CAPE TOWN -- South Africa is looking to procure a new anti-tank missile to replace older systems currently in service.

DefenceWeb reported on April 17, 2019, that South Africa has issued a request for information for a new manportable anti-tank missile system, which will allow the Army to replace its Milan anti-tank systems. The country initially began procuring Milan systems in the 1970s and around a decade ago put the Milan 3 into service.

The RFI was issued on March 27, 2019. DefenceWeb quoted it as saying it "does not constitute a firm requirement and is exploratory in nature only." Armscor added, "The Milan 2 missiles are obsolete with many of them having reached the end of their 25 year service life. The Milan 3 is no longer in production. As such the SANDF needs to urgently address this capability. Technical Information on the MPATMS is required to provide a reliable, accurate and flexible solution for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) tactical operations."

Given that South Africa is in an 'exploratory' stage for the potential requirement, it is not known which anti-tank systems the country might be especially interested in. However, defenceWeb referenced the RFI as indicating that the Army desires a system that is already in service with other militaries, suggesting that South Africa is not looking to develop a brand-new anti-tank weapon. South Africa could be expected to seek some technology transfer under the agreement.

South Africa's military has largely procured from Western suppliers in recent years.

Source: defenceWeb
Associated URL: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/sandf-considering-replacement-of-man-portable-anti-tank-missiles/