Pretoria, South Africa, 12 September 2024 – Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT will present its latest technological advancements at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo from 18 to 22 September 2024, at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria. The company will exhibit its portfolio of advanced sensor technologies to more than 50,000 expected visitors, showcasing solutions that address both local and international defence needs.
AAD presents an important opportunity for HENSOLDT to demonstrate its leading role in spectrum dominance, optronics, and radar technologies. HENSOLDT’s presence at the event underscores the Group's global commitment to innovation while highlighting South Africa’s pivotal role as both a design and manufacturing hub for cutting-edge solutions. With customers in over 45 countries, the event is a platform to show how HENSOLDT South Africa’s local expertise contributes to the Group's worldwide reach.
This year, HENSOLDT will launch a number of flagship products, including the ARGOS-15 airborne imaging system. Building on the success of the ARGOS-II, the ARGOS-15 represents a significant leap in multispectral sensor technology for modern defence applications. Its lightweight design, advanced thermal imaging, and image fusion capabilities set a new standard for situational awareness in diverse operational environments.
Other featured products will include the new COMINT automation engine, the Bushbaby 200 electro-optical system for land-based surveillance, laser rangefinders for reconnaissance and target acquisition, and the new DL-6000 datalink, which strengthens battlefield digitisation. These innovations reflect HENSOLDT’s continued focus on delivering advanced, integrated solutions across land, sea, and air platforms.
"HENSOLDT’s participation at AAD 2024 is not only a showcase of South African ingenuity but also a testament to the global reach of the HENSOLDT Group," says Rynier van der Watt, Managing Director of HENSOLDT South Africa. "Our local R&D and manufacturing capabilities are central to our global success, and the solutions we present at AAD are designed to meet the world’s evolving defence and security needs."
With over 60 locally developed products and a workforce of nearly 800, HENSOLDT South Africa contributes a significant portion of HENSOLDT’s capabilities. As part of the HENSOLDT Group, it is uniquely positioned to translate foreign direct investment into local expertise, innovation, and job creation. The company's solutions not only enhance South Africa’s national security but also contribute significantly to its economy.
HENSOLDT South Africa’s location provides strategic and logistical advantages for accessing both African and global markets. The company’s export capabilities and robust local manufacturing base make it an indispensable partner in international trade and collaboration.
HENSOLDT’s global commitment to shaping the future of defence extends to nurturing the next generation of talent. In line with the HENSOLDT Group’s focus on STEM education and youth development, HENSOLDT South Africa will host a Youth Development Programme (YDP) at AAD 2024. The YDP stand will feature interactive activities aimed at inspiring approximately 12,000 school learners, encouraging them to explore careers in engineering and defence technology.
Visit HENSOLDT’s main stand at SPW15 next to the flight line and the Youth Development Programme stand in hangar 7.
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 almost 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 South 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
