Issued by: SA Communication Service
DEFENCE SUPPLIERS TO DEMO SHORTLISTED EQUIPMENT AT AEROSPACE AFRICA 98
The delay of the R10 billion arms purchase contract has given the ministry of defence the opportunity to view the shortlisted equipment prior to making their final decision between May and June of this year. Aerospace Africa 98 which is being held at Air Force Base, Waterkloof, Pretoria is the ideal venue for the ministry of defence and Armscor, the procurement agency, to view the demoed equipment at the expo being held between April 28-May 2.
The next step in the decision process will be next month (February) when Armscor will brief the industry on Defence Industrial Participation Policy (DIP) requirements, as more details are required from suppliers as to exactly how they will invest a portion of the value of the contract into civilian and military production in South Africa.
In order to assist the selection process, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will issue National Industrial Participation Policy (NIP) priority guidelines.
At the time of the expo at the end of April, the ministry of defence will receive the Request for Proposals including the NIP and DIP commitments in the form of a business plan before making the final decision.
The decision for aircraft is based of three package deal requirements; for maritime helicopter, (the UK's Super Lynx and Eurocopter's AS-532 are the main challengers); for light utility helicopter (Italy's A109-, Eurocopter's EC635 and Canada's Bell 427) and for light fighters/trainers (Germany's AT2000, Frances Mirage 2000, and the Swedish Grippen). All contenders are participating at Aerospace Africa. Non aviation equipment involved in the package also includes corvette hulls, submarines and tanks.
Aerospace Africa already has over 150 exhibitors from over 20 countries participating with the latest in both civilian and military aerospace hardware. In addition an airshow will enthuse not only trade and government but also the public.
Trade days: 28-30 April, Public Days 1-2 May.