A Global Defence Technology Company
Operating in the defence, security, aerospace and related technology solutions
Test Range provides backdrop to premier defence demonstrationYou are here: Media Centre / News & Press
19 May 2015


The marquee which was constructed at Denel Overberg Test Range for the Rheinmetall Denel Defence Day from where guests observed the weapon system demonstrations.

Recently one of the world’s largest live-firings demonstrations was held at Denel Overberg Test Range during the Rheinmetall Denel Defence Day 2015. This event showcased the capabilities, facilities and infrastructure of the Test Range alongside the unique beauty of the Overberg region.

“By hosting an international event of this stature we reconfirmed the reputation of the Denel Overberg Test Range as a world-class testing facility,” said the CEO of Denel Overberg Test Range, Abrie van der Walt. The Rheinmetall Denel Defence Day is one of the largest live firing demonstrations in the world and brings together manufacturers, military decision-makers and industry analysts to observe the performance of weapon systems in live conditions. Prior to the event a full environmental impact study was done to ensure that no lasting damage would be caused to the environment.

During the two days about 20 different weapon systems were demonstrated and the quality of local ammunition brands manufactured for artillery, infantry, air and navy weapons were on display. All the ammunition brands are manufactured by Denel and Denel Rheinmetall supported by local private companies which supply critical components to the production processes.

“We had the opportunity to show the world the quality of our local defence products and the unique capabilities of the Test Range to conduct live firing operations and accurately measure the impact of the systems,” said Riaz Saloojee, the Group CEO of Denel.

More than 300 foreign delegates from 57 countries, a large contingent from the South African National Defence Force as well as industry experts, invited guests and contractors took part in this event. "The presence of so many international observers confirmed the global reputation of the local defence sector and the reputation of Denel Overberg Test Range as a high-tech testing venue,” said Saloojee.

The Deputy Chief of the SA Air Force Major-General Gerald Malinga, said the event confirmed the value of the Test Range. “There are very few facilities of this kind in the world and Denel Overberg Test Range showed that it is amongst the very best,” he said.

A giant marquee tent was constructed at the Test Range to enable more than 500 guests to watch the live demonstrations at close range. An additional pavilion provided a viewing area for a further 300 observers. A similar marquee was erected in front of the Arniston Hotel to host hospitality functions and social events in the evenings. World-class artists like Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, Blackbird, etc. provided entertainment after-hours.

Two well-known personalities hosted the event as the masters of ceremonies – Carte Blanche journalist, Bongani Bingwa and hip-hop artist, Tebogo Thekisho, popularly known as ProVerb.

The event provided an excellent marketing platform for tourism in South Africa, especially for the Overberg Region. Each international guest received a tourism guide with detailed information about destinations from Cape Town to Suurbraak, contact details, travel tips, photographs and maps.

The guests and support staff stayed at local venues such as Denel Overberg Test Range’s accommodation facility - Die Herberg, the Arniston Hotel as well as guest houses and private homes in Arniston, Bredasdorp and Struisbaai. Die Herberg was recently upgraded and its luxurious new rooms and facilities drew positive reactions from the guests who stayed there during the event.

“The delegates experienced the hospitality of the local community and the excellent organisation of the employees of the Test Range who all contributed to the success of the demonstration. I am proud of the Denel team and all the role players who collectively made this such a memorable event,” said Mr Saloojee.

The fact that the Test Range was able to successfully host an event of this magnitude proves once again its ability to compare with the best in the world. 



Please share on:

 

 

Contact Denel

Contact us directly or feel free to send us an online enquiry.

+27 28 445 2000
otrinfo@denelotr.co.za
Arniston Road, Arniston Bredasdorp, RSA
Private Bag X12, Bredasdorp, 7280, RSA

Denel Business Divisions

Visit the Denel companies and partners.

 

Company Brochure

Download Denel's latest company brochure by clicking on the image below.