Successful Tests of Ground-based Air Defence System
Denel Integrated Systems Solution (DISS) has successfully completed an important testing phase in the development of the SANDF’s new Ground-based Air Defence System.
The system is expected to be delivered for operational deployment by the SANDF within the next 6-7 months.
The CEO of DISS, Ralph Mills says the Factory Acceptance Tests were conducted over a four week period at the Swartkop Airfield in Tshwane.
DISS is a division of the defence manufacturing group Denel. It was established with the sole purpose of supporting the SANDF in the acquisition of its Ground-based Air Defence System (GBADS).
Mills says soldiers from the Air Defence Artillery Formation assisted during the tests. The formation will be responsible for the deployment of the GBADS in anti-aircraft operations.
Mills says “the test ran like clockwork despite adverse weather conditions” with only minor deviations on system performance being experienced.
The equipment is currently being prepared for the final training of crews in Kimberley followed by further testing and evaluations at the Combat Training Centre in Lohatla in September and October. Following this the system will be delivered into service.
Mr Hanlo Pretorius, the project manager of the GBADS at Armscor says he is pleased with the progress that has been made during the latest round of testing.
“The programme is a good example of collaboration in the defence industry,” says Mills. Both Reutech Radar Systems and Saab Systems South Africa provided support during the tests.
Source : Denel Ltd
