Rheinmetall signs South African air defence contract
Rheinmetall will perform work to support South Africa’s programme to modernise its existing air defence systems under a new contract announced on 27 March.
The contract will see the company supply Oerlikon Skyshield fire control units, which will provide the South African forces’ current twin-gun system with improved performance and accuracy, and expand the operational spectrum of its air defence capabilities.
A number of guns will also be retrofitted with upgrade kits to accommodate Rheinmetall’s Ahead airburst ammunition.
Adding Skyshield technology to current capabilities will enable the South African armed forces to better protect sensitive installations such as the House of Parliament, power plants, stadiums and other critical military and civilian assets from a wide array of aerial threats, including asymmetric terrorist-type attacks.
The contract also includes logistics and training services. The work is scheduled to be complete by 2017.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows]()
Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows
Germany’s move to buy Israel Aerospace Industries’ Arrow missile defence system became public in mid-2023 with approval from the US government shortly after. The first operational system is expected to be in service before 2030.
-
![Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned]()
Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned
Procurement of various short-range systems will begin in the first quarter of 2026, with additional procurements to be made later in the year.
-
![Serbia looks to balance lighter platforms and heavier calibres]()
Serbia looks to balance lighter platforms and heavier calibres
Even small tactical vehicles can benefit from more powerful offensive and defensive armament, but as recent developments at Yugoimport demonstrate, there are still limitations to the sophistication of what can be fielded.
-
![Next-generation gun set to boost US Army combat vehicle capabilities]()
Next-generation gun set to boost US Army combat vehicle capabilities
The 50mm main weapon on the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle currently being competed for by industry will offer a step-change in firepower and targeting over the in-service M2 Bradley.
