| Denel
launches Missile deal in Brazil - A-Darter
( portuguese
text)
Denel Dynamics, a subsidiary of Denel
(Pty) Ltd, launched the latest generation of A-Darter
Air-to-Air missile programme to be developed by
and for both the South African National Defence
Force and Brazilian Air Force.
Denel Dynamics is
the missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles division
of Denel.
The launch took
place during the Latin American Aerospace and Defence
exhibition, which ended on the 20 April 2007 in
Brazil.
The co-development
of the missile between South Africa and Brazil not
only brings much needed skills, training, technology
transfer to the country and, but also reinforces
the South-South cooperation initiated by President
Mbeki and his counterpart.
Already ten Brazilian
Air Force members are working at the Denel Dynamics
plant on the programme, and they will be supplemented
by a further twenty people from the Brazilian defence
companies.
The A-Darter missile
is vitally important to the aerospace cluster in
equipping the aircraft of both air forces.
The A-Darter missile
will guarantee a credible deterrent for the South
African Air Force and will maintain and expand the
local capabilities in this field over the next fifteen
years.
Current contracts
exceed R1 billion in total and future export contracts
are expected to add another R2 billion over this
fifteen-year period, adding to the sustainability
and viability of the Denel Dynamics division of
Denel (Pty) Ltd.
One of Denel's macro
strategy is to secure privileged access to a guaranteed
minimum portion of South Africa's defence development
and procurement spend, to this end, this contract
will have a very positive spin-off for local defence
companies.
At least 200 engineers
will be required over the duration of the contract.
Already there are signs that increasing numbers
of young engineers are being attracted to Denel,
specifically to be part of leading edge technological
projects such as that offered by the A-Darter development
contract. Acting on behalf of the South African
National Defence Force, a contract was signed by
Armscor on the co-development of the missile.
Photo A-Darter as presented at LAAD 2007
Defesa
@ Net
The deal for joint development of A-Darter
missil , between Brazil and South Africa
was announced by former Air Force Commander,
Brifadier Bueno, in 2005. The deal progressed
fastly by the brazilian side with the necessary
resources being available soon. But
dificulties by South Africa being the most
crucial the fight of Denel Goup for survival
delayed at least one year the full implementation
of the deal.
At
2007 beginning Denel Goup found a solution
for its turnaround headed by CEO
Shaun Liebenberg, and also the resources
to the A-Darte project by Douth African
government.
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