South Africa’s position in the global defence and aerospace industries will be in the spotlight at the inaugural Denel Aerospace and Defence Conference, which brings together military decision-makers, industry leaders, senior public servants and defence sector participants for intense discussions on the challenges and opportunities currently facing the industry.

The Denel Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Conference, taking place in Centurion tomorrow, will feature senior speakers from the SA National Defence Force as well as top decision-makers in the global defence technology environment and government.

Riaz Saloojee, the Group Chief Executive of Denel says the conference is an opportunity to get the latest insights about trends in the international defence industry and to determine opportunities for the growth of the local sector. This is the first opportunity to discuss the future of the South African defence industry since the recent release of the 2014 Defence Review.

The conference takes place on the eve of the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (AAD) to be hosted at the Air Force Base Waterkloof from 17 to 21 September. The AAD is the biggest defence show on the African continent and will feature more than 300 exhibitors from 30 countries.

Dr Sam Makhudu Gulube, the Secretary for Defence and Military Veterans will be one of the key speakers to deliver a position paper at the conference with the topic “Building a competitive industry to serve a global defence market.” He will be followed by the Chairman of Armscor, Vice Admiral Johannes Mudimu who will speak on Pan-African trade relations in the defence sector.

Both the deputy Chief of the SA Army, Major General Les Rudman and the deputy Chief of the SA Air Force, Major General G. Malinga are among the speakers scheduled for the afternoon session.

Mr Saloojee says the conference will also provide a valuable opportunity for small and medium enterprises to network with established players in the defence industry and to gain insight on how to become part of the global supply chains.

Ends

For further information, contact:

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

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