A new MOU signed
DUBAI – 15 November 2021. Bin Hilal Enterprises LLC has signed today a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with HENSOLDT South Africa which will see a joint venture established to further develop and market HENSOLDT South Africa’s cost-effective ASTUS unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system.
The MoU was signed by senior representatives from both companies on the second day of the Dubai Airshow 2021.
“Bin Hilal Enterprises has had a very long and successful relationship with HENSOLDT South Africa. Therefore, we are proud to take this relationship to the next level and announce the signing of our MoU for the formation of our new joint venture,” said Humaid S Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of Bin Hilal Enterprises.
The agreement will see Bin Hilal Enterprises expand on the ASTUS mission system capabilities and will market the UAV in the region – there is already strong interest in the aircraft from prospective customers in the Middle East, and discussions are underway with potential customers.
Bin Hilal is engaged in the defense and security sectors and specializes in mission systems; the supply of aircraft and vehicle spares; critical infrastructure protection, and more. Through agreements and joint ventures like those with HENSOLDT South Africa, Bin Hilal is able to access state-of-the-art technologies, products, and services in the areas of defense and security.
“The HENSOLDT Group firmly believes in the value added by collaborative partnerships and we see Bin Hilal as an excellent partner,” said Deon Olivier, Chief Executive at HENSOLDT SA’s Optronics business unit. “We look forward to growing the relationship with them, and this will serve to reinforce those ties.”
“This MoU is a significant move towards establishing an advanced integration and manufacturing facility in the UAE for UAV systems,” Olivier said. “The relationship with Bin Hilal expands our presence and adds significantly to our value propositions with regard to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions for customers.”
With a maximum take-off weight of 110 kg, the ASTUS can carry a 10 kg payload. Endurance is 8 hours at an altitude of 5,000 feet and a cruise speed of 60 knots, with a maximum altitude of 18,500 feet. The line-of-sight control range is up to 200 km.