we are implement partner on behalf of the DST so we have been co-ordinating activities across the country to celebrate 'World Space Week' this year."

http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/6feb8c00415879a38b87bf93343a19ea/South-Africa-to-launch-third-satellite-into-space-next-month-20130510

Lazy as you alleged atleast South Africa works and no foreign is in charge of any of the massive projects we are currently investing billions of rands into infrastructural projects by South African government through our taxes (Not CHINESE INVESTMENTS)....Medubi power plant is currently built by South Africans, The up grading of train transportation is done by South Africans, Rehabilitation of harbours are done by South Africans.....weapons manufactured by South Africans for the SANDF....Big cooperations headed by South Africans, supermarkets headed by South Africans, Hospitals and Airports Headed by South Africans....internet and drugs controlled by Nigerians, spaza shops controlled by Ethiopians and Somalians.....SO WHO IS IN CHARGE HERE

South Africa does not buy but offer significant capabilities in electronic warfare concentrated on integrated avionics for military tactical aircraft.
For more than 50 years, South Africa has been a leader in electronic countermeasures, providing cost-effective, operationally integrated, fully supported self-protection systems. This systems technology has been successfully fielded and currently flown in combat around the world and DENEL company's high-fidelity modeling and simulation capabilities can duplicate all known threats and emulate the integrated electronic warfare solutions used to defeat them.

Crime infested or not Nigerians cannot stop flooding into South Africa.....if visa regime can be abolished South Africans would turn into a minority within a year. Unemployment , AIDS seems not a deterent Naijas a falling over themselves just to be in South Africa.

WHY......JUST EXPLAIN WHY IF NOT A FUNCTIONAL DEMOCRACY

South Africa after 20 years of democracy still rides the crest of peacefullness unlike the attached chronology

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=timeline%20of%20coups%20in%20nigerian%20history&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CDYQFjAC&url=%68%74%74%70%3a%2f%2f%77%77%77%2e%6d%61%6c%63%2e%65%75%2f%68%69%73%74%6f%72%79%2f%43%6f%75%70%2d%64%27%45%74%61%74%2d%4e%69%67%65%72%69%61%2e%65%76%65%6e%74%2e%68%74%6d%6c&ei=j1dPUq_qJaySiAfJy4GAAw&usg=AFQjCNF5p-cTyENkMldHHT1SCaF3flWhsg&bvm=bv.53537100,d.aGc&cad=rjt

Relax as few ill discipline soldiers do not constitute a security threats especially in a democratic society as South Africa. These rogue elements would face a military tribunal to deal with them. Unlike your Nigeria where such activities by the military usually leads to the following attached time line of security destabilisation:

1960
Nigeria declares independence from Britain in October. Three years later, it becomes a republic.

1966
Middle-ranking members of the Nigerian military stage an attempted coup in January that is suppressed by federal troops, but results in the installation of a military government.

1967
The Eastern Region of Nigeria secedes in May, proclaiming itself the Republic of Biafra. Country plunges into a civil war that kills an estimated one million.

1970
The Biafra secessionists capitulate in January. Successive governments promise elections but military rule continues.

1979
Nigeria returns to civilian government rule in October, electing Sheu Shagari as President of the Second Republic.

1983

Shagari regime is deposed in December, as a military coup ousts the democratically elected government.

1985
A second coup ushers in a regime headed by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. Babangida later promises new elections.

1993

Nigerians go to the polls in June, elect Social Democratic Party candidate Moshood Abiola as the new president of the country with 58 percent of the vote. On the eve of election results, General Babangida annuls the election. The United States suspends aid as a political crisis ensues.

Eleven die in riots protesting military rule.

Babangida steps down in August and chooses interim government.

Gen. Sani Abacha seizes power in November.

1994

Nigerian police arrest Abiola in June after he declares himself president of the country.

In July, a federal high court charges Abiola with treason for declaring himself president.

The 50,000-member Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers declares a strike as the government sends in soldiers to replace workers in July. The strike increases the price of crude oil worldwide.

Most of Nigeria's oil workers return to their jobs in September.

Wole Soyinka, winner of 1986 Nobel Prize for literature, flees Nigeria in November.

1995
In October, General Abacha vows he will step down in three years after reforms are complete.

Nigeria's military government hangs nine political activists in November, including well-known playwright Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was accused of involvement in the killings of four pro-government traditional chiefs in 1994.

Nigeria is suspended from the Commonwealth, the 52-member organization grouping Britain and its former colonies, after the hangings.

1996
Kudirat Abiola, the outspoken wife of detained Nigerian presidential claimant Moshood Abiola, is shot and killed while being driven along a Lagos street in June.

1997
Exiled writer Wole Soyinka is charged in absentia with treason in March by the country's military government.

1998
May 7: Nigeria announces that it has freed 142 prisoners on orders of General Abacha.

General Abdulsalam Abubakar
June 8: Abacha dies at his villa in the Nigerian capital. He is quickly replaced by a close ally, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar.

12: Hundreds of Nigerians hold scattered protests in Lagos to demand an end to military rule. They are dispersed by troops and police.

July
3: Nigeria's new military government confirms that they intend to release the country's political prisoners, including Moshood Abiola.

7: Nigeria's imprisoned political leader, Moshood Abiola, dies of an apparent heart attack as he talks with Nigerian officials and senior U.S. diplomats about how to resolve the country's five-year-old political crisis.

20: In a major television address, Maj. Gen. Abubakar promises that free elections will be held in early 1999 and a civilian sworn in as president of Nigeria on May 29.

1999
January 20: Nigerian and international election monitors declared that local elections in December and state elections Jan. 9 were fair. The country enters high campaign season for the election of its first national civilian leadership in 15 years.

February 27: Nigerians vote for a civilian president in an election marred by claims of voter fraud and irregularties. Two days later, Nigeria's election commission confirms the winner: former military ruler Olusegun Obasanjo.

Denel has established a joint venture with Abu Dhabi-based Tawazun. Holding, for the development, manufacturing, assembly and integration of precision-guided weapon systems, opening up the international gateway to potential new opportunities.The joint venture is with Denel
Dynamics, trading as Tawazun Dynamics, owned 51% by Tawazun Holding and 49% by Denel. It will provide precision-guided weapon system manufacturing and integration, as well as product system management services to the defence force of the United Arab Emirates and other
international clients.

South African armoured and mine-protected vehicle company BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa (LSSA) has unveiled the latest version of its RG35 6 × 6 armoured combat vehicle. This was done at the 2013 Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition at the Excel Centre, in London, last week. This is one of the world’s most important defence shows. SA armoured vehicle group shifts product focus as market evolvesTh e RG35 has been evolving since the vehicle was first revealed in 2009. That first version was also a 6 × 6 vehicle. In 2011, it was complemented by the develop-ment of the RG35 4 × 4, which is intended as an armoured and mine-protected reconnaissance, patrol and utility vehicle.

“Quite a few significant changes were made to the 4 × 4 version,” reports LSSA business development and communications director Natasha Pheiffer. “Now these changes have been integrated into the 6 × 6, to increase their commonality.” As a result, the commonality between the 4 × 4 and 6 × 6 versions is now greater than 85%.

The improvements made include a modern, high-capa-city, independent suspension system which is hydropneumatic and fitted with a ride height management system; a payload of up to 13 t, depending on role and application; and wide-body variants which can be equipped with one- or two-man turrets while also providing excellent space use, yet retaining compactness.

Other improvements come in the form of a range of options. Both the 4 × 4 and 6 × 6 ver-sions can now be fitted with a 441.3 kW (600 hp) power plant, resulting in power-to-weight ratios of up to 29.42 kW/t (40 hp/t). (The original 6 × 6 model’s engine was a 336 kW or 450 hp unit.)
They can be equipped with seats in their rear compartments which face forward, inward or outward. There is now an optional hydraulically operated rear ramp and an optional powered side door to improve the boarding and exiting of the vehicles.

The SD ROW has been devel-oped by LSSA’s Dynamics business, and is a lightweight weapons system for use on a range of soft-skinned, mine-protected and light-armoured vehicles. It can be fitted with 5.56 mm or 7.62 mm light machine guns.

The 6 × 6 RG35 can also be fitted with the tactical remote turret (TRT), also developed by the Dynamics unit. This turret can be armed with 20 mm, 25 mm or 30 mm cannons. Fitted with electromechanical drives, it is operated by one person, who enjoys 360˚ observation through the TRT’s sighting system. It also has comprehensive safety systems. It is intended for use on mine-protected, light-armoured and infantry combat vehicles. The TRT was also displayed at the DSEI exhibition, but mounted on vehicles from Renault Truck Defence, of France, and Nimr, of the United Arab Emirates.

South African defence company Denel Land Systems (DLS), part of the State-owned Denel group, publicly unveilled two new products at the 2013 Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition at the Excel Centre, in London, recently. The new products are the M10 60 mm breech-loading mortar and the GI-30 30 mm ‘CamGun’ cannon. “We have chosen DSEI to launch these systems internationally because it is the world’s largest fully integrated defence expo and attractsindustry leaders, decision- makers and analysts from across the globe,” explains Denel group CEO Riaz Saloojee in a statement to the media.





DLS regards the mortar and cannon as world leaders in their areas and affirms that both have features that are unique. Both new weapons have been developed in parallel with DLS’s new Badger infantry combat vehicle (ICV). This is a South African devel- opment of the Finnish Patria armoured modular vehicle, modified to meet South African requirements and fitted with a DLS-developed turret .Denel to present two new SA weapons at London exhibition The M10 can be mounted on most standard turrets but it is so compact and its recoil is so low (54 kN) that it can be mounted on light unarmoured vehicles and even on boats. It has an elevation range of – 5˚ to +70 ˚, allowing it to be used in direct fire as well as the more normal indirect fire roles. It has a sustained rate of fire of six rounds per minute, or it can fire eight rounds a minute with one minute intervals between bursts for up to 250 bombs. At sea level, it has a maximum range of 6 000 m, which, DLS states, makes it the world leader in its class. The company also affirms that the M10 will be “an ideal weapon system for peace support operations and the changing nature of modern conflict in urban or other close environments”.

“We are confident that the GI-30 will impress and excite the industry and visitors to DSEI,” opines Saloojee. “It was developed as part of our contract to deliver a world leading infantry combat vehicle for the South African Army. It will be the main weapon system on the South African Badger ICV but can easily be fitted onto other turrets on the market.”

DLS describes the weapon as “an externally driven electromechanical cannon, utilising a drum-cam to cycle the breech to chamber rounds and extract spent cartridges – this reduces gases in the confines of a turret and improves the controlled firing rate”
.
It can fire up to 100 rounds a minute, but can also be used in a single shot ‘sniper’ mode with a closed breech. As, in this mode, no movement takes place before the round is fired, the result is greater accuracy. The cannon has an effective range of up to 4 000 m. The GI-30 fires linkless 30 mm × 173 mm ammunition of three different types – the semi-armour-piercing high-explosive incendiary, the armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot and the target practice type. The ammunition supply within the turret replenishes the gun, which can use ammunition produced by DLS sister company Denel PMP or by European manufacturers Nammo and Oerlikon.

South African company Saab Grintek Defence (SGD), part of the Swedish Saab aerospace and defence group, has been awarded two orders, worth $33-million (about R335-million) in total, by Indian State-owned aircraft company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to supply it with electronic warfare (EW) self-protection systems. These will be fitted to the HAL Dhruv advanced light helicopters being delivered to the Indian Air Force and Army.

“Saab in South Africa fulfills an important mandate on the African continent and beyond by delivering an impressive range of South African electronic warfare technology,” affirmed Saab South Africa CEO Magnus Lewis-Olsson. “Up to 90% of these systems are being designed and produced in Saab Grintek Defence facilities in South Africa – we are proud to deliver on this important contract.”

State-owned arms manufacturer Denel is flying high. It has co-produced the first Airbus A400M military transport plane. Denel Aerostructures contributed to the design and manufacturing of the plane, which was officially handed over to the French Air Force on Monday.

Denel Aerostructures is the only top-tier supplier of manufactured parts for the A400M outside Europe. In June, Airbus Military placed a third multimillion-rand contract with the company during the Paris Air Show in France, which was attended by Denel chairperson Zoli Kunene and group CEO Riaz Saloojee. The work package was for the manufacturing of the ribs, spars and swords, the inside structure of the giant airlifter’s distinctive tail section. At the time Kunene said the work package of about R200m was contracted to run over the entire life of the A400M programme. “It demonstrates Airbus Military’s confidence in Denel and South Africa’s design and manufacturing capabilities, coupled with our ability to deliver on time and within budget,” he said. Denel spokesperson Vuyelwa Qinga said under a renegotiated contract announced in September 2012, the South African manufacturer was also responsible for two other A400M work packages involving the design, engineering and fabrication of the wing-to-fuselage fairing and fuselage top shells. “The wing-to-fuselage fairing is the largest single aerostructure component ever produced in South Africa and provides an aerodynamic shroud over sensitive equipment located in the centre wing part of the A400M. The fairing protects the equipment from lightning, hail damage and bird strikes,” she said. The fuselage top shells are made up of more than 1100 individual parts and a large machined skin, engineered out of an aluminium alloy. “Each A400M is fitted with two top shells, positioned in front and behind the wings where they join the fuselage,” Qinga said. “They are also fitted with about 1000 brackets which support electrical and electronic wiring, hot air and heat exchange pipes and the aircraft’s emergency life rafts.” Saloojee said: “This is a celebration of South African innovation and our high-tech manufacturing capabilities. We are participating with great success and confidence in the most ambitious multinational aircraft production process ever. It shows that we have the skills and capacity inside South Africa to manufacture sophisticated aerostructures.”

@augustus no country should impose its own rules unless invited. Regarding Kenya they should have asked for assistance and definetly South Africa would have positively responded but as a pride many African countries shun any African assistance especially South African. The South African Special Task Force would have done a perfect job in support of the Kenyan security forces but the pride forced the Kenyan to asked for Israelis support which is not wrong at all.

Nigerian should buying South African military hardware buy not with their pride.....Africans would never be seen supporting other Africans especially when matters of pride is concern....Hence Africans would rather be seen with other nationalities than blacks. The time Africans like South Africa its only when they failed to obtain a visa to travel oversees and then use South Africa as an alternative.

Hence Africans think South Africa is a dumping ground for the unemployed and illiterate Africans who believes they are better than South Africans and yet survive on South African hospitality. AFRICANS SUFFER FROM MASSIVE INFERIORITY COMPLEX BUT ONLY REALISE THAT THEY ARE BETTER WHEN IN SOUTH AFRICA AGAINST SOUTH AFRICANS.

Nigeria's army said Thursday it was trying to verify the authenticity of a video that appeared to show Boko Haram's leader mocking reports that he may have been killed. A security task force last month said wanted Islamist insurgent commander Abubakar Shekau "may have died" from a gunshot wound after a clash with soldiers on June 30.

In a video seen by AFP Wednesday, a man resembling past images of Shekau taunted the regional military spokesman who suggested he had been killed. "We cannot say at this juncture whether the claim is true or false until we authenticate the veracity of the video," army spokesman Ibrahim Attahiru told AFP. "The army authorities have to verify the claim. This is precisely what we are doing," he said. The initial statement concerning Shekau's possible death came from a military spokesman based in the northeast, Boko Haram's stronghold. National defence spokesman Chris Olukolade has told AFP that statement may have been issued prematurely and that the military lacked definitive proof of Shekau's death. Shekau has been declared a global terrorist by the United States, which put a $7 million bounty (5.2 million euros) on his head. He leads an Islamist group which has been blamed for scores of deadly attacks across northern and central Nigeria. It was not clear when or where the latest video was recorded, but in it Shekau claims recent attacks in the northeast. "I want the whole world to know that I'm alive by the grace of Allah," he says in the Hausa language. Boko Haram has said its four-year insurgency is aimed at creating an Islamic state in Nigeria's mainly Muslim north. Nigeria in mid-May imposed a state of emergency across most of the restive northeast and launched an ongoing offensive aimed at crushing the insurgency.

@AGAUGUSTUS EMBARRASED AGAIN

HERE IS THE VIDEO
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24274818

Nigeria's army said Thursday it was trying to verify the authenticity of a video that appeared to show Boko Haram's leader mocking reports that he may have been killed. A security task force last month said wanted Islamist insurgent commander Abubakar Shekau "may have died" from a gunshot wound after a clash with soldiers on June 30.

In a video seen by AFP Wednesday, a man resembling past images of Shekau taunted the regional military spokesman who suggested he had been killed. "We cannot say at this juncture whether the claim is true or false until we authenticate the veracity of the video," army spokesman Ibrahim Attahiru told AFP. "The army authorities have to verify the claim. This is precisely what we are doing," he said. The initial statement concerning Shekau's possible death came from a military spokesman based in the northeast, Boko Haram's stronghold. National defence spokesman Chris Olukolade has told AFP that statement may have been issued prematurely and that the military lacked definitive proof of Shekau's death. Shekau has been declared a global terrorist by the United States, which put a $7 million bounty (5.2 million euros) on his head. He leads an Islamist group which has been blamed for scores of deadly attacks across northern and central Nigeria. It was not clear when or where the latest video was recorded, but in it Shekau claims recent attacks in the northeast. "I want the whole world to know that I'm alive by the grace of Allah," he says in the Hausa language. Boko Haram has said its four-year insurgency is aimed at creating an Islamic state in Nigeria's mainly Muslim north. Nigeria in mid-May imposed a state of emergency across most of the restive northeast and launched an ongoing offensive aimed at crushing the insurgency.

@AGAUGUSTUS EMBARRASED AGAIN

HERE IS THE VIDEO
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24274818

A major problem about spin doctors is that when exposed they balme everyone accept themselves....Nairas where over the moon when SANDF soldiers where killed and they believe everthing that was said by rebels than South African media....even disputing the death toll. Nigerians were adamant about the 40 soldiers killed inspite of the overwhelming eveidence that 13 soldiers were killed.

why now should I doubt Premium media about Nigerian casualties and cowardly behaviour

A STORY OF FLEEGING NIGERIAN SOLDIER @AGAUSGUSTUS..........HAHAHAHHAHH REMEMBER BANGUI

Fleeing soldiers

A soldier in Benisheik said they could not stand the superior fire power of Boko Haram.

“They were using anti-aircraft guns while we were using AK47 rifles and some RPGs. They came in droves driving about 20 pickup trucks accompanied by two light armored tankers, all wearing our military colours – desert-camo . We had to retreat to our base to reinforce after running out of arms. But they followed us down there, surrounded our base and began to to shell our building. We couldn’t stand the heat of their superior fire power. We had to retreat into the village after they killed two of our soldiers and three policemen. They left with an armoured tanker and four military patrol trucks,” the soldier said.

At the palace of the district head of Benisheik, where vehicles were taken away and one burnt, a staff, Abacha Wakil, narrated to journalists how the gunmen attacked and beheaded people in the village.

“The Boko Haram gunmen invaded the town at about 7:45 p.m., after attacking the military base at the outskirts of the town. The soldier ran to us here at the palace of the District Head and warned us to run for our dear lives. They said they had ran out of ammunition and the terrorists are carrying sophisticated arms.

“No sooner had the soldiers warned us than the Boko Haram gunmen arrived in droves; all dressed in military uniforms and carrying guns. They came in about 30 vehicles. We had to run for our lives. I took refuge inside the millet plantation near the District Head’s palace. The gunmen spread out and began to shoot and set houses ablaze. They did not leave until about 3:30 am. We all spent the night inside the bush. In the morning, we found that they had beheaded 14 persons, mostly those in the Civilian-JTF, and left with at least 21 vehicles and a Tata truck filled with food items looted from the shops they also set ablaze.”

Mr. Wakil said most of the young men killed were beheaded.

“Their bodies were completely separated from their bodies. The death could have been more if the soldiers had not run down to warn us in good time that we should run for dear lives.”

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/145118-untold-story-of-how-boko-haram-overrun-nigerian-soldiers-massacre-hundreds-in-borno.html

The historical facts written in blood during the battles of Angola would not be changed by some military illiterate experts who believes distortion of facts would be believed. Books have been written, experts opinions offered and commanders who led the actual battles telling the real story have been recorded....not some inferiority struck individuals that vomit dung as facts.

SADF during the period of 1980's did outclass and destroyed the combined forces of SWAPO, FAPLA, CUBANS & RUSSIANS WITH ALMOST MINIMUM CASUALTIES TO BOTH MATERIAL AND PERESONNEL.

NAIRAS STOP EMBARRASSING YOURSELF BY OFFERING UNTESTED, unpractical and distorted military questions.....accept that Nigeria would never match proud South African history or show us Nigerian military history or forever hold your distorted views.

@agaugustus what are your comments to this development: Nigeria: Shekau Appears in New Video, Says 'I Am Alive'


Leader of the Jama'atu Ahlis Sunnah Lidda'awati Wal Jihad, also known as Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, today said the Nigerian Military should bury itself in shame because he is alive.

Shekau also claimed responsibility of Tuesday, 17th September, 2013 attacks in Benisheik, Borno State where over 160 people were either shot dead or slaughtered and hundreds of houses burnt.

The then Joint Task Force (JTF) spokesman in Borno State, Lt Col Sagir Musa, had issued a statement on 19th August, 2013 to the effect that "Intelligence report available to the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Restore Order revealed that Abubakar Shekau, the most dreaded and wanted terrorists leader may have died. He died of gunshots wounds received in an encounter with the JTF in one of their camps in Sambisa Forest on 30th June, 2013.

"Shekau was mortally wounded in the encounter and was sneaked into Amitchide-a border community in Cameroon for treatment from which he never recovered," the JTF statement said.

But in the latest video, Shekau who appeared in military camouflage uniform, seated and surrounded by hooded insurgents said "Here I am, alive, hale and hearty. Sagir Musa should bury himself in shame, President Jonathan (of Nigeria) should bury himself in shame, President Obama (of United States of America) should bury himself in shame, and President Francois Hollande (of France) should bury himself in shame, Queen Elizabeth (of England) should bury herself in shame," he said.

According to Shekau, "They said I am dead, but here I am. The world should know that I am alive and will only die at the appointed time. Everybody should be judged according to the dictates of his conscience. What I am doing is written in the Holy Qur'an and the Hadith and I will not stop. I challenge all the clerics of the world to question my deeds. Those underrating my capacity should have a re-think. I will never allow democracy to thrive.

"The concept of Government of the people by the people for the people will never be possible and will never exist. Democracy shall be replaced only by the government of Allah, from Allah and for Allah," he said.

He said the Nigerian military will never subdue his group. "Nigerian soldiers are late. After killing many of them in Monguno and Benisheik, we have snatched their armoured carriers and Hilux van and then hoisted Islamic flags on them. We now move freely with them," he said.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201309251290.html?aa_source=mf-hdlns

NIGERIA IN TROUBLE......BH BOYS NOW IN ABUJA......@AGAUGUSTUS THIS IS NOT RHINO POACHING YOU ARE FACING OR SELEKE BOYS BUT REAL NIGERIANS

Nigerian forces and members of Boko Haram clashed in a shoot out near the main residential compound for lawmakers in Abuja on Friday, state security services said, the first clash involving Islamist militants in the capital this year.

A security team was searching for weapons after a tip-off from arrested members of Boko Haram, a militant group that wants to impose sharia law in northern Nigeria and has been responsible for hundreds of killings this year.

Boko Haram is seen as the gravest security threat to Africa's top oil producer. Although its activities are mostly located hundreds of miles away from its southern oil fields, its small presence in the political capital worries officials.

"Some persons were injured and 12 others have been arrested in connection with the incident," said a statement from state security services, Nigeria's secret service.

"No sooner had the team commenced digging for the arms, than they came under heavy gunfire attack by other Boko Haram elements," the statement said.

The last known attack by the sect in Abuja was in November last year, when gunmen stormed a special anti-robbery police barracks, freeing 30 prisoners and killing two police officers. That attack was claimed by Ansaru, a Boko Haram offshoot.

By far the most high-profile attack in the capital was in August 2011, when a suicide car bomb tore through the U.N. building, killing 24 people and gaining Boko Haram international notoriety.

In April last year, a suicide car bomb struck the Abuja office of newspaper This Day, killing two people.

The bulk of Islamist attacks occur in the remote northeast, where Boko Haram had its first major uprising in 2009.

http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/e5352900412a37d5898dd908d3334ba9/Nigerian-forces-fight-Islamists-near-lawmakers-Abuja-quarters-20132009

NIGERIA IN TROUBLE......BH BOYS NOW IN ABUJA......@AGAUGUSTUS THIS IS NOT RHINO POACHING YOU ARE FACING OR SELEKE BOYS BUT REAL NIGERIANS

Nigerian forces and members of Boko Haram clashed in a shoot out near the main residential compound for lawmakers in Abuja on Friday, state security services said, the first clash involving Islamist militants in the capital this year.

A security team was searching for weapons after a tip-off from arrested members of Boko Haram, a militant group that wants to impose sharia law in northern Nigeria and has been responsible for hundreds of killings this year.

Boko Haram is seen as the gravest security threat to Africa's top oil producer. Although its activities are mostly located hundreds of miles away from its southern oil fields, its small presence in the political capital worries officials.

"Some persons were injured and 12 others have been arrested in connection with the incident," said a statement from state security services, Nigeria's secret service.

"No sooner had the team commenced digging for the arms, than they came under heavy gunfire attack by other Boko Haram elements," the statement said.

The last known attack by the sect in Abuja was in November last year, when gunmen stormed a special anti-robbery police barracks, freeing 30 prisoners and killing two police officers. That attack was claimed by Ansaru, a Boko Haram offshoot.

By far the most high-profile attack in the capital was in August 2011, when a suicide car bomb tore through the U.N. building, killing 24 people and gaining Boko Haram international notoriety.

In April last year, a suicide car bomb struck the Abuja office of newspaper This Day, killing two people.

The bulk of Islamist attacks occur in the remote northeast, where Boko Haram had its first major uprising in 2009.

http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/e5352900412a37d5898dd908d3334ba9/Nigerian-forces-fight-Islamists-near-lawmakers-Abuja-quarters-20132009