Denel Umkhonto GBL (Samil 100) - Defenders Spear

Surbaissemaxxing · September 8, 2025, 9:41pm

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Suggestion No.91

G’day lads. From what I can see, Britain kinda lacks long range anti-air systems in-game, hence why I’m suggesting for their top tier the Umkhonto Ground-Based Launcher System, shortened Umkhonto GBL (with Umkhonto meaning Spear in Zulu) :)

Description:

Spoiler

The Umkhonto Ground-Based Launcher (GBL) system is a mobile, surface-to-air missile launcher developed by Denel Dynamics. It provides comprehensive defense against air attacks from missiles and aircraft. The GBL can carry up to eight missiles, including the Umkhonto-R and Umkhonto-IR MkII variants. The launcher measures 6.05 meters in length, 2.43 meters in width, and 2 meters in height, with an empty weight of 4,500 kg and a fully loaded weight of 7,100 kg. It can be transported by air, land, and sea, using helicopters or military transport aircraft like the C130. The system offers a maximum operational range of 20 km for the Umkhonto-R missile, with 360-degree coverage due to its vertical launch capability. It can be operated and controlled remotely through various connections, including radio links and optical fibers. The GBL can be deployed on vehicles or as a standalone unit, designed for high mobility and autonomy. This system is part of the South African Army’s ground-based air defense system (GBADS), capable of countering various airborne threats, such as combat aircraft, missiles, and UAVs.

History:

Spoiler

Denel Dynamics developed the Umkhonto missile system in South Africa, starting its research and development in 1993 to replace the old Cactus missile system that had been in use since 1971. The missile family includes several variants, such as the infrared homing Umkhonto-IR, the extended range infrared homing Umkhonto-ER-IR, and the radar homing Umkhonto-R. It also came from the SAHV-3 missile program.

The system had its first successful naval launch in 2005 from the SAS Amatola, a Valour-class frigate of the South African Navy. It entered service in 2001 and has since been adopted by the navies of South Africa, Finland, and Algeria.

The Umkhonto Ground-Based Launcher (GBL) system was introduced as part of the South African Army’s Ground-Based Air Defence System (GBADS) initiative. This mobile, vertical launching system provides comprehensive defense against airborne threats like aircraft, missiles, and UAVs. The GBL system had its initial test launch in October 2013, successfully firing three Umkhonto missiles.

Capable of carrying up to eight Umkhonto-R and Umkhonto-IR MkII missiles, the GBL system offers 360-degree coverage with its vertical launch capability. It is designed for easy transport by air, land, or sea, and can be operated remotely through various communication methods.

Armaments:

Spoiler

8 Umkhonto IR/EIR/R missiles, max G-Overload of all missiles being around 40G.

There are Block 1, 2 and 3 Umkhonto IR variants. The “Block” designation is not used by Denel at all, but they will be used here just for better clarification. They are the same as the Block 3 one (I think), but the Block 1 has a 12km range, and the Block 2 a 15km range, compared to the Block 3’s 20km range.

Umkhonto-IR (Block 1):

Umkhonto-IR (Block 2):

Umkhonto-IR (Block 3):

Umkhonto-EIR:

Umkhonto-R:

To use it’s weapons, it needs an additional radar truck. This truck carries SAAB Giraffe AMB (Agile Multiple Beam) radar

OR

a truck carrying a Reutech RSR 320 radar

OR

a truck carrying a Reutech ESR 220

Specifications:

Spoiler

The Umkhonto Ground-Based Launcher (GBL) system on a Samil 100 truck has the following dimensions; it is 10.27m long, 2.5m wide, and 3.35 meters high (I guess with the launcher pointing up, it would therefore be 9.4m, specifically 9.408m. The truck itself an empty weight of about 9135kg, with the empty system on it being 14135kg, meanwhile with all 8 normal Umkhonto-IR missiles it’s around 16935kg heavy, and with the Umkhonto-EIR missiles it’s around 17435kg heavy. The Samil 100 is powered by a V10 diesel engine that gives it up to 268hp. This can make it go up to 90km/h on road.