Denel, Alenia Aermacchi sign MOU

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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- South Africa's Denel SOC and Alenia Aermacchi of Italy have signed an MOU to explore possible joint ventures on the African continent.

The areas of interest covered by the Memorandum of Understanding are manufacturing, training programs, maintenance and technical support.

"Through this venture we will stimulate the growth of South Africa's own future aerospace industry and support the national objectives to strengthen the country's high-technology manufacturing sector," said Denel Group Chief Executive Officer Riaz Saloojee.

Saloojee said the MOU with the Italian company is part of the company's strategy to grow its presence in the region and become the partner of choice for international defense companies.

Alenia Aermacchi, which produces aircraft and aeronautics products, also said the partnership is important to its growth.

"This agreement with a leading African player is potentially extremely important to strengthen the position of our company in a growing economic environment," said Giuseppe Giordo, chief executive officer of Alenia Aermacchi.

"Alenia Aermacchi products represent the perfect solution for the demanding requirements of the African air forces and airlines. In the whole continent, Alenia Aermacchi has a long product tradition with over 750 aircraft delivered to African air forces and have had a fruitful industrial collaboration in South Africa with more than 250 Impala trainer and light attack aircraft produced in the country."