State-owned defence industrial group Denel has reported that it has successfully demonstrated the long-range capabilities of its T5-52 truck-mounted gun/howitzer to eight international delegations (ten were invited). The demonstration, which also involved the group’s Seeker 400 uncrewed aerial vehicle system, took place at the Alkantpan Test Range in the Northern Cape province, from August 15 to August 17.

The primary purpose of the demonstration was to highlight that Denel was, in the words of its press release, “back in business”. But the demonstration “also confirmed that Denel is still at the forefront of global technological advancement in the field of artillery and that it has recapacitated itself to be able to meet customer expectations in pursuit of world-class product offerings”.

The event had a further purpose of re-establishing and growing relationships, not only with customers, but also with the wider South African defence industry and international partners. The objective was to get closer to niche markets.

 The T5-52 is a version of Denel’s renowned G5 towed gun/howitzer, mounted on an 8 x 8 truck. (The armoured self-propelled gun [SPG] version is designated the G6.) It has a calibre of 155 mm. The ammunition for the demonstration was provided by Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM).

The long-range fire demonstration took place on the final day of the capability demonstration, and used velocity enhanced artillery projectiles, part of RDM’s Assegaai suite of 155 mm artillery shells. Because of the distance required, the target for the shoot had to be outside the test range. The first shot, Denel reported, achieved a range of 60.4 km, while the second reached 60.9 km. The third and final shot achieved a range of 61.293 km, which the group described as “astonishing” and “the first of its kind in the world”.

Earlier in the demonstration programme, the T5-52’s ‘shoot and scoot’ capabilities (the speed with which it could be brought into action, fire a few shells, and then move out again) were demonstrated. (Shoot and scoot is essential in modern warfare, to avoid enemy return artillery fire.)

The Seeker 400 was used for surveillance, target acquisition and shot correction duties, thereby also demonstrating its capabilities.

The development and manufacture of artillery systems is the responsibility of Denel Land Systems. Other products from this division were on static display during the capability demonstration. These were the 105 mm calibre Light Experimental Ordnance and the Altimate 105 mm SPG (mounted on a Denel Vehicle Systems’ RG41 armoured vehicle platform). Also displayed was a Denel Mechatronics Missile Stabilised Turret, mounted on an RG32M mine-hardened protected patrol vehicle (itself another product of Denel Vehicle Systems).