South Africa touts armored vehicle tech

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LONDON, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- South African defense industry technologies in the design and development of armored vehicles are being showcased at an industry event this month.

Armored Vehicles South Africa, set for Pretoria, South Africa, and is the first regional event of its kind.

"For more than a decade the country's defense industry has played a leading role in pioneering survivability technology for armored vehicles, through research into new armor materials, developing MRAP programs and remaining at the forefront of V-shaped hull expertise," conference organizer Defense IQ said.

The conference will enable attendees to enhance understanding of the country's defense sector and its role in the armored vehicles market today.

Led by Maj. Gen. M. R. Notshweleka of the South African military, the conference speaker faculty will be exploring new trends in regional and international armor vehicle technology, as well as looking at the critical themes of survivability, turret accuracy and through-life support.

Among the scheduled speakers are: Brig. Gen. Chris Gildenhuys, chief of the South African Armor Formation, South African army; Brig. Gen. Paul Operha, chief of the Gabonese army; Maj. Gen. Sunday Idoko, Commander, 3rd Armored Division, Nigerian army; Grace Bochenek, director of TARDEC, U.S. Army; and Lt. Gen. Antonio Gucciardino, general manager of the Procurement Agency for Land Systems, Italian army.

Armored Vehicles South Africa begins next Monday.