After years of shortages of personnel and funding, tensions in the South African army may finally ease, subject to the implementation of some long-overdue programs for the modernization of equipment and weapons
South African National Defense Forces SANDF are grappling with the effects of a quarter-century of underfunding as the budget has contracted in real terms and the current liabilities have increased significantly. In addition, since 2001, peacekeeping tasks and a return to border protection have placed an additional burden on the army. One of the results was a sharp increase in personnel costs, which, combined with high inflation, sharply limited the cost of training and maintenance, as well as financing of procurement of materiel. This caused the shortening and / or postponement of the largest procurement projects and left the army with mostly outdated weapons.
While the recent Defense Review calls for additional funding to meet the commitments supported by all parties in Parliament, the likelihood of additional funding for defense programs before the 2019 general elections appears to be very slim. One of these undertakings is the Project Hoefyster project, the purchase of 242 Badger ICV armored vehicles in ten variants, most of which are intended to arm two regular motorized infantry battalions. These units will receive compartment transporter and fire support options (30mm cannon), 60mm mortar, anti-tank complex (Ingwe) and command vehicle.
Badger is based on a modular armored vehicle AMV manufactured by the Finnish company Patria, on the chassis of which a modular tower from Denel Land Systems will be installed in seven configurations. The changes compared to the AMV are as follows: a flat bottom with mine protection, a rear door with storage areas for weapons and ammunition compartments, new additional booking and a changed internal layout. The turret variant, armed with a 30mm cannon and Ingwe missiles, is exported to Malaysia.
Five additional options are under development: the Badger sanitary version with a raised roof; communication vehicles and mobile air operations groups with a 7.62 mm machine gun on the roof; a vehicle for forward artillery observers with a turret mortar; and an artillery command post. In addition, private company Thoroughtec has developed turret and driver simulators for the Badger armored vehicle. With funding available, the Badger platform may also serve as a base for other options in the future.
A couple of other major projects are the purchase of Skyguard fire control radars for twin 35mm Oerlikons installations and the purchase of a new family of tactical radars developed by Reutech Communications.
Suspended deliveries
Among the postponed projects is the replacement of the Casspir and Mamba armored personnel carriers (under the Sapula program) and the Samil series trucks (under the Vistula project), the former based on the mechanical components of the latter. Both of these projects were halted after an inexplicable decision several years ago not to continue with the Vistula project. It turns out that the army expects the delivery of a new armored vehicle, but at the same time the purchase of new logistics vehicles that could effectively support them is under a big question. The delay also affected the technical and logistics projects that were to be integrated under the advanced truck program, although some of them, such as the field kitchens, are moving forward on schedule.
Other protracted projects include the Ground-Based Air Defense System Phase 2 program, in particular for its short-range surface-to-air missile (most likely Umkhonto from Denel Dynamics), and the corresponding radar. as well as a project for the purchase of light artillery. Smaller projects awaiting funding include a new light short-range anti-tank weapon. But there are also positive trends, over the past few years, the army has received British Starstreak systems, new-generation French air defense systems Milan, 40-mm automatic grenade launchers and 60-mm long-range mortars with an appropriate fire control system.
For the future, the armored corps has a project for a new light reconnaissance vehicle, but so far there are no signs of future funding. Another pressing problem that needs to be addressed is what to do with the tank units. Many understand that the potential of Olifant tanks based on the British Centurion has been exhausted, but the Ministry of Defense was unable to accept very lucrative offers for used Leopard 2 tanks from the presence of the German army. In addition, due to the weakness of the currency and the state of the economy, the cost of new tanks is likely to be simply unaffordable.
The defense industry weakened sharply due to a shortage of orders from SANDF, but was able to continue exporting mainly protected vehicles, infantry support weapons, ammunition, communications equipment and electronic warfare systems. The main task today is to find funding for the development of new technology and systems in order to keep up with international requirements and developments. As for the South African Ministry of Defense, one should not expect "manna from heaven" from it, since it finances research activities very limitedly. Considering that many other countries are also developing wheeled combat and mine-protected vehicles, it seems that there will be a very definite consolidation in this sector.
The main player here is Denel, which offers combat vehicles, artillery systems, infantry support weapons and a wide range of ammunition to the world market.
Denel Land Systems, part of the Denel group, produces the Badger armored vehicle for the South African army and the turret for the new Malaysian army's armored vehicle (the project is currently suspended). The 30mm cannon and 60mm breech-loader water-cooled mortar were designed specifically for the Badger, but are also available for other platforms. In addition, the company manufactures towers with 76-mm and 105-mm cannons designed for the Rooikat self-propelled artillery mount (sometimes classified as reconnaissance armored vehicles), modernization kits for Ratel and Eland / AML-90 armored vehicles, including single-seat turrets with night sights and power drives and protected weapons installations.
Denel recently acquired BAE Land Systems South Africa, now called Denel Vehicle Systems (DVS), which had great success with its RG31 MRAP vehicle, RG31 mobile mortar complex, RG32 lighter communications and reconnaissance vehicles and RG12 police vehicle. The company recently sold the rights to its RG35 4x4 and 6x6 armored vehicle to the Emirati firm Nimr and is fulfilling orders for further development work for it. We can also mention the RG21 armored personnel carrier and the RG41 8x8 combat vehicle.
DVS supports all tactical vehicles of the South African army and more than 1,500 of its vehicles in service with other armies. The Mechatronics division offers outrigger weapons and turrets for assault helicopters, including the Rooivalk and SuperHind, as well as an automatic small arms training system, while the Travel Systems Division designs and manufactures a variety of gearboxes, axles and wheel assemblies.
External interests
Denel also has a 100% subsidiary of Mechem and Land Mobility Technologies (LMT) with a 51% stake. Mechem has expanded the Casspir family of mine-protected vehicles to include 6x6 and 8x8 variants in various configurations, including cargo, diesel tanker and evacuation, while the 4x4 variant is also produced as an armament transporter, and in a wide-hull configuration as an ambulance and command vehicle. Casspir armored vehicles have been exported to several countries, and Mechem currently has a permanent contract with the UN to manufacture vehicles on demand.
LMT has sold over 1,000 armored vehicles, armored cabins, capsules for armored personnel carriers and specialized hulls to many countries around the world. Its product line starts with armored SUVs and protection kits for HMMWV armored vehicles, armored and mine-protected cabins for Mercedes Actros and Zetros trucks, and ends with light and medium armored vehicles. Highly specialized options include vehicles for unexploded ordnance clearance teams.
LMT has developed a flat bottom mine-protected system for the Badger ICV, as well as a new tailgate and interior layout for seating and storage. Its vehicles for the local army include a nine-seat LM13 armored personnel carrier weighing 13 tons and a maximum speed of 120 km / h and a 16-ton 11-seat LM14 armored personnel carrier, both with mine protection and protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Both vehicles used the vast combat experience of the South African army: they have an air conditioning system, cooled water tanks, individual energy-absorbing seats with four-point seat belts, carefully thought out storage areas to prevent detonation of weapons and dispersal of internal equipment when blasted by a mine or IED.
DCD has exported more than 1,000 Husky mobile mine-reconnaissance systems to the United States - one of the few foreign systems qualified as the US Army - and a smaller number to other countries, the last of which was Turkey. Husky is also offered in a two-seat configuration with a system operator station, in addition, the complex is complemented by a trailer for detonating Millipede mines. The system is also available in a remote controlled version. In addition to the Husky, DCD exports its Springbuck light mine-protected vehicle, and its Ikri variant is manufactured by Mekahog in Nigeria. The Mountain Lion 4x4 MRAP variant is also produced, which is based on the Husky chassis with all steering axles, and the compact Oribi truck weighing 3 tons, which is also well suited for airlifting.
Integrated Convoy Protection has exported its REVA 4x4 mine protected vehicles to Africa, the Middle East and Thailand, and also offers a 4x4 protected ambulance variant, a 26 ton 6x6 recovery vehicle and 4x4 reconnaissance and assault vehicles. Assault vehicles have a support ring for mounting a 12.7 mm machine gun or 40 mm grenade launcher and vertical trunnions for four light machine guns, and, in addition, are capable of accepting a 60 mm mortar.
OTT has developed and exports two mine-protected armored personnel carriers based on the chassis of commercial trucks, a ten-seat M26 weighing 8 tons and a 12-seat M36 Puma weighing 12 tons, which is also protected against IEDs. She exported her armored personnel carriers to Kenya and the UN. OTT also offers a 22.5 ton Puma 6x6 in an evacuation version, a protected Marrua M27 patrol vehicle based on the Brazilian Agrale Marrua AM200CD, and a fast assault vehicle based on the Samil-20 4x4 truck, which was originally designed as a compartment transporter for motorized infantry units. South African army.
Paramount offers its Marauder and Matador 4x4 armored personnel carriers and three variants of the Mbombe 4x4 armored vehicle. The Mbombe 4 was acquired through the takeover of IAD by Paramount and has an unusual performance, with a top speed of 150 km / h and a sustained speed of 100 km / h. The Mbombe 6 variant weighing 22.5 tons was modified for greater uniformity with the Mbombe 4, and the same chassis components were used for the new Mbombe 8 variant weighing 28 tons. Both vehicles have flat bottoms and are designed for the roles of an armored personnel carrier or an infantry fighting vehicle, although the Mbombe 6's center-to-center distance means it can handle ditches somewhat better than a 4x4 vehicle.
Denel Land Systems continues to develop its 155mm G5 towed howitzer and G6 self-propelled howitzer, which are available in L45 and L52 variants. She also developed a new version of the G5 howitzer mounted on the Tatra 8x8 truck chassis. In this system, weighing 38 tons, a gun with a barrel length L52 was installed, which made it possible to obtain a range of 40 km with a projectile with a bottom notch and 50 km with an active-rocket projectile. It can fire six rounds in MRSI mode ("barrage of fire" - a firing mode when several projectiles fired from one gun at different angles reach the target simultaneously) and withstand a sustained rate of fire of two rounds per minute. Another project is the LEO 105mm cannon with a range of 30 km, which was also developed and qualified in a turret version for installation on light armored vehicles and in this form it was shown on the LAV armored vehicle in the United States, including checking compatibility with a military transport aircraft S-130.
Attacking shells
The main players in the South African ammunition industry are RDM (51% Rheinmetall, 49% Denel) and Denel's 100% subsidiary PMP. RDM develops and manufactures: 105 and 155 mm long-range ammunition; 76 mm ammunition for armored vehicles and naval guns; 60, 31 and 120 mm mortar rounds; 40mm low, medium and high velocity grenades; missile warheads, rocket motors and propellants for artillery shells, and Plofadder air bombs and linear demining charges. RMR develops and manufactures ammunition for small arms (up to 14.5 mm) and shells for cannons up to 35 mm, as well as new 20x42 mm ammunition and brass components for many other products. Denel Dynamics is developing a trajectory corrected fuse for artillery shells.
RDM's new line of medium-speed 40x51 mm projectiles with increased range includes high-explosive, HEAT, HEAT, red phosphorus, colored smoke and practical tracer options with double muzzle velocity, which improves accuracy and increases maximum range. Such a projectile can hit a window in a house from a distance of 350 meters and fight rocket-propelled grenades and equivalent threats from a distance of 800 meters. This ammunition was qualified for weapons systems manufactured by Milkor and Rippel Effect, and they were successfully used in combat by French special forces.
RDM Plant Engineering has developed a mobile, self-contained container that protects ammunition from adverse environmental conditions, ensuring operational reliability and operational readiness. The modular design of the system is suitable for a company or battalion deployment. RDM also offers modular transportable demilitarization solutions designed to neutralize munitions and explosives encountered in peacekeeping operations. These systems leave behind copper and brass waste that can be disposed of locally.
RDM also organizes the production of ammunition in other countries, mainly in the Saudi Arabia plant, which is owned by the Military Industries Corporation. This plant was designed, built and launched by RDM, which at one time built several plants in South Africa. The RDM company is the main supplier of components and materials for the production of ammunition.
Atlantis manufactures self-destructive fuses for 40mm grenades and 120mm mortar rounds, and has developed a new technology for a 40mm long-range low recoil grenade that it supplies Diehl and Rippel Effect. Atlantis also organizes the production of ammunition in other countries. Another ammunition manufacturer, Reutech Fuchs Electronics, develops and manufactures a wide range of fuses for ground systems, 76mm naval cannons and aerial bombs.
Other developments
Denel Dynamics offers its 5 km laser-guided Ingwe missile for installation on vehicles such as Ratel and Badger anti-tank variants, or for installation in its own ALLERT turret. It can also be used with helicopters (sold to Algeria) or mounted on light vehicles. The company also produces the Mokora laser-guided missile with a range of 10 km, although it is designed primarily for attack helicopters or light aircraft.
Reutech has developed its Land Rogue remotely controlled weapon station, which can accept 7, 62 or 12.7 mm machine guns, a 20x82 mm Denel cannon or a 40 mm grenade launcher. Malaysia ordered 55 of these installations in addition to the naval variants of the module, which are in service with several fleets. The larger Super Rogue module is armed with a 20x128 mm Rheinmetall KAE cannon. There is also a missile variant that can accept 12, 7 or 20 mm weapons in addition to Denel Ingwe missiles. Reutech also manufactures handheld, semi-stabilized and retractable mounts for machine guns and grenade launchers.
Comenius Consultants offers a wide range of turrets and turrets for armored vehicles, some of which have been fitted to various South African vehicles. Saab Grintek Defense continues to develop the LEDS warning and electronic suppression complex for armored vehicles (or patrol boats) and is currently executing a two-stage export contract for 170 LEDS-50 complexes after previous deliveries of complexes to the Netherlands for the CV9035 BMP. The LEDS-150 active protection complex has not yet entered mass production, although Denel Dynamics has completed the development of the corresponding Mongoose anti-projectile. The optoelectronic warning sensors are developed by a local company. The Reutech Radar Systems RSR150 target acquisition and acquisition radar can also be configured to counter sniper rifles and mortar shells.
In the field of infantry weapons, DLS has been successful with its weapons such as 40mm automatic grenade launcher, 60mm long-range mortar (6km), SS77 light machine gun and NTW sniper rifle; all of these systems are in service with the South African army and special forces. Another company belonging to the Denel group is engaged in light weapons. PMP is developing a personal assault weapon and the iNkunzi 20x42mm self-loading grenade launcher that is effective at ranges of up to 1 km and is being developed as a belt-fed weapon. Ammunition for it is being developed on the basis of projectiles from 20-mm automatic cannons, loaded into shortened 42 mm long sleeves.
The private company Truvelo Armory has successfully established itself in the export supply of sniper rifles of various calibers and high-precision barrels. Another popular South African infantry weapon is the six-shot 40mm grenade launcher, available in various variants from Milkor and Rippel Effect, including long-range grenade launchers for which new ammunition has been developed by Rheinmetall Denel Munition and Atlantis. Atlantis is also producing a new fuse.
Several South African companies are involved in organizing and maintaining military bases for peacekeeping forces and similar contingents, such as peacekeepers in Somalia and Afghanistan. More companies, such as Redeployable Camp Systems, Mechem and Saab Grintek Defense, manufacture awning structures, containers and related equipment. Saab Grintek Defense has recently developed a rapidly deployable resuscitation tent and container field hospital, and is also working with several local companies in the field of chemical, biological and radiation reconnaissance equipment and systems.
Industry in South Africa is supported by the research and development activities of the Armscor Corporation and the Scientific and Industrial Research Council. Also, a considerable amount of work on defense topics is carried out by various universities. In addition, Armscor owns several test and evaluation sites, which are sufficient to meet most of the needs, given that there is also a Denel missile site.
