Electronics and telecommunications group Grintek announced two new orders yesterday for its state-of-the-art electronic aircraft self-protection equipment from India and Switzerland.

Grintek is for the first time to supply electronic equipment for Indian fighter aircraft, with eventual sales expected to reach between 50 and 200 systems. The order is from India's Defence Avionics Research Establishment.

Grintek subsidiary Avitronics which is 51% owned by the SA company and 49% owned by Saab of Sweden will supply the equipment, which will form part of integrated electronic self-protection networks for Indian fighters.

The full order will be worth hundreds of million of rands, and could open the door for further exports of other Grintek products to India.

In another development, Avitronics announced an order worth more than R120-million to equip Swiss air force Cougar helicopters with an "integrated defensive aids" system.

"The system provides the aircrew with essential situation awareness of the surrounding electromagnetic and laser spectrum environment, as well as the warning of missiles approaching the aircraft," said Avitronics CE Ben Ash.

"This is integrated with the ability to initiate the dispensing of chaff and flare countermeasures for the self-protection of aircraft.

"This order follows on a previous contract of more than R90m for the customisation and supply of four prototype systems, which was followed by a two-year comprehensive evaluation phase, conducted by the Swiss defence procurement agency.

"The programme, which will run into 2005, is an example of the competitiveness of SA developed and produced equipment in the hightechnology international defence electronics market."

He said the recent strengthening of the rand would not harm Grintek's export volumes, as the company currently had a full order book that was 90% complete for next year.

Avitronics will use a Swiss firm RUAG Aerospace for the installation and integration of the equipment.

In the past, there had been a suspicion of SA-developed technology, which had been a serious barrier to exports.

However, recent successes of Avitronics and other Grintek divisions in securing orders in firstworld markets underlines the success of its partnership strategy.

With acknowledgement to Business Day.