Dec 09

The South African Electronic Warfare Association

Aardvark

Roost

Message from the President

Dec 2009

A Time to Take a Break and Reflect

The first year of the “revived” Aardvark Roost is behind us and it is therefore a good idea to reflect on what was achieved and in general also on the health of EW in South Africa keeping in mind our theme for 2009: “What will the expected nature of the threat be beyond 2020 and what should we as the EW community do to meet the challenge”

In accordance with the suggestion made during November 2008 at the two day conference at the CSIR to host smaller but more regular events, involving only the local EW community, two “Little Crow” conferences and one “Big Crow” was hosted.

Both the “Little Crow” conferences in April at Saab Avitronics Centurion and the recent one at the Wonderboom Military Base were well attended by sixty and fifty people respectively. It confirmed that the concept works in the RSA and we therefore plan to arrange three such events during 2010.

The “Big Crow” two day conference with international participation hosted at the CSIR conference centre in August, was attended by more than 100 people and a lot of positive feedback and encouragement were received afterwards.

It was also suggested that we only have two day conferences with international participation bi-annually. The board of directors decided to alternate such events with AAD and the next one will therefore take place in 2011.

The quality of presentations at all the conferences was in general outstanding – both in highlighting the challenges we are facing as well as what is being done to find solutions.

Interaction and networking have improved among members of the EW community and some previous negative perceptions about the AOC in some circles, have also changed. This is very encouraging but it should be seen as only the beginning – we still have a long way to go and there is no reason for complacency.

The limited government EW research and development (R&D) funding is being well utilised. We should however endeavour to convince decision makers to increase the R&D budget as it is way below what should be invested in this vital area.

Own R&D funding by the EW industry is still at reasonable levels in the current very difficult economic climate. Such investments in R&D is however only sustainable with healthy order books. One therefore feels a bit apprehensive looking at the immediate years ahead and we wish the industry all of the best in these very trying economic circumstances.

The innovation and original thought of people in the EW industry and research establishments have been consistently impressive for more than three decades. Customers around the world have recognised this and we congratulate you for what you have achieved.

It was recently admitted by government in the media that the SANDF have for too long been under funded and that it has reached critical proportions in a number of areas.

I have however been immensely impressed by what the EW Community in the SANDF still manage to achieve in what is obviously very difficult and challenging circumstances.

The positive attitude by all those that I have spoken to, whether Army, Air Force or Navy, is a true example of innovativeness and hard work to find ways of still getting the job done rather than looking for reasons why it cannot be done!

To all the personnel in uniform – we salute you for outstanding work!

I trust that every member of the EW community will have a well deserved rest during the December holidays with your loved ones. May you experience some of the peace that was promised to humankind when the little baby Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem two thousand years ago.

Regards

Gerrie Radloff

(President of the Aardvark Roost)

Note: To all those that do not share in the Christian faith, thank you for being tolerant towards us in this very special time!