Defence equipment and systems produced by South Africa's high-technology group, Denel SOC, can meet all the requirements of South and Latin American countries and can even be further adapted for additional specific requirements of clients.

The Group Chief Executive of the state-owned Denel Group, Riaz Saloojee, says the company has significantly expanded its range since its last participation in LAAD with the addition of divisions responsible for space technology, command and control, systems integration, maritime security and cyber warfare among new capabilities.

"While we have deepened our traditional strengths in landward defence, turret systems, guided missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, we are now able to provide clients with integrated defence solutions across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace platforms," says Saloojee.

Brazil is a long-term partner for the South African defence industry because of the strong relationships between the two countries and their joint membership in the BRICS alliance, together with Russia, India and China.

The A-Darter air-to-air missile is the apex of this collaboration and the two countries will be able to review progress on the development of this fifth generation missile during LAAD 2015.

"Advanced in-flight testing on the missile has been completed and we are confident that the A-Darter will be a global leader in its class when production starts within the next 12 months," says Mr Saloojee.

The quality of the diplomatic and trade ties between South Africa and countries in Latin and South America is of great importance in the defence industry because many contracts require government-to-government participation.

Denel also brings the geographic benefits of being located in a southern hemisphere country where its products and systems have been developed and tested in similar terrestrial conditions.

In addition, Denel will focus strongly on its capabilities in the aerospace and aviation sectors where the Rooivalk combat helicopter has received much acclaim for its successful deployment during peace-keeping operations on the African continent.

"The Rooivalk is proof that the South African defence industry is capable of developing a world-class product from the design stage, through industrialisation into manufacturing," says Mr Saloojee.

The Group's reputation in landward defence systems, artillery and turret weapons systems will also be highlighted at the show, where the MT-105 weapon system will be show-cased as ideally suited for the turret requirements of the Brazilian Army's new VBR-MR programme. The MT-105 combines Denel Land Systems' proven experience in turret manufacturing with recent innovations in fire control technology.

Other products that will be highlighted at the Denel pavilion include the Marlin air-to-air missile system, the Skua high-speed target drone, the T5-52 truck mounted artillery and the small- and medium calibre ammunition range manufactured by Denel PMP.

Mr Saloojee says he is looking forward to meeting with defence decision-makers and industry representatives to demonstrate the quality of Denel's products and hopefully discuss potential opportunities for cooperation across the two continents.

Ends

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For further information, contact:

Vuyelwa Qinga (Ms)

Group Head: Corporate Communications & Public Affairs

Cell: +27 (0) 79 511 6257
Tel: +27 (0) 12 671 2662
email: vuyelwaq@denel.co.za

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