, 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.
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