Hensoldt South Africa, a leading defense and aerospace company, is nearing the completion of its latest innovation in surveillance technology: the Bushbaby 200 system. This development comes on the heels of the successful launch of the Bushbaby 100 at the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia.
The Bushbaby series is renowned for its cost-effectiveness and modular design, accommodating a variety of day and thermal cameras, as well as a laser rangefinder. With plans to incorporate laser designation in the future, Hensoldt continues to push the boundaries of surveillance capabilities.
Originally introduced in 2020, the Bushbaby was a game-changer as a land-based long-range imaging system. It provided operators with the ability to persistently monitor and track a wide array of threats, from intruders and smugglers to drones and terrorists.
The Bushbaby 100, a medium-range multi-sensor system, was designed for versatility and portability, suitable for both mobile and static operations. Its affordability and lightweight design have made it a popular choice for defense, security, and civil applications.
The Bushbaby 200, the latest addition to the series, is a long-range variant that boasts a Kenis thermal imager-based electro-optical system, a feature derived from the Argos aerial gimbal range. Leon Potgieter of Hensoldt Optronics highlighted to defenceWeb the system’s suitability for extensive land surveillance tasks, such as monitoring borders or coastlines, with its advanced geolocation and recording capabilities.
Displayed for the first time at a military attaché demonstration in Pretoria East, the Bushbaby 200, alongside the Bushbaby 100, showcased the scalability and adaptability of Hensoldt’s surveillance solutions. While the Bushbaby 100 remains man-portable, the Bushbaby 200, with its heavier build, is optimized for stability during long-range operations.
Non-ITAR compliance and a modular design make the Bushbaby systems highly customizable, with potential for integration with radar, AI, RF, and signals intelligence technologies. These systems complement Hensoldt South Africa’s existing surveillance portfolio, which includes radar and electro-optical sensors, and plays a crucial role in protecting wildlife, such as the nearly two thousand rhinos in the world’s largest rhino conservancy.
As Hensoldt South Africa positions itself as a turnkey solution provider for border security, the Bushbaby 200 represents a significant stride towards enhanced surveillance and security in a world where threats are ever-evolving.
Hensoldt South Africa also offers to the international market its ASTUS unmanned aerial vehicle and Quadome 3D surface and surveillance radar, IFF, and datalink solutions.
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 2023, 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
