DCD Protected Mobility on Wednesday announced that it was ready to deliver the final batch of Husky vehicle-mounted mine detector (VMMD) units to the US Army, after which its Husky VMMD build programme would transition from a production to a sustainment phase.

The Husky VMMD landmine detection vehicle has the ability to pass over pressure-fused anti-vehicle landmines without detonating them and, in the event of a detonation, the components have been engineered in a unique modular configuration that allows them to break apart predictably, which facilitates rapid in-field repairs.

“Today marks the end of a programme that initially started in about 1995, following a comparative testing programme with the US government; although significant orders were only really placed from 2005. Since then, we have delivered well over 1 000 vehicles and this is the last one, going out today,” DCD Protected Mobility GM Andrew Mears said.

The Husky VMMD build programme had earned the South African economy about R10.3-billion in foreign exchange and led to the creation of 1 320 jobs across the supply chain during the production phase.

After the last batch of vehicles is delivered to the US, the local company will still have the responsibility of supporting the vehicles for their full lifespan, which would be at least 20 to 25 years.

“We are very excited about the potential associated with the sustainment phase of the programme, as it promises engagement with the US government and will allow the company to continuously enhance its capabilities around the Husky VMMD,” Mears said, adding that there were many opportunities for upgrades to the vehicles.

Meanwhile, DCD Protected Mobility would also pursue other international foreign sales opportunities for Husky VMMD units, in conjunction with its marketing partner Critical Solutions International.

“We have now set our sights on identifying potential strategic partnerships to enable product development. We plan to leverage off our success with the US Army to expand our presence in the G7 markets. We are also following up on smaller orders from other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation countries and US allies, which were placed as a direct result of the successful deployment of the Husky VMMD by the US Army,” he said.

Mears added that the company was intent on being recognised as governments’ preferred partner for the acquisition, support and upgrade of tactical wheeled vehicles, by creating strategic alliances and working appropriately within industry teams to ensure that it met end-user requirements.

“Thus, there is a significant number of vehicles still to be sold, but over a much longer period of time,” he noted.