Question NW529 to the Minister of Public Enterprises

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05 May 2021 - NW529

Profile picture: Clarke, Ms M

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

Whether Denel specifically investigated a collaboration with (a) the SA Air Force and (b) Armscor in terms of the development of the new generation Rooivalk MK 11; if not, why not; if so, what (i) budget has been provided for this purpose in each case and (ii) are the further relevant details?

Reply:

According to the information received from Denel:

a) Denel SOC Ltd is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the Rooivalk Attack Helicopter (AH). The SOC has investigated with the South African Air Force (SAAF) through Armscor the potential to upgrade and or replacement of the current baseline.

b)Denel was commissioned by Armscor in 2015/16 financial year to develop a weapons and avionics obsolescence study of the Rooivalk AH. This study would form the basis for a Project Definition (PD) by the Department of Defence (DOD) which would map a path to reach an upgraded Rooivalk AH.

  1. R10 million was allocated for the study by the DOD.
  2. This study was completed in 2016 with an expectation of a further tasking for other major systems of the aircraft.

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