Archive for June, 2011

Dankie dat ek kon aansluit. Groete aan al my militere akademie maats soos Sam Fourie, Frans Fourie ens. Alle eer aan ons gevegs eenhede en ondersteunings korps. julle help dat ons ons kinders die ware feite kan leer. Groete Riaan Botes

Chris, I was at AAD2010 and looked at the new tanks that were under evaluation... All I can say is... awesome! I include an article from ArmyRecognition.com: At AAD 2010, the German Defense Company Rheinmetall presents for the first time in Africa, the famous main battle tank Leopard 2A4. According to some information, the South African armed forces are interested to replace the local upgrade main battle tank "Olifant". Several companies are ready to answer this request after the reception of official tender, not available at this time. The Ukrainian State Company Ukrspecexport could propose a solution to South Africa. In order to show its technological capacities to provide a main battle tank, Ukrspecexport presents at AAD 2010 its main battle tank, "Bulat", an upgrade of the T-64 main battle tank. In order to increase the combat efficiency of T-64 main battle tank which are in service in the Ukrainian army, the Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau has developed a multi-purpose upgrade package for the T-64. The package includes the measures to improve the mobility characteristics, protection level, and fire control efficiency. It is possible to upgrade the tanks in some areas in any combination according to Customer’s request. Ukrspecexport produces main battle tanks having last technologies of combat as the "Oplot" and the "Yatagan". The South African army could consider acquisition for approximately 96 new main battle tank, and to equip thus three battalions. According to the local press, the original request was for 96, six armoured recovery vehicles and four launching bridge vehicle. The final decision could make increase the number of tanks to 132. There are some awesome photos wuth the article too: see http://www.armyrecognition.com/aad_2010_defense_actualites_ news_pictures_video/new_main_battle_tank_for_south_african_ armed_forces_leopard_2a4_bulat_oplot_yatagan_olifant_mk_2_aad.html

Chris, All I have at the moment (but I will see if I can find out more: "Patria AMV 8x8 - with well over 1200 vehicles contracted and some 200 already delivered - is the choice of the Polish, Finnish, Slovenian, South African, Croatian and now also United Arab Emirates’ armies. Patria AMV is currently in serial production in three countries – Finland, Poland and Slovenia - and production will be starting soon in Croatia and South Africa. Being fully NATO compatible, Patria AMV offers effective protection, increased mobility, modularity and combat proven performance. The vehicle is very easy to operate and maintain. Patria AMV is one of the few wheeled vehicles in the world capable of carrying also heavy weapon systems, like the 105 mm cannon or the 120 mm mortar turrets without reducing the mobility of the vehicle. Patria AMV is the only vehicle in its kind to have passed the demanding ARMSCOR mine tests in South Africa. The AMVs (Rosomaks in Polish) are currently in active use in the mission in Afganistan by Poland. The experiences have been very positive and shown that Patria AMV vehicles deliver what they promise: excellent mobility, protection and performance. Patria AMV is tested successfully in most demanding conditions in several countries among others in Finland, US, Brazil, South Africa, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Poland, Slovenia, Malaysia and Croatia with outstanding results. Patria is a defence and aerospace group with international operations delivering its customers competitive solutions based on own specialist know-how and partnerships. Patria is owned by the State of Finland and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V.Source http://www.patria.fi/"

Hi, Mindawozas. I am not aware of any BRM-1s in Angola, but I could be wrong. My guess is that the vehicles that were used in the reconnaissance role were just normal BMP-1s. As to the ARV's, I only know of the BTS-4 and BTS-2 that were used. Again, its not impossible, that the Czech and Polish versions were there, but in the light of the massive supplies provided by the Soviets, my guess is that it would simply have been easier to keep to the one type because of spares and spare parts. I will see what I can find out... Regards Johan

Nice looking, especially with the blades. I have a bunch of Pumas in solid 'dark tan' color with dark windows. I like your look.

Do you know when SADF will field a new MBT? What will it be, any pics yet? I read recently that it is expected to be fielded in 2015. Thank you

Hope that this is the correct area for the forum. Is South Africa using the Patria AMV yet, or is it on order and do you know the expected delivery?