In a significant self-funded initiative, OTT Solutions, in collaboration with several South African defence industry companies, has developed a Service Life Extension Plan (SLEP) for the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) Ratel fleet. This initiative aims to ensure that the Ratel Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) continue to support the SANDF’s operations alongside the newly acquired Badger IFVs.
Phase 1: Mobility Upgrade
The first phase of the SLEP focused on enhancing the mobility of the Ratel IFVs. This involved replacing the Bussing engine, Renk gearbox, transfer case, and the entire electrical and pneumatic systems with commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) and ITAR-free components. Remarkably, this modernization resulted in a mass saving of over 600 kg, while retaining the original hull and axles.
Phase 2: Enhanced Protection
The second phase addressed the vehicle’s protection. An applique add-on armour skin made of ultra-high hardness (UHH) armour steel was added, increasing the vehicle’s protection from STANAG Level 1 to Level 2. This upgrade was achieved with no significant weight penalty, thanks to the use of an internal insulation/spall liner material.
Phase 3: Improved Firepower
In the third phase, the Ratel’s firepower was enhanced by integrating commercial robotic gun drives in the turret. The original French 20 mm F2 M693 automatic cannon, known locally as the Denel GI-2, was retained. The turret was upgraded to be fully electric, controlled by an intuitive cow horns type control system, and equipped with a new digital display and a laser rangefinder. This upgrade also included a day sight and an uncooled thermal night sight, significantly improving the gunner’s targeting capabilities.
Phase 4: Modern Digital Systems
The final phase focused on interoperability and modern digital systems. This included the installation of a navigation system, a battle management system (BMS), and blue force tracking digital multiband radios. These systems enable the Ratel SLEP to transmit and receive digital encrypted data, voice, video, target, and blue force information in real time, enhancing its operational capabilities in various scenarios, from conventional battles to urban and asymmetric warfare.
This comprehensive renovation programme aimed at addressing the SANDF’s critical mobility issues related to obsolescence progressed fast. From a start in 2022, the company managed to undertake proving trials and mobility demonstrations of a prototype demonstrator within four months. Live firing was successfully conducted at the SA Army’s 2023 Vuk’uhlome exercise with a variety of experienced gunners from 8 SA Infantry Battalion, who received system training of around 30 minutes.
The upgraded system resulted in massive improvements in both accuracy and first-round hit probability, OTT Solutions said. It is an example of what Chief SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, would cite as a “solution to rejuvenate the SANDF coming not only from the fiscus but through innovation.”
At the same time, the SLEP initiative was centered on the bare necessities to ensure maximum cost-effectiveness, as this was considered the only short-term path available to retain SANDF mechanised capability.
OTT Solutions is majority-owned by the South African National Military Veterans Association (SANMVA), with OTT Technologies, part of the OTT Group, a minority shareholder. In 2022, South Africa’s OTT Technologies, LMT Products and ADG Mobility successfully completed a merger, and becoming the OTT Group.
With the collaboration of the OTT Group’s ADG Mobility, it achieved a cost-effective modernisation of the South African designed and built Ratel infantry fighting vehicle. The SLEP programme is aimed at local and foreign operators of this successful vehicle, of which 1,300 were built. Some 300 remain in the SANDF inventory.
Future Prospects and Impact
The success of the Ratel SLEP programme not only extends the operational life of the SANDF’s Ratel fleet but also sets a precedent for cost-effective military vehicle upgrades. By leveraging commercially available components and focusing on essential upgrades, OTT Solutions has demonstrated that significant improvements in military capability can be achieved without exorbitant costs.
This initiative also highlights the potential for local defence industries to innovate and provide solutions that meet national defence needs. The involvement of SANMVA and the OTT Group underscores the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders in the defence sector.
Looking ahead, the Ratel SLEP programme could serve as a model for other countries operating similar vehicles, offering a blueprint for extending the life and enhancing the capabilities of aging military assets. This approach not only ensures the continued relevance of these vehicles in modern warfare but also provides a cost-effective alternative to acquiring new equipment.
