South Africa’s state-owned defense company, Denel, recently held a highly successful capability demonstration at the Alkantpan Test Range in Copperton, Northern Cape, from August 15 to 17, 2023. This event not only showcased Denel’s resurgence but also solidified its status as a global leader in the field of artillery and defense technology. The primary goal of this demonstration was to reaffirm Denel’s position as a world-class provider of defense solutions and to strengthen relationships with end-users, local defense industry partners, and international collaborators. Notably, the event featured Denel’s high-performance 52 caliber ballistic system, the 155mm Truck Mounted Gun System, known as the T5, and the Seeker 400 unmanned aerial vehicle system (UAVS). One of the standout exhibits was the 155mm T5-52 Artillery system, equipped with state-of-the-art technology capable of achieving a range exceeding 60 kilometers with unparalleled accuracy and reliability. The mobility, increased firepower, and cost-effectiveness of the T5-52 make it a formidable addition to Denel’s arsenal.
International delegations from ten countries were invited, with eight nations participating in the event. South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr. Obed Bapela, led the South African delegation. Local participants included representatives from the Department of Defence (DoD), the Directorate Conventional Arms Control (DCAC), Armscor, the CSIR, the SA Army, Defence Intelligence, and several local defense industry companies. Denel also showcased its collaboration with subsidiary company Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM), which provided a suite of world-class artillery ammunition. The main attraction, the T5-52 155mm Artillery Howitzer, was supplied by Denel Land Systems. The static display featured the new 105mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (Altimate) mounted on Denel Vehicle Systems’ RG41 8*8 Armoured Platform, the 105mm Light Experimental Ordnance (LEO/WEBBY), and the MST mounted on an RG32M mine-hardened armored patrol vehicle.
Denel Dynamics presented the Seeker 400 with impressive demonstration flights, highlighting its surveillance capabilities and real-time correction of artillery fire. However, the star of the event was undoubtedly the T5-52. On the first day, its stability, accuracy, and firing consistency, including a 35-degree firing radius, were demonstrated. The second day featured the Multi-Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) and a display of maximum rate of fire. The “shoot and scoot” maneuver showcased the system’s swift in-and-out action capabilities. The climax of the event occurred on the third day when three velocity-enhanced artillery projectiles (VLAP) rounds were fired at a distant target area. Despite challenging meteorological conditions, including 130km/h headwinds, the first two shots achieved ranges of 60.4km and 60.9km, respectively. In an unprecedented moment, the final shot shattered records with a remarkable range of 6,129.3 kilometers, establishing the superiority of the T5-52 and RDM ammunition suite from the Assegai family.
Deputy Minister Obed Bapela expressed his enthusiasm, affirming that Denel is back in business with full government support, marking a pivotal step towards a sustainable and profitable future. International delegates echoed their excitement, expressing their eagerness to collaborate with Denel. Ms. Fundiswa Skweyiya-Gushu, an Armscor Board member, emphasized the promising prospects of Denel and Armscor’s partnership, particularly in advancing local programs for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The overwhelmingly positive reception from attendees underscored the event’s significance. Denel’s capability demonstration served as a resounding statement to the global defense market, solidifying its position as a premier provider of aerospace, military, and defense equipment. Denel has truly redefined its future, reaffirming its commitment to innovation and excellence in the world of defense technology.
