South Africa’s defence giant lands fresh market for its missile arsenal

Johannesburg – South African state-owned defence manufacturer Denel has revealed that an unnamed North African country has acquired its missiles for use on maritime helicopters and naval warships.

According to DefenceWeb, Denel Dynamics group executive Thivian Vadivelu said the customer bought the Mokopa precision-guided anti-armour missile for integration on its maritime helicopters.

The same customer also acquired Denel’s Umkhonto surface-to-air missile for use aboard its navy’s Meko A200 frigates.

“The Mokopa is indeed a formidable anti-armour missile,” Vadivelu told DefenceWeb, adding that Denel had exported it to a North African customer for integration on maritime helicopters.

He said the customer had also acquired the Umkhonto missile for its frigates.

Denel did not identify the country or disclose the value or timing of the contracts.

The disclosure comes as Denel continues rebuilding its defence manufacturing capabilities while expanding its international market.

Unmanned aerial vehicles

The company said in its 2024/25 annual report, reported by DefenceWeb, that it was pursuing an opportunity pipeline worth more than R53 billion, including priority opportunities involving missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and artillery systems.

Denel is also continuing production of the A-Darter air-to-air missile for the South African National Defence Force.

“Our proven Seeker 200 system has been in service in the Middle East for over a decade,” Vadivelu said, while noting international interest in the newer Seeker 400 unmanned aircraft.

The company has delivered the Seeker 400 to the South African military, which is its launch customer.

However, Vadivelu said South Africa’s Air Force has yet to order the Mokopa for its Rooivalk attack helicopters, despite the missile being fully integrated with the aircraft in 2016.

The development highlights Denel’s continued focus on export markets. DefenceWeb reported that South African defence companies exported more than R10 billion worth of military equipment and munitions in 2025, up sharply from R3.6 billion in 2024.

Denel describes itself as a state-owned defence and technology company involved in missiles, unmanned systems, artillery, ammunition and aerospace technologies. The company says its international business includes supplying defence systems and components to customers around the world.