About Us

Denel Land Systems incorporating Mechem, a division of Denel

Denel Land Systems Combat Systems is Africa's premier supplier of land defence systems and a growing force in the global defence environment.

With a proud track record of 60 years in the industry, Denel Land Systems (DLS) is the trusted partner of the South African National Defence Force and its supplier of choice for landward systems, services and solutions.

Its dynamic and professional team of engineers, artisans, project managers and system integrators provides clients with a complete and fully-integrated solution for any landward defence requirements, ranging from artillery to infantry fighting vehicles, turrets, mortar systems, infantry weapons and armoured vehicles.

Denel Land Systems Mechem is a global leader in humanitarian demining, the clearance of explosive remnants of war and the manufacturing of mine-protected vehicles, used in conflict zones, such as the Casspir.

LMT, in which Denel SOC has acquired a 51% shareholding, provides the company with a well-established capability to design and manufacture armoured vehicles and truck cabins with advanced ballistic protection capabilities.

As a state-owned company, Denel Land Systems enjoys the support of the South African government.

Vision

To be the South African industry leader and trusted partner in the provision of Landward System Solutions and Services.

Mission

Denel Land Systems is to support the strategic landward needs of the South African National Defence Force and the political intent of the South African Government by:

• being a dynamic, vibrant and respected South African Company;
• producing leading edge products and services;
• continuously striving for business excellence;
• ensuring growth and sustainability through exports;
• creating a safer world through humanitarian activities.

Our Values

Business Ethics and Conduct 

Denel Land Systems is committed to high ethical standards in order to enhance its relationship with both its employees and stakeholders alike. Our success depends as much on our ethical behaviour as it does on any other part of the business.

To maintain good relations, ethical conduct is vital in observing the necessary protocols and displaying professional conduct when liaising and interacting with stakeholders, both internal and external. Denel Land Systems subscribes to the principles of good corporate governance, which require the conducting of business in an honest and transparent manner.

In creating a culture which is ethical and intolerant of fraud, Denel Land Systems encourages customers, other trading partners or members of the public to report fraud to any member of management and/or the Chief Executive Officer. Reports may also be made via the hotline on 0800204880.

Overview and History

Denel Land Systems has a proud and respected history of more than 60 years in the design, development and manufacturing of landward defence systems and products.

Established in 1953, when a base workshop was converted into a small engineering firm, DLS has since become a global player, known for its innovation, research and development, technical expertise and quality of after-sales service.

It later became known as Lyttelton Engineering Works and, following South Africa's democratic transition in 1994, a division of the state-owned defence and technology company, Denel SOC.

In 2012 DLS significantly expanded the scope and range of its business through the incorporation of Denel Mechem one of the worlds most admired humanitarian demining companies and the acquisition of a majority share in LMT, a leading vehicle engineering and manufacturing company.

The company's strength lies in the unique balance of technologies and engineering capabilities which enables it to take complex systems and products through their entire life-cycles, from conceptualisation to systems design, development, testing and qualification up to industrialisation and production, product support and eventual decommissioning.

These attributes are enhanced by an entrenched culture of continuous learning and empowerment, which is deeply ingrained in the company's work ethic and values.