HENSOLDT South Africa showcases local innovation and global capability at AAD2026

ASIM, Sep 21

During the silver jubilee edition of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD 2026) at AFB Waterkloof, HENSOLDT South Africa highlighted its dual role as a national industrial cornerstone and an integral part of HENSOLDT’s global defense electronics network.

Under the theme “Local innovation. Global capability.”, the company introduced key technologies designed for increasingly complex operational environments:

🔹 Automated Spectrum Management System (ASMS): An integrated capability enabling defense forces and spectrum authorities to efficiently plan, coordinate, assign, and monitor electromagnetic spectrum usage. 🔹 KENIS 1280 AK Thermal Imaging Sensor: An ultra-low-latency MWIR sensor engineered in South Africa for counter-UAS and long-range surveillance. Demonstrating its global competitiveness, HENSOLDT highlighted a major order of 200 KENIS units for Estonia’s HEVI Optronics.

Throughout the event, HENSOLDT hosted high-level government and military delegations, including Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition John Steenhuisen, Deputy Minister of Defence Bantu Holomisa, as well as the Chiefs of the South African Army and Navy.

In addition to showcasing airborne optronics (ARGOS family), electronic warfare (TAERVUS), Quadome 3D AESA radar, and tactical datalinks (DL-6000), HENSOLDT reaffirmed its commitment to the future workforce by supporting the Youth Development Programme (YDP), engaging over 3,000 learners in STEM and aerospace career paths.

“The response we have received from customers, partners, government representatives, and international delegations reinforces the value of bringing our local expertise together with HENSOLDT’s global capabilities.”

— Gilbert do Nascimento, Head of Country, HENSOLDT South Africa.

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