Airbus and Denel Aerospace partner to strengthen industrial

cooperation in support of the South African Air Force helicopter

fleet

City of Tshwane, South Africa, 16 September 2026 – Airbus Helicopters and Denel

Aerospace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a strategic

partnership aimed at strengthening industrial cooperation in support of the South African Air

Force’s helicopter fleet. The agreement establishes a long-term framework to increase

national air defence capabilities, while boosting aviation industrial growth across Southern and

East Africa.

“This strategic partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to expanding local industrial

craftsmanship, while delivering mission-critical capabilities to the South African Air Force and

for the African market,” said Arnaud Montalvo Chastellier, Head of Africa Middle-East Region

at Airbus Helicopters. “By combining Airbus’ leading know-how in driving helicopter innovation

with Denel’s deep local expertise, we are building a robust ecosystem that enhances

operational readiness and supports South Africa's defence and security capabilities.”

“Through this partnership, Denel Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters will further develop the

sovereign aviation capabilities necessary to sustain the current and future fleets of the South

African Air Force,” said Chris Boshoff, CEO of Denel Aerospace. “By establishing an extended

industrial footprint across the country and the region, we are building the essential

infrastructure to ensure long-term self-reliance and operational resilience for our forces.”

To further increase aircraft availability and maintain critical operational readiness for existing

fleets, the agreement intends to leverage Airbus Helicopters and Denel’s existing capabilities

and experience, anchoring a self-reliant domestic support ecosystem that can serve both

South Africa and regional operators across Southern and East Africa.

@AirbusHeli @DenelSOC #DenelAerospace #AirbusinAfrica