Pretoria, South Africa, 20 December 2024 – An aircraft equipped with HENSOLDT’s advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) technology is taking to the skies this festive season to combat crime in South Africa’s Gauteng province. A Cessna Caravan equipped with HENSOLDT’s ARGOS-II imaging system is conducting flights, primarily at night, to provide actionable intelligence on criminal activities. Focus areas include illegal mining and vandalism of critical infrastructure such as the main fuel-supply line from KwaZulu-Natal. Additionally, the aircraft responds to general incidents reported by the public through the 10111 emergency number.
The key to the operation’s success lies in the ARGOS airborne observation system – a 15-inchclass gimbal integrated beneath the aircraft’s fuselage. This state-of-the-art system combines multiple sensors into a single, compact unit, enabling effective surveillance and intelligence gathering from an airborne vantage point. Equipped with high-definition infrared cameras, the ARGOS-II can identify criminal activity, monitor unusual indicators like fires and provide precise geolocation data on a high-resolution map via its onboard mission system. This initiative is a collaboration between HENSOLDT, Incomar, Bidvest Protea Coin, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private entities. HENSOLDT is sponsoring the ARGOS system integrated onto Incomar’s Cessna Caravan, who is also providing the aircraft and pilot. Bidvest Protea Coin coordinates the operation, while fuel and operational costs are sponsored by FNB, Nedbank and Engen.
The ARGOS is ideal for this mission, which requires extended flight endurance, offering high-definition cameras, thermal imaging and advanced processing capabilities. The thermal imaging feature enables clear visuals in total darkness, while daylight and SWIR cameras add versatility during daytime, foggy, or hazy conditions. Its ability to pinpoint locations further enhance its effectiveness. “This initiative aligns with our motto, ‘detect and protect,’ and we are proud to see our technology making an impact locally,” said Sunette van Rensburg, Head of Sales for HENSOLDT South Africa’s Optronics division. “While the ARGOS-II is globally deployed on over 34 platforms across more than 22 countries, we are delighted to see its capabilities harnessed here in South Africa.”
“HENSOLDT remains committed to collaborating with local authorities and industry partners to address the challenges facing South Africa” added Van Rensburg.
Modern security threats demand advanced technology that increases operational reach, reduces costs, and minimises risks for security personnel. This system can cover larger areas, operate for extended periods and function in diverse weather conditions.
A proven solution
Globally, ARGOS is trusted by agencies such as the Belgian Federal Police and Germany’s Thuringia and Federal Police forces, for its advanced capabilities.
The ARGOS’s value has also been demonstrated in South Africa. During Cape Town’s “Eye-in-the-Sky” programme, a Cessna 337 equipped with the ARGOS-II supported crime prevention and assisted fire services during the 2021 Table Mountain fires. Its rapid response capabilities and wide-area coverage earned it the nickname “powerful flying CCTV camera.” Beyond law enforcement, the ARGOS supports infrastructure monitoring, biodiversity research, and other missions.
About the ARGOS
Designed and manufactured in South Africa, the ARGOS is a premier airborne electro-optical system supporting military, security and civil missions. Its high-definition MWIR thermal imaging camera with continuous zoom, HD multispectral cameras and advanced image processing features – such as haze penetration, edge enhancement, and day/thermal image fusion – ensure optimal performance in diverse conditions.
Operating at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, ARGOS integrates with UAVs, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and aerostats. Its modular design allows for flexibility across various mission types, from law enforcement to search-and-rescue operations.
The ARGOS offers a significant export advantage with its compliance to South African export regulations, wide global exportability and ease of integration across diverse platforms and applications. The ARGOS-15, the latest addition to the ARGOS family, was recently launched during the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition. Building on the legacy of the ARGOS-II, the ARGOS-15 introduces even more advanced capabilities to support critical missions.
About HENSOLDT South Africa
HENSOLDT South Africa is a pioneer of technology and innovation in defence and security electronics. The company offers a comprehensive range of products, systems and services across defence and civil markets, from electronic warfare and optronics, spectrum monitoring and security solutions, to radar, IFF and datalinks. With around 800 South African employees across four sites in South Africa, it is the HENSOLDT Group’s largest industrial base outside of Germany and one of the largest defence and security electronics companies in Africa.
About HENSOLDT
HENSOLDT is a leading company in the European defence industry with a global reach. Based in Taufkirchen near Munich, the company develops complete sensor solutions for defence and security applications. As a system integrator, HENSOLDT offers platform-independent, networked solutions. Being a technology leader, the company is also driving forward the development of defence electronics and optronics and is continuously expanding its portfolio based on innovative approaches to data fusion, artificial intelligence and cyber security. In 2023, HENSOLDT achieved a turnover of 1.85 billion euros. Following the acquisition of ESG GmbH, the company employs around 8,000 people. HENSOLDT is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the MDAX.
Press contact
Ferri Fouché ferri.fouche@hensoldt.net
