Long-awaited Badger set to debut at Armed Forces Day events in Richards Bay
The movement of seven Badgers to Richards Bay is positive news according to Denel interim CE
SEVEN Badgers are in the line-up for Armed Forces Day commemorations in Richards Bay.
This was announced by Denel interim chief executive Mike Kgobe earlier in the week.
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Kgobe said it was a great joy that ‘our very own Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV), which comes with the long-delayed Ratel replacement, will make its public debut on a day when South Africa honours the men and women of the SANDF by affirming their support and gratitude to them’.
According to Defence Web news, the Badger, under Project Hoefyster, was conceived in June 2007 with a then expected delivery date of May 2012.
Kgobe said this did not happen and Hoefyster has been the subject of much discussion around alternate plans to ensure the SA Army eventually takes the new eight-wheeled fighting vehicle into service.
As far as is known, five main variants will come out of the Denel Land Systems (DLS) Lyttelton, Centurion production facility, with Denel not committing to delivery dates.
According to Kgobe, the movement of seven Badgers to Richards Bay was positive news.
“It reaffirms Denel’s locally-designed and produced Badger, which is the culmination of decades of research, testing and development which produced a mature vehicle that will provide South African soldiers with unrivalled firepower, mobility and maximum armoured protection.
“Our participation will afford us the opportunity to showcase our capability and the critical role we play in supporting the SANDF. This also bodes well with our progress and bold steps of streamlining and refocusing our operations to build a sustainable business and return to profitability.
“We remain an innovative company with the ability to evolve and deliver world-class products across the spectrum of aerospace, defence and related technologies – from land to sea, to air, to the cyber and security environments,” Kgobe added.
SANDF exhibitions and events in support of Armed Forces Day 2023 started on Tuesday with the opening of the SANDF fan park at the uMhlathuze Central Sport Complex in Richards Bay.
Armed Forces Day events will culminate on 21 February with a parade through Richards Bay CBD and an address by President Cyril Ramaphosa, wearing his commander-in-chief hat.
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