Photo by: Duane Daws
BAE Systems subsidiary Land Systems South Africa has secured a contract under Denel Land Systems’ 8x8 Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) programme, which will see the defence systems developer providing commander and gunner sights for Badger combat vehicles.
“This is a key contract for our business, as Denel and the South African National Defence Force, through Armscor, are very important customers for our business,” commented BAE Systems South Africa MD Johan Steyn.
Land Systems South Africa declined to disclose the value of the contract.
The vehicles would be fitted with Denel Land Systems turrets, while Land Systems South Africa would supply commander and gunner sights for use on the Section, Command, Mortar, Missile and Fire Support variants.
The sights were customised to the Badger’s requirements and supported the vehicle’s surveillance and engagement functions in day and night conditions.
The sights would be manufactured to coincide with the production of 238 Badger vehicles by Denel, manufacturing of which was expected to start in 2015 and run until 2022.
“The new Badger ICV is a combination of a locally designed turret and a Finnish designed vehicle platform, customised for the unique South African conditions. The system will be produced locally and represents the apex of the South African defence industry,” Denel Land Systems CEO Stephan Burger said in a statement.