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Denel gets lift from Eurocopter
MILITARY EXPORTS
THE SA-developed Rooivalk attack helicopter will now be marketed to the world's military forces following a joint co-operation agreement between Denel Aviation and the Franco-German Eurocopter group. Eurocopter, the world's leading helicopter exporter, is 60% owned by French-based Aerospatiale and 40% by the German Daimler-Benz Aerospace. Also to be marketed in terms of the new accord is the Denel-developed Oryx medium transport helicopter. In turn, Eurocopter will offer its EC635 light utility, twin-engined military helicopter to the SA Air Force.
The agreement also provides for engineering exchanges, joint procurement and development, and other co-operation between the two groups. It will boost Denel's aerospace and defence technology and reinforce its position in international markets. The signing of the accord by Denel chief executive Johan Alberts and Eurocopter president Jean-Francois Bigay strengthens an alliance between the two groups which goes back many decades. It was suspended for a while, but renegotiated in 1995. The agreement has the blessing of both governments, but the accord was industry-driven. Said Bigay: "I had total support from the French authorities and had contact with the SA Defence Minister who assured us of government support in an industry which requires considerable capital for development." Alberts received similar assistance. He said Denel would need government authority for helicopter exports. The link between the two groups will have financial implications, but Alberts said he was not able to give details. "Rather, we will now be able to support each other through joint purchases of components and allied equipment and this should help us to beat our competitors," he said. Bigay confirmed the benefits of joint purchasing, saying in the past buyers looked at either price or technology. "Today they make a compromise between the two," he said. Eurocopter produces a similar attack helicopter, the Tiger, but the Rooivalk, which Bigay says is "world competitive", is about four times as large. "The Rooivalk will be targeted by those wishing to buy a heavy machine, while the Tiger will be sold to those with who require a smaller machine. There will be occasions when we will market the two together," he said. Alberts said marketing initiatives would initially target the Middle East and Asia, "but there will be markets where we will co-market our products as Eurocopter has considerable expertise is this area". He said to date 12 Rooivalk helicopters had been sold to the SA Air Force. The purchase of additional aircraft by Malaysia was on the cards.
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