SA manufacturer DAe looks to partner with ASEAN countries

DAe CEO Ismail Dockrat says his company is a supplier of strategic and vital parts to the Airbus A400M, the SAAB Gripen fighter aircraft, the AgustaWestland A109 Light Utility Helicopter and the globally popular Gulfstream G150 executive jet. Denel Group company DAe is also part of the South African pavilion at the Defence Services Asia Exhibition at the Putra World Trade Centre.

"We have the technology, the infrastructure and the accumulated experience to partner with clients in South-East Asia in all areas of the design, industrialisation and manufacturing of both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft," says Dockrat. Best known for its design, development and manufacturing of South Africa's Rooivalk combat-support helicopter, DAe is one of a select few companies outside of Europe to design and manufacture vital parts for the A400M, the world's most advanced tactical airlifter.

A distinguishing feature of DAe is its "design to build" capacity - meaning that it is responsible for the entire production process, from the initial designs to delivery of the final product, Dockrat tells DefPro. "Our company is on the cutting edge of aerostructure manufacturing and can make valuable contributions to Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) companies looking for industry partners."

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