Denel Land Systems (DLS) was a port of call last week for Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga, allowing her to be updated on various Denel projects, such as the long-awaited Badger infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) for the SA Army.
In addition to seeing progress in the form seemingly completed section, command and ambulance Badger variants at the DLS facility in Denel’s Lyttelton campus in Centurion, Motshekga and her entourage were able to – as it were – try the new IFV on for size.
It’s now over 18 years since the SA Army was informed it would receive the new Badger IFVs, based on a Finnish Patria design, to replace its locally designed and built Ratel, now in service for 49 years and widely accepted as the first wheeled IFV in military service.
Back in 2007, state defence materiel agency Armscor signed a contract with DLS for Badger development. The contract’s first phase was supposed to be fulfilled by May 2012. However, Denel was unable to meet the deadline. This was supposed to be followed by phase two of the project, which involved the industrialisation and production. Deliveries were scheduled for 2019, then end 2023.
In December 2018 Denel indicated the contract could not be executed in the price, specification or timescale as per the contract and asked for it to be reset. The following year, it was agreed mass production would be deferred until after completion of vehicle development.
Earlier this year Armscor informed Parliament development of Project Hoefyster combat variants is scheduled to conclude in November 2027, with a decision on mass production to follow. The section and fire support variant development, Parliamentarians heard, should be completed this year with the command, missile, mortar and logistics variants following in 2027.
In June, Denel said the company has engineering capacity to complete Phase 1 vehicle development. Phase 2 (production) planning is dependent on agreements between Armscor and the Department of Defence (DoD), with the “shape and timeline” of Phase 2 under review.
The Centurion visit on 13 November was, Thando Ramasimong of Defence Corporate Communication (DCC) has it, to review progress in “key areas of South Africa’s defence manufacturing capability”. Motshekga and her deputy Bantu Holomisa reportedly viewed “combat vehicles and combat ammunition”, gaining insight into capabilities supporting SA National Defence Force (SANDF) operational readiness.
At DLS Motshekga is on record as saying the South African defence industry (SADI) has “immense potential” to create jobs, nurture technical skills and support innovation. “By investing in local capabilities such as those demonstrated here at Denel, we are not only strengthening national security but also contributing meaningfully to South Africa’s broader socio-economic development.”
Motshekga and her delegation were welcomed by Denel Group Chief Executive Officer Tsepo Monaheng and members of the Denel management team.
Last month Motshekga and deputy Richard Mkhungo visited Denel Pretoria Metal Pressings (PMP) as part of ongoing efforts to assess progress within the state owned company and to strengthen cooperation between the department and defence industry.
“I am confident that, working together with the leadership of Denel, the organisation is on the rise and will be restored to its former glory as a source of national pride, technological excellence, and strategic capability for our country”, said Motshekga of the 3 October visit to PMP.
Monaheng was also present for the visit and outlined the company’s initiatives aimed at stabilisation, growth, and improved efficiency. He highlighted Denel’s ongoing work to reposition itself as a centre of technological excellence and a contributor to the country’s strategic industrial base, according to Onicca Kwakwa, Motshekga’s spokesperson.
