from JDW 30 Nov 2005
Sea acceptance trials for Umkhonto system
Helmoed-römer Heitman; JDW Correspondent;
Cape TownThe South African Navy has commenced sea acceptance trials (SATs) with the vertical launch system of the Denel Umkhonto surface-to-air missile system. The first telemetry missile was launched from Meko A200 SAN-class corvette SAS Amatola against a Skua high-speed target on 24 November off the Overburg Test Range missile range north-east of Cape Town.
The launch was successful and was due to be followed by another on the 25th, followed by a number of increasingly more complex engagements.
The SAT programme will be concluded with a warshot firing against a manoeuvring Skua.
By: wilhelm - 12th December 2005 at 09:54
When there was trouble in The Middle East between Israel and Egypt in 1973 , almost all shipping was rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope. As it is , there are VLCC that are too big to go via Suez and have to be routed via the Cape. So it straddles one of the most important shipping routes in the world.I personally don’t think South Africa spends enough on its Navy…it always comes third after the Army and Airforce.Submarines are also a relatively “stealthy” force multiplier and thus make perfect sense for a smaller navy ….
By: danrh - 10th December 2005 at 08:26
When are their 209’s due to enter service? Personally I think they too too long in getting the new subs, sure there was the lifting of sanctions and all that but they had the green light a while ago.
They also have a lot of social and economic problems. What exactly do they need submarines for anyway.
Daniel
By: Ja Worsley - 10th December 2005 at 02:07
When are their 209’s due to enter service? Personally I think they too too long in getting the new subs, sure there was the lifting of sanctions and all that but they had the green light a while ago.
By: wilhelm - 9th December 2005 at 12:04
Umkhonto pic
Sign In
December 9, 2005 at 1:36 am