JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- South Africa's Denel Group says it is getting set to expand its demining and other business activities on the continent.
Riaz Saloojee, the group's chief executive officer, said Denel plans to establish a number of regional offices to promote demining activities and expand its aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul services, as well as unmanned aerial vehicle and infantry system products.
"We are creating partnerships with our clients in Africa," Saloojee said. "It is not a question of selling products and systems and walking away from the deal. Our African partners know that we continue to support our products through after-sale services, maintenance agreements, future upgrades and the subsequent provision of spares and support.
"Our products are all locally developed, tried, tested and adapted for African conditions. This commitment to Africa sets Denel apart from other manufacturers."
Denel said business in Africa accounts for about 27 percent of its export sales.
"The defense industry is highly dependent on government-to-government contact and we are fortunate that the South African government provides strong support to our marketing efforts," Saloojee said.
Denel recently restructured, consolidating the marketing initiatives of its various divisions.
"Denel is positioning itself as the strategic supplier of choice to African defense forces," Saloojee said.