Hensoldt South Africa, a leading provider of defence and security solutions, has introduced its latest electro-optical system, the Bushbaby 100, at the World Defence Show (WDS) in Saudi Arabia.

The Bushbaby 100 is a medium-range multi-sensor system that offers stabilised surveillance and target geo-location capabilities for various applications in the defence, security and civil sectors. It is designed for day and night observation and can be easily deployed on a range of platforms, including armoured vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles, patrol vehicles and commercial vehicles.

The system features a field-swappable sensor-module that can be configured according to the user’s needs. In standard configuration, it provides a video feed from a 4K electro-optical sensor along with a compact MWIR (medium wavelength infrared) sensor and optional laser rangefinder. The system has a continuous 360-degree azimuth and -45° to +95° elevation range.

The onboard real-time video processor enhances the image quality of all sensors, fuses the daylight and infrared cameras into a single video stream, stabilises the image, steers the scene and tracks the target.

“The modern defence and security landscape has shown us that a solution like this is the ideal choice – an advanced, yet flexible solution that can be easily deployed on a range of platforms for agile use,” said Chris Haines, Head of Sales of Hensoldt’s Optronics business in South Africa.

The Bushbaby 100 is aimed at a variety of industries and organisations, such as security and policing agencies, border control authorities, mining companies, military forces and commercial vehicle operators. It can be used in fixed or mobile installations for land-based surveillance.

The system is non-ITAR, like the majority of Hensoldt South Africa’s products, and complements the company’s other surveillance capabilities, including radar and electro-optical sensors. Hensoldt South Africa’s combined radar and electro-optical surveillance system is, for example, protecting nearly two thousand rhinos in the world’s largest rhino conservancy.

The Bushbaby 100 is the latest addition to the Hensoldt electro-optical portfolio, which also includes the Argos gimbal for aerial surveillance, the Optronics Mast System for naval applications, the Spexer family of security radars, and the SharpEye family of optronic sensors.

At the World Defence Show, Hensoldt South Africa is showcasing a wide range of its products to the region. The company provides a range of sensor solutions in the Middle East, ranging from large-scale solutions such as TEWS spectrum dominance and SkyManager spectrum management solutions, to more tactical solutions such as the GMJ9 force protection jammer and the SAS2000 for signals intelligence. Hensoldt South Africa is also offering its ASTUS unmanned aerial vehicle and Quadome 3D surface and surveillance radar, IFF, and datalink solutions.

“Hensoldt South Africa’s expertise in the design, manufacturing and maintenance of defence and security solutions has earned the trust of military and commercial authorities in the Middle East,” said Rynier van der Watt, Managing Director of Hensoldt SA, leading the company to establish regional sales and marketing offices in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

“While exporting its solutions to over 45 countries globally, the Middle East holds strategic importance for Hensoldt SA,” the company said. “At WDS 2024, collaboration agreements with INTRA Defence Technologies, SCOPA Military Industries and STIRA Strategic Systems solidify Hensoldt SA’s role in developing next-generation electro-optic systems and spectrum dominance solutions for the defence, security and civilian market in Saudi Arabia.”

The company recently opened its new offices in Stellenbosch, South Africa, which will serve as the hub of its spectrum management operations.

The new offices, which were inaugurated on 16 November, are located in the vibrant Stellenbosch area, close to Stellenbosch University, one of the country’s top academic institutions. The offices feature modern facilities and equipment, as well as a dynamic training space for Hensoldt South Africa’s clients