Denel, TKMS Collaborate To Support South African Frigates, Submarines

Denel and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) announced that the companies are collaborating to provide support for the South African navy's frigates and submarines.

Under the accord, Denel's Maritime division will be responsible for maintenance and upgrades on three Heroine-Class submarines and four Valour-Class frigates of the navy. The vessels were commissioned by the SA navy between 2005 and 2008, the companies said in a press statement Monday.

The memorandum of understanding between the two companies was signed recently in Germany and comes as Denel prepares to revive naval dockyard facilities in Simonstown.

TKMS, the original manufacturer of the submarines and frigates, will provide technical and shipyard support as subcontractors to Denel. Work will include quality assurance and procurement, on-site technical support, the transfer of technology and the development of the local supply chain.

TKMS will also train Denel's technical personnel.

"These vessels are the sharp end of South Africa's naval forces and the primary protectors of our coastline against possible intruders and illegal incursions into our territorial waters," Denel's acting chief executive officer, Zwelakhe Ntshepe, said in a press release.