HENSOLDT, a global leader in sensor solutions, is presenting its latest sensor solutions at the World Defense Show (WDS) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Running from 4 to 8 February 2024, the event is anticipated to draw over 100,000 visitors, providing an unparalleled platform for HENSOLDT to focus not only on the global market, but also on its strategic Middle-East region.
Strategic Presence in the Middle East
HENSOLDT South Africa (SA) has been a key partner in contributing to the Middle East’s defence landscape for nearly two decades. Leveraging South Africa’s strong reputation in defence technologies, the company has emerged as the partner of choice for addressing the region's evolving defence needs.
Major deliveries since 2007 have laid the groundwork for HENSOLDT SA to establish commercial and support offices across the region.
“HENSOLDT South Africa’s expertise in the design, manufacturing and maintenance of defence and security solutions has earned the trust of military and commercial authorities in the Middle East,” said Rynier van der Watt, Managing Director of HENSOLDT SA.
Capitalising on the substantial business in the area and recognising the market's potential, HENSOLDT has established HENSOLDT Middle East in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), alongside a regional sales and marketing office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Wholly owned by HENSOLDT South Africa, HENSOLDT Middle East strategically addresses the local market, while contributing to knowledge transfer, technology development and skills enhancement in the region as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Custom Solutions for a Unique Market
While exporting its solutions to over 45 countries globally, the Middle East holds strategic importance for HENSOLDT SA. The company’s unique portfolio of 60+ products, designed and produced in South Africa, cater perfectly to the specific needs of the Middle Eastern market.
HENSOLDT SA provides a range of sensor solutions in the Middle East, ranging from large-scale solutions such as the TEWS spectrum dominance and SkyManager spectrum management solutions, to more tactical solutions such as the GMJ9 force protection jammer and the SAS2000 for signals intelligence. The ASTUS UAV and ARGOS provide advanced aerial surveillance, alongside the new Bushbaby100 for land-based optronics. The Quadome 3D surface and surveillance radar, IFF, and datalink solutions are poised for the Middle East as a key target market.
HENSOLDT South Africa Technology
Built on over 50 years of local pioneering development, HENSOLDT South Africa’s technologies have earned global recognition. It is the HENSOLDT Group’s largest industrial base outside of Europe and one of the largest defence and security electronics companies in Africa. With a large engineering workforce and comprehensive portfolio, HENSOLDT SA is a prominent leader in the market, recognised not only for its expertise, but also for competitive pricing.
Offering a wide range of sensor technologies, HENSOLDT SA is an all-in-one provider for integrated solutions in spectrum dominance, optronics, radar, security solutions and spectrum management.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an Anchor Market
Saudi Arabia, the fastest-growing economy in the world and largest country in the Middle East, presents a crucial market for HENSOLDT. The need for advanced sensor technologies to ensure situational awareness, especially in the face of conflicts and terrorism, aligns with the company's core strengths.
Being strongly future-oriented, HENSOLDT South Africa supports Saudi Vision 2030, fostering a thriving digital economy through local workforce utilisation, technical capability enhancement and the establishment of a cutting-edge telecommunications and defence environment. Recent announcements regarding the resumption of Eurofighter Typhoon jet deliveries from Europe to Saudi Arabia also signal positive developments for future collaborations in the region.
Partnerships for a High-Tech Future
Collaboration with key local partners and entities, such as the Saudi Arabian Communication, Space and Technology Commission, General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), General Authority for Defense Development (GADD) and Ministry of Defence is a testament to HENSOLDT SA’s commitment to supporting the Middle East's journey towards self-reliance and technological readiness in the defence industry.
At WDS, collaboration agreements with INTRA Defence Technologies, SCOPA Military Industries and STIRA Strategic Systems solidify HENSOLDT SA’s role in developing next-generation electro-optic systems and spectrum dominance solutions for the defence, security and civilian market in Saudi Arabia.
A Safer Tomorrow
In a rapidly growing market that is geared towards the future, HENSOLDT aims to play a role in shaping the trajectory of defence in the region. “By strategically partnering with growing economies, HENSOLDT has an early impact on the defence landscape of tomorrow,” said van der Watt.
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 more than 800 employees across four sites in South Africa, it is the HENSOLDT Group’s largest industrial base outside of Europe and one of the largest defence and security electronics companies in Africa.
On land, at sea or in the air, HENSOLDT’s world-class solutions detect and protect to make the world a safer place.
