Armscor issued a Request for Information (RFI) on 12 January for the procurement of armoured personnel carriers (APCs) for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
The RFI, numbered SA Army/R/403/6, calls for a 2+8 seat APC capable of counterinsurgency operations with variable ballistic and mine protection able to defeat an 8 kg mine. The vehicles would replace or supplement the current Mamba and Casspir, which are in need of replacement. The closing date for the RFI was 19 January.
The RFI presents an opportunity for the South African defence industry (SADI) to truly unlock its potential, while also ensuring that the SANDF secures a new fleet of motorized infantry vehicles in a timely manner and with a stable financing plan. However, the SADI faces challenges in supplying export-focused, innovative products, and government promotion and financial support are needed to overcome these challenges.
The South African government had planned to hold a defence industry lekgotla in 2022, but it did not take place. I have previously written about mechanisms to uplift the SADI and address its core challenges, and believe that the SADI is capable of expanding quickly to fulfil niche markets based on local needs. The SADI can provide solutions in seven cluster groupings: 1) Connected Forces for Rapid Reaction, 2) Air Lift Capability, 3) Close Air Support, 4) High Mobility Infantry Capability, 5) Enhanced Fire-power, Manoeuvre and Protection for Landward Forces, 6) EEZ Patrol and Fire Power Capability, and 7) Sea-Landed Capability.