Denel to Showcase Cutting-Edge Defence Innovations at IDEX25 in Abu Dhabi

Monaheng highlighted that Denel aims to leverage IDEX25 to penetrate emerging markets in the Far East and Eastern Europe, regions identified as key growth areas for the company.

Denel, South Africa’s premier state-owned arms manufacturer, is poised to strengthen its global footprint at IDEX25, one of the world’s largest defence and technology exhibitions, set to take place next week in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

IDEX25, renowned as the Middle East's premier defence exhibition for over 30 years, will host nearly 1,400 exhibitors from 65 countries and is expected to attract around 135,000 visitors, including defence decision-makers, industry leaders, and analysts from across the globe.

Denel’s Group CEO, Tsepo Monaheng, emphasized the strategic significance of IDEX25, stating, “IDEX25 provides an unparalleled platform for us to reintroduce our diverse product offerings, which are globally recognized for their cost-effectiveness and superior performance in meeting defence and security needs. We want to assure our current and potential clients that Denel is back, and we remain committed to delivering high-quality products and pioneering innovations in the rapidly evolving defence industry.”

Expanding into New Markets

Monaheng highlighted that Denel aims to leverage IDEX25 to penetrate emerging markets in the Far East and Eastern Europe, regions identified as key growth areas for the company. “The exhibition offers us a unique opportunity to showcase the robustness of our defence systems to new markets, fortifying our position as a global player,” he added.

Showcasing Advanced Weaponry

At the international exhibition, Denel will feature a top-tier range of its guided weapons and landward defence products, including the renowned Inkunzi PAW-20. Produced by Denel Pretoria Metal Pressings (PMP), Africa’s leading manufacturer of small and medium calibre ammunition, the PAW-20 is a standalone system celebrated for its innovative design and combat efficiency.

The Inkunzi PAW-20 is designed to fire a 20x42mm round from the shoulder and offers an operational range of up to 1000 meters. It features semi-automatic capabilities, quick reload times, magazine-fed functionality, and maintains a non-degrading suppressive fire effect across its full range. The weapon is particularly effective in infantry combat scenarios, including engagements with small buildings, soft-skinned vehicles, and boats.

In addition to the PAW-20, Denel will present its advanced range of guided weaponry, including:

• Marlin Air-to-Air Missile
• Ingwe Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)
• Umkhonto-IR Surface-to-Air System

Resilient Global Reputation

Despite facing challenges in recent years, Monaheng asserted that Denel’s reputation in the global defence sector remains strong. “The quality of our products, services, and personnel is well-known and continues to attract significant global interest,” he said.

Building Strategic Partnerships

Denel plans to utilize its presence at IDEX25 not only to display its technological prowess but also to foster stronger relationships with existing customers and stakeholders. The company is keen on exploring smart partnership opportunities and reaffirming the Denel brand within the international defence and technology sectors.

“Denel remains a valuable national asset,” Monaheng concluded. “We are open for business and ready to leverage the superior quality of our product range and services to meet the evolving needs of the global defence market.”

IDEX25 will serve as a critical platform for Denel to reinforce its role as a leading innovator in defence technology and to expand its influence across new and existing markets worldwide.