Denel SOC and Italian aerospace company, Alenia Aermacchi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (AAD2012) in Tshwane. This agreement will form the basis for discussions on future projects and collaborations between the two companies on major manufacturing ventures, training programmes, maintenance and high-level technical support in Africa.Riaz Saloojee, the Group Chief Executive of Denel, says this is another important step for the company to strengthen its working relationships with major original equipment manufacturers in the global aerospace environment. “It is an important recognition of Denel’s position as the leading defence manufacturer in Africa and an invaluable partner to any company who wants to grow its presence on the continent”, says Mr Saloojee. “Through this venture we will stimulate the growth of South Africa’s own future aerospace industry and support the national objectives to strengthen the country’s high-technology manufacturing sector”.

Giuseppe Giordo, Chief Executive Officer of Alenia Aermacchi, commented: “This agreement with a leading African player is potentially extremely important to strengthen the position of our company in a growing economic environment. Alenia Aermacchi products represent the perfect solution for the demanding requirements of the African air forces and airlines. In the whole continent, Alenia Aermacchi has a long product tradition with over 750 aircraft delivered to African air forces and have had a fruitful industrial collaboration in South Africa with more than 250 Impala trainer and light attack aircraft produced in the country”.

Alenia Aermacchi is a Finmeccanica company, a global aerospace, defence and security player. Alenia Aermacchi is a leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced aeronautics products with a range that span from supersonic fighter jets to regional transport aircraft.

Mr Saloojee says: “Our relationship with Alenia Aermacchi fits perfectly with Denel’s strategic vision to grow its presence in the African market and be a strategic partner of choice for most of the global defence manufacturers”.

About Denel SOC
Denel SOC Ltd is a state-owned commercially-driven company and strategic partner for innovative defence, security and related technology solutions. It groups together several defence and aerospace subsidiaries and associated companies. Denel provides turn-key solutions of defence equipment to its clients by designing, developing, integrating and supporting artillery, munitions, missiles, aerostructures, aircraft maintenance, unmanned aerial vehicle systems and optical payloads based on high-end technology. Its defence capabilities date back more than 70 years when some of Denel’s first manufacturing plants were established. Between the Denel entities there is a collective experience of over 200 years.

About Alenia Aermacchi
Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, has a role of primary importance in the world’s civil and defence aeronautical industry, counts a total workforce of around 12,000 people and operates in the design, development, production and integrated support of commercial and military aircraft, trainers, unmanned aerial vehicles and aerostructures. In 2011 it reported revenues of € 2.7 billions, orders of € 2.9 billions and a backlog of € 8.6 billions.

Source and photo: Alenia Aermacchi