State-owned defence company Denel is showcasing several of its products in the fields of missile technology, air defence systems, precision guided munitions, artillery systems and unmanned aerial vehicle systems at the World Defence Show, in Saudi Arabia, from February 4 to 8.

It is important for Denel to have a strong presence in the fast-growing markets in the Middle East. This follows on a highly successful technology demonstration held at Alkantpan, in the Northern Cape, which was attended by decision-makers and analysts from ten countries, says Denel interim CEO Mike Kgobe.

The restructured Denel is seeking new markets for its tried-and-tested products and systems.

“We want to build on our reputation for leading-edge products and systems, and the World Defence Show is a unique opportunity to gain a foothold in new markets,” he says.

On Denel's stand will be a full-scale model of the Umkhonto-infrared surface-to-air-missile, which has been deployed with great success by several armed forces globally, including the South African Navy.

This infrared-guided missile has a range of 20 km and can reach speeds of Mach 2.2. It is launched from vessels and from a ground-based launcher and provides all-round defence against incoming missiles and aircraft.

The Umkhonto-extended infrared missile adds further range, speed and operational ceiling, which improves its performance and ability to defend forces on the ground, Kgobe says.

Further, the Ingwe Surface Target Missile has been integrated successfully onto helicopters and infantry fighting vehicles, or can be launched from its own platform. Using laser beam-riding guidance, it can reach and neutralise targets more than 5 km away.

Also on display will be a model of the Seeker 400 unmanned aerial system, which has been upgraded over the years to ensure technology relevance.

The Seeker 400 can stay in the air for up to 16 hours at a cruising speed of 150 km/h and a range of 250 km. It has autonomous take-off and landing capabilities and carries multiple sensor payload that accumulates real-time images and high-definition data for stations on the ground.

Additionally, Denel’s G6 self-propelled howitzer has set the standard for long-distance artillery over more than three decades. During this period, Denel completed design and concept of the new G6 with a 52 calibre. It has a high rate of fire of seven rounds per minute with 38 rounds and an accurate firing up to a range of 57 km.

Denel has also developed a truck-mounted gun, the T5-52 system, that is mounted on a commercially off-the-shelf vehicle platform. The top carriage is mounted on a high-mobility truck chassis with a purpose-designed interface and outriggers.

The weapon system has excellent tactical and road strategic mobility with a range of 600 km without refuelling, at speeds of up to 85 km/h, and is suitable to forces that require artillery and combines mobility with long-distance capabilities and accuracy, he notes.

Further, Denel's long-range mortars and anti-material rifles will also be demonstrated to decision-makers and analysts. The NTW-20 can engage targets up to 1.7 km away and is extremely effective in a counter-sniping role and against mortar and rocket launcher positions.

The DM-82 is a long-range mortar which can be used during night and day and reach targets about 7 km away with pinpoint accuracy.

“The show is an opportunity for Denel to demonstrate that we still design, manufacture and deliver high-technology products that are comparable and better than what is produced in the rest of the world,” he avers.