Denel ranks among top 100 defence manufacturers

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The ranking is done by the international publication, Defense News, and based on an analysis of revenue achieved during the 2014 financial year. This is the first time that Denel has entered the global top 100 list in the company's history.

Valuable foreign exchange

Group chief executive, Riaz Saloojee said the ranking reflects the rapid growth in the company's revenue over the past four years, from R3.2-billion in 2011 to R4.6-billion in 2014. Since the publication of the report, Denel announced a further 28% increase in revenue for the 2014/15 financial year.

"As a state-owned company our primary focus is to ensure the strategic independence of the South African National Defence Force and enable it to protect the country's territorial integrity and participate in peacekeeping operations on the continent.

"However, it is also important to note that exports now constitute 52% of Denel's revenue. This earns valuable foreign exchange for South Africa and creates a greater awareness about the qualities and capabilities of the country's manufacturing sector," he said.

Manufacturing defence

According to the ranking, Denel is now the second largest defence manufacturer in the southern hemisphere, behind the Brazilian aerospace conglomerate, Embraer, which occupies the 55th position on the global list.

Denel's 17% growth in revenue also places it 13th on the list of companies in terms of year-on-year growth. "The global defence markets remain constrained but we are confident that we can maintain the growth trajectory for the foreseeable future," Saloojee said.

The company has a confirmed order book of more than R35-billion and is also pursuing further opportunities to the value of R37-billion. This is largely focused on the Denel's proven strengths in the design and manufacturing of artillery, ammunition, missile and military vehicles.

Saloojee said the successful deployment of its products such as the Rooivalk combat helicopter in African peace-keeping operations has focused global attention on South Africa's capabilities.

In the past year, it has invested R467-million in research and development and intends to grow its presence in the command-and-control and maritime environment.