Algerian MEKOs to test Umkhonto air defence in 2017
Algeria commissioned its first MEKO A-200 frigate, Erradi, on 21 April. Source: Algerian Ministry of National Defence
The Denel group said on 30 November that "extensive testing" of the Umkhonto air defence systems installed on Algeria's two new MEKO A200 frigates is scheduled to take place in 2017.
The Denel statement did not name Algeria as the operator of the frigates, but described the two vessels that Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems has built for the north African country at its shipyard in Kiel. Denel has previously stated it would supply Umkhonto systems for these frigates, the first of which was commissioned in Algeria in April.
The Denel statement said acceptance trials of the second frigate were completed in October and the manufacturing of infrared-guided Umkhonto missiles for the programme will be completed in January.
"After four years of manufacturing, integration, and commissioning we have now reached the final stages of the programme," the statement quoted Tsepo Monaheng, the CEO of its Denel Dynamics division as saying.
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