Denel Integrated Systems Solution (DISS) has successfully completed an important testing phase in the development of the SANDF's new Ground-based Air Defense System.

The system is expected to be delivered for operational deployment by the SANDF within the next 6-7 months.

Ralph Mills, CEO of DISS, said the Factory Acceptance Tests were conducted over a four week period at the Swartkop Airfield in Tshwane.

DISS is a division of the defense manufacturing group Denel. It was established with the sole purpose of supporting the SANDF in the acquisition of its Ground-based Air Defense System (GBADS).

Mills said soldiers from the Air Defense Artillery Formation assisted during the tests. The formation will be responsible for the deployment of the GBADS in anti-aircraft operations.

He added that "the test ran like clockwork despite adverse weather conditions" with only minor deviations on system performance being experienced.

The equipment is currently being prepared for the final training of crews in Kimberley followed by further testing and evaluations at the Combat Training Centre in Lohatla in September and October. The system will be delivered into service afterwards.

Hanlo Pretorius, Project Manager of the GBADS at Armscor said he is pleased with the progress that has been made during the latest round of testing.

"The program is a good example of collaboration in the defense industry," said Mills. Both Reutech Radar Systems and Saab Systems South Africa provided support during the tests.