Thanks to the added mass that comes with comprehensive 360-degree B6 (assault-rifle) armouring solutions, operating a bullet-resistant vehicle requires a degree of recalibration on the part of the driver. As such, SVI believes driver training is critical, particularly for those who lack experience with armoured vehicles.

“Since more and more new customers are joining the SVI family, we’re now including a full-day driver-training course with the purchase of every B6 discreet armouring package. This initiative will help new owners to better understand the capabilities of their armoured vehicles, equipping them with the skills to handle – and ultimately escape – potentially hostile situations,” says SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.

“We believe that offering a complimentary full-day driver-training course with every B6 discreet sale is an important first for the local armouring industry. It’s also yet another example – along with many others under our broader #WhySVI? campaign – of how SVI strives to cover all the needs of its clients,” adds Louw. 

BOTH THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL TRAINING

Held at SVI’s impressive Bashewa headquarters outside Pretoria, the complimentary single-day course – which is valued at R3,500 – includes a theoretical component designed chiefly to educate participants on armoured-vehicle dynamics. Thereafter, these learnings are put into practice, with drivers taking to SVI’s newly revamped test track.

Practical training is carried out in the client’s own freshly armoured vehicle, allowing them to become familiar with its dynamics in a controlled environment (including on SVI’s dedicated off-road track, should the vehicle in question be fitted with 4×4). The central theme of the programme is to help owners to first understand and then experience the impact of the extra mass on their vehicles.

“Adding somewhere in the region of 600 kg of B6 armouring components to a double-cab bakkie, for example, results in a change to the vehicle’s centre of gravity. This, in turn, has an effect on various aspects of the vehicle’s dynamic performance, each necessitating specific adjustments to driving styles,” explains Louw.

FACTORY TOUR (AND LUNCH) ALSO INCLUDED

In addition to the theoretical and practical instruction, the single-day programme includes a tour of SVI’s extensive manufacturing facility, allowing clients to witness the company’s factory processes first-hand (and indeed see the armouring components that were earlier applied to their own vehicles). Since the programme runs from 8am to 4pm, lunch is also served.

Each training group will be limited to between 3 and 9 customers, affording participants the benefit of individualised attention from SVI’s team of expert instructors, which boasts vast experience coaching private clients, security crew and even military personnel.

It’s also worth noting that SVI separately offers a comprehensive 5-day driver-training programme that comprises as many as 5 distinct modules (including a practical-training module fully accredited by SASSETA). This all-encompassing course is pitched primarily at the broader security industry, with a particular focus on the valuables-in-transit, law enforcement and mining sectors.

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“As South Africa’s most powerful bakkie, the Ranger Raptor is an unparalleled base for a rapid-response vehicle with high-speed off-road capabilities. Fitted with our Ford-backed B4 armouring package, this solution also offers proven ballistic protection, making it the ideal choice for South Africa’s private security firms,” said SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.

SVI’s Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) status with Ford means this B4 armouring package for the Raptor can be ordered directly from any Blue Oval dealership in South Africa, with the bakkie’s standard warranty and any selected service or maintenance plan remaining intact. In addition, the entire package, including the purchase price of the Raptor and the cost of the armour, can be financed via Ford Credit.

B4 DISCREET PACKAGE FOR RANGER RAPTOR

Thanks to SVI’s in-depth knowledge of the Ranger as part of its long-standing partnership with Ford, this bespoke B4 discreet armouring solution sets a new standard in the industry, SVI said. Providing comprehensive 360-degree protection against handguns (up to .44 Magnum) for the entire passenger cell, the bullet-resistant package includes 21 mm armoured glass curved to original-equipment specification as well as precisely cut-and-bonded Kevlar sheets for the body. In addition, armoured-steel plates are used in various smaller, otherwise typically more vulnerable areas, such as the pillars.

Meanwhile, critical powertrain elements are protected by armour concealed in the front fenders, while certain under-bonnet components also receive bullet-resistant protection. Moreover, the Ranger Raptor’s various driver-assistance safety systems – including those that rely on sensors mounted behind the windscreen – remain completely operational.

Considering the Raptor’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine generates 292 kW and 583 Nm, SVI’s lightweight armouring solution has a virtually imperceptible impact on acceleration and dynamic performance. Furthermore, thanks to the minimal overall mass added, the FOX suspension system – which includes live valve internal bypass shock absorbers with position-sensitive damping – is retained, meaning this rapid-response bakkie remains eminently capable, both off-road and on.

“In short, our B4-armoured Raptor is the ultimate go-anywhere rapid-response vehicle, combining high-speed off-road capabilities with confidence-inspiring road manners and, of course, our meticulously engineered bullet-resistant package. This, then, is surely both the fastest and the safest rapid-response bakkie out there,” concluded Louw.

The new Ranger Raptor rapid-response bakkie will be displayed at SVI’s stand during the upcoming Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 expo, which is scheduled to take place at Air Force Base Waterkloof from 18 to 22 September 2024. Find SVI at Stand 4OS2 in Outdoor Hangar 4.

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Please introduce your company and yourself.

Broom: Armormax has been around now for 19 years. We started as a partnership with International Armoring Corporation from Utah, USA and are now wholly South African owned. We specialise in the up-armouring of civilian vehicles focussed primarily on the premium sector. My background is in several sales and marketing management roles in the motor industry for more than two decades, specialising in the premium and luxury sector.

Louw: SVI is an original equipment manufacturer that has specialised in armoured vehicles since 2004. The company is a market leader in Africa, serving the private, corporate, security, mining and governmental segments. SVI holds a Level 2 B-BBEE certification and its quality management system is certified to ISO 9001:2015 by TÜV Rheinland. I am an engineer (M.Sc) and worked on major OEM vehicle programmes both locally and in Europe over a 10-year period. I then entered the media world with a 10-year stint as technical editor at CAR magazine.

Is there currently any South African standards organisation that regulates the armouring of civilian/passenger vehicles?

Broom: Sadly not.

Louw: On the civilian side (armouring levels including B6 and below) unfortunately not.

Why is this the case?

Broom: Considering the low volume of these vehicles produced, primarily by a small number of specialists in the past it possibly was not necessary. The principles applied by those few were based on international practice, sound engineering and a thorough understanding of ballistics. With the massive growth the market has experienced in the last 6 years, our focus has needed to shift from educating the public on the need for an armoured vehicle to educating potential customers on armouring standards and quality.

Louw: Local civilian armouring volumes, as recent as five years ago, were minimal compared to what it is now. Therefore there was less of a need to educate the public on armouring quality. Today the volumes are considerable (and rising) with more companies competing for a slice of the growing pie. The international full vehicle certification standards are too expensive for most local armouring companies to adhere to. A South African armouring standard will go a long way to ensure the public can make an educated discussion before choosing an armouring company or product.

Is there a global standards organisation that regulates the armouring of civilian/passenger vehicles?

Broom: Not specifically for the way a vehicle is armoured, but more so on the grades of materials used. These materials are then tested in a laboratory or in field tests and need to conform to a standard. We work according to the EN1063 and EN1522 standard, which measures the ability of the material to withstand ballistic impacts in a pre-determined set of parameters. This in no way guarantees that despite certified materials being used, that they are applied in a manner that provides 100% ballistic integrity, or applied suitably to defeat a certain threat.

Louw: Many international standards only focus on the ballistic properties of the armouring materials. This includes the BR levels commonly used in South Africa as per EN1063 for ballistic glass. This unfortunately does not confirm how well the vehicle is armoured and there may be bad workmanship or even worse, ballistic gaps. There are some standards that involves full vehicle certification like VPAM and NIJ. SVI has recently certified a BMW X3 to level NIJ IIIa at a cost of R2m.

What about the ballistic grading standards, does that not get controlled locally in any way?

Broom: Not currently. Previously South Africa had ballistic testing capability through the SABS. It is however not currently required in our case as we do not source any materials locally, and would be massively expensive to undertake for each and every type of vehicle we build.

Louw: The capability exists to confirm both material and vehicle ballistic standards (Armscor/CSIR) but it is rarely called upon as is not legally needed and very costly. Unfortunately, it allows some armouring companies to get away with sub-standard solutions.

How much of the ballistic grading standards is open to interpretation or what tolerances are acceptable?

Broom: By definition a standard should not be open to interpretation. It either meets the grade or it doesn’t. There simply is no grey area and considering the nature of what we do, there shouldn’t be.  However, if the correctly graded materials are not applied correctly ensuring no ballistic gaps and in a manner that will defeat real-world threats locally, a consumer would not know the difference and has to blindly accept the certificate they are issued to certify it as a B4 or B6 vehicle.

Louw: Ballistic material and vehicle standards are fixed. The problem lies with applying a material standard on a vehicle application as is happening locally. Therefore a vehicle with massive ballistic gaps may still be classed as a B4 or B6 vehicle and the customer would be none the wiser

There are a number of new players in the market that have entered in the last 5 years, is this a threat to your businesses?

Broom: It’s not a threat to our business. We have been thriving long before the market expanded the way it has because we have a zero-compromise approach which will resonate with a consumer that feels the same way about their safety.

It is a threat to the industry however if they produce sub-standard products. Should the unfortunate happen where a consumer loses their life in an armoured car due to sub-standard practices, built in South Africa, it shines a bad light on the entire industry and not just the company involved.

Louw: Yes and No. Yes, if they produce sub-par products as it would give the whole industry a bad name. No, as we welcome new players in the field if they can help lift the industry to a next level from a quality and protection point of view.

What assurance is there to the consumer, that all armoured vehicles in South Africa are being built to the correct standard?

Broom: There isn’t so unfortunately this would require some research from the consumer. The obvious things to ascertain right up front are the amount of experience the armourer has; are they internationally certified to ISO9001 quality management standards; do they have any OEM recognition and certifications and most importantly, are they completely transparent with you about what they do and how they do it?

Louw: Currently none and therefore we urge potential buyers to first vet the company they plan on using. Are they ISO 9001 certified from a quality management point of view? Do they have Armscor clearance? How many fully approved OEM products do they offer as the OEM approval and certification processes do a good job in sifting potential armouring companies.

Do your businesses comply with any other global standard?

Broom: Yes, we are certified with TUV for the ISO9001 Quality Management Standard as well as the National Conventional Arms Control Committee.

Louw: Yes, ISO9001 quality management system  and SVI is registered with the National  Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) which is part of the  international Wassenaar arrangement overseeing the sale and export of dual use goods.

What is required to be recognised by an OEM as an armourer of choice?

Broom: The term approved can be a misleading one, and often used incorrectly. An OEM is not a ballistic grading or certification entity and so ‘approved’ may imply that the OEM is the authority on whether you armour vehicles correctly. They can however inspect your management systems, quality control, certifications, build quality, aftersales support, customer experience and real-world results. This would then allow them to recognise, validate or approve you as an armourer of choice. We are recognised and approved by several manufacturers.

Louw: The process varies between manufacturers as SVI has experience in passing the criteria for certain models from:

• Ford
• Toyota
• Mercedes-Benz
• BMW
• UD trucks

It mostly involves a full company audit including a build inspection. It may also include durability testing and a ballistic certification test.

What control or standard is there in terms of technical training or qualifications required for armouring a vehicle?

Broom: Only the basic NQF standards for various functions within the armouring process. 

Louw: Most important is a police clearance for all employees as armouring is part of the security sector. Other qualifications is as per job description in terms of welders, fitters, engineers etc.

What transparency is available to a consumer to be assured of the ballistic quality of their vehicle once armoured.

Broom: This is entirely the responsibility of the armourer. From our perspective, we encourage every potential customer to visit our factory where we demonstrate in depth our materials, our processes, our results and what to expect from an aftersales perspective. Additionally, we encourage them to visit our competitors and ask the same of them so they can make an informed decision.

Louw: SVI invites all its potential clients to visit our facility for a factory tour to see the manner in which the vehicles are armoured. All the related certificates are available for the material used in armouring a specific vehicle. If the vehicle is part of our OEM approved products, then further certification is available.

To form a regulatory body, what would be required?

Broom: It has to be formed independently of the role players to ensure objectivity and credibility. It would be suggested that role players provide input on what the standards should be and how they are measured, and implemented in a way that is achievable and realistic financially and in practice.

Louw: It would require bodies like Armscor and the CSIR that are experts in the field of ballistic protection to join hands with the leading armouring companies to form a standard that is relatively simple cost effective and possible to assess in a short timeframe to start. The level of the standard can be increased with time as lessons learned gets implemented.

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Darryl Franks is the engineering development manager and with his father Hilton, a well-known personality in the industry, are up – armouring all types of vehicles from small cars, to SUVs and trucks (military vehicles excluded).

The Company started after Darryl qualified as an engineer from the University of Pretoria to extend the services of the family business to include the use of armoured glass in civilian vehicles.

The idea, says Darryl, was to “provide protection from the Emperor and his family to the everyday person with a small business”.

This is based on the passion to protect the lives of people by providing innovative practical value for money solutions that cover a multitude of client requirements.

“The Ethos of the Company is to place protection first “LIFE IS VALUABLE”.

We have a comprehensive approach where SABRV handles the full design process from crafting the opaque armoured panels for doors roofs and floors to forming the transparent armour to fit almost every vehicle making it closely indistinguishable from the original.

Hilton Franks

Some innovation was required as the Company was receiving requests to come up with new solutions. This necessitated the introduction of their proprietary, ClippInn armour an easy install, removable and re-usable product. Minimal changes are made to a vehicle which can be returned to its original state.

Secugard armour is for security companies which is visible on the sides with curved windows front and back for mines and other security applications.

Covertex concealed armouring  is for special operations and reaction vehicles.

Execulux is for VIP discreet protected vehicles.

This service required a “Single Responsibility” value option for customers from manufacture to the completed product under one roof.

The complex customised engineering of designs for each type of vehicle and machined parts are created in-house including bespoke CNC laser cutting and the specialised forming of the glass to all shapes for almost all vehicle models.

Hilton Franks said it’s a comprehensive approach where the company handles the entire design process, from crafting transparent armour to machining opaque armored panels for doors, roofs, and floors.

The Company has its own R&D facility to test its products in an approved ballistic range to ensure ballistic specifications and best practices are used. All levels of protection are supplied from handguns to high power rifles and more.

SA Bullet has developed bullet-resistant glass that boasts a remarkable 40% to 50% reduction in weight and thickness compared to traditional laminates of similar strength. This innovation not only enhances security but also ensures a discreet appearance for the product less wear and tear on a vehicle and more carrying capacity.

SABRV also offers Resistoshield, a proprietary product designed to safeguard doors and other opaque areas of the vehicle, such as the footwell and bonnet. With these innovative offerings, the Company continues to set the standard for vehicle security solutions.

“We have the security needs for every pocket. Our motto is “some security is better than none” Life is valuable”

Hilton Franks.

As SABRG continues to evolve and innovate while investing in new equipment and premises, it remains committed to its core values of integrity, respect, and customer satisfaction.  The Company will use green products in its manufacturing to protect the environment and believes in repurposing of waste materials and the use of environment friendly products. With its integrated approach and unwavering dedication to security, Franks and his son are poised to lead the industry for years to come.

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GSV director Yusuf Saber said the move signifies the company’s commitment to accommodating increased production demands, improving operational efficiency, and better serving its expanding client base with enhanced facilities and resources.

The new property in Germiston spans over 6000m2, providing ample space for GSV to ramp up production and meet the surge in demand.

“GSV can confidently say that the number of vehicles armoured are increasing by the day. GSV has seen a significant increase of about 75% since last year,” said Saber.

He said the demand for discreet armoured vehicles was a result of increased security threats and crime in SA.

“With the rising kidnappings of prominent businessmen, and high-profile individuals, armoured vehicles have gained popularity and play an important role to enhance personal security, and protect against these threats, keeping individuals safe and protected at all times,” said Saber.

GSV transforms ordinary vehicles into a discreet luxury armoured vehicles protecting occupants against the most severe threats and ultimately saving lives. Modern technology and engineering make it possible for civilians to feel safe and are protected in their own luxury vehicles. GSV’s advanced production capabilities, rapid vehicle delivery, and an extensive range of vehicle solutions make the company the perfect partner for any automotive security need.

GSV CEO Ettiene De Klerk said the latest advancements in armoured vehicle technology include lightweight ballistic materials, advanced composite armour, enhanced blast protection, integrated surveillance and countermeasure systems, and smart vehicle technologies.

GSV is integrating these innovations by:

• Lightweight Materials: Utilising advanced composite materials to reduce the overall weight of the vehicles while maintaining high levels of protection.
• Enhanced Blast Protection: Implementing cutting-edge designs and materials that offer superior protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines.
• Integrated Surveillance Systems: Equipping vehicles with advanced cameras, sensors, and radar systems to provide 360-degree situational awareness and early threat detection.
• Smart Vehicle Technologies: Incorporating features like automated emergency response systems, GPS tracking, and real-time communication networks for improved coordination and safety.
• Advanced Countermeasure Systems: Installing active defence mechanisms such as electronic jammers and smoke screens to neutralise threats.

“By incorporating these technologies, GSV ensures our armoured vehicles remain at the forefront of security and protection, meeting the evolving needs of our clients,” said De Klerk.

GSV’s reputation as a leading armour manufacturing company in South Africa is built on its advanced engineering, high-quality craftsmanship, custom solutions tailored to individual needs, and a strong track record of reliability and customer satisfaction.

“As we look to the future, GSV plans include expanding our product range with innovative security technologies, entering new international markets, and constantly and consistently enhancing our manufacturing capabilities to meet growing demand for armoured vehicles,” added Saber.

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Armormax, one of the country’s top-rated armouring companies approved as OEM partners to leading car brands, said there are “most definitely” more armoured cars on South African roads than a year ago.

Armormax sales and marketing manager, Michael Broom said the number has exponentially increased over the last few years.

“The obvious contributing factor is that our roads remain some of the most dangerous in the world in terms of violent crime. Historically, high-profile attacks have always been committed in the form of vehicular assaults simply because while driving we are constantly moving between transitory spaces.”

“In terms of protection and security, these situations are difficult to manage with regular security protocols whereas an armoured vehicle puts an impenetrable barrier between occupants and assailants. The massive increase in kidnapping has also contributed to this for much the same reason- this is when we are most at risk while moving between destinations and areas that are easier to secure against threats.

“The reason we are experiencing the growth that we have is because the awareness of civilian armoured vehicles is far more widespread than it was previously. The myth that these vehicles are only for politicians and gangsters has long been debunked. South Africans that have the means have realised that we are all at risk of the threat of hijacking, smash and grabs, kidnappings and in extreme cases, assassinations,” he explained.

“The rise in kidnapping cases is alarming and causing businesses and communities to sit up and take notice. This has become one of the leading sources of enquiries and purchases in recent years.”

Michael Broom

At any one time, Armormax builds around 25 vehicles.

“We can build more than this but we have found this to be the happy medium to keep our quality standard over a realistic production time frame. Our waiting period for a production date is on average three to four months,” said Broom.

Often, a client approaches Armormax for protection following a traumatic incident such as a hijacking or kidnapping.

“So often we all think ‘it will never happen to me, I am not a target’ but when something does happen, we quickly realise that the threat is not about targeting but most often about opportunism. Criminals do not discriminate on who their victims are, neither do they care for your life as is evident in our crime stats.” 

“We also do have many clients where their risk profile requires an armoured vehicle as part of a larger security protocol, or they are already highly safety conscious in all areas of their lives and are mitigating every risk they can. These most often are entrepreneurs, expats on a working contract in South Africa or those in an industry that carries a high level of threat such as precious metals, moving of valuable assets and so forth,” said Broom.

“In a nutshell, our clients are private citizens, male and female, who want protection on our roads.”

Michael Broom

As the armoured vehicle industry is growing, so are technological advances.

“The technology has always been available globally and the advances in lightweight armouring technology have been the greatest area of focus for the last two decades. While manufacturers’ vehicles are seemingly becoming heavier and heavier, the need to drive down the weight of our solution is a critical issue for us, while most importantly, ensuring that ballistic integrity and protection are the best available,” said Broom. 

However, as in any segment experiencing growth new market entrants are bound to appear looking to take advantage of the opportunities, he added.

“Often the drive for these entrants is to do it cheaper and faster, hoping to get an edge on the market, but in reality if you are doing it properly the words cheaper and faster should not be in the vocabulary. We are dealing with the subject of saving lives and in our world, there is no space for corner-cutting or compromise. To give an analogy, if you needed a triple bypass operation you would go to the best cardiac surgeon you can find, and not your vet. In theory, both of them are able to do the procedure but which would you prefer?”  

Armormax’s attitude sets it apart from others in the industry.

“Yes, we have been around substantially longer than most but if we had the wrong attitude, our business would not have already been thriving before the massive segment growth. The attitude simply put is we do it the best or we don’t do it. That attitude applies to the components and materials we use- we use only the best of what is available globally which does come at a price.”

“The attitude also applies to our standard of armouring. In all cases, we over-spec our armour to protect our clients against real-world threats, not just the bare minimum standard of the testing lab or ballistic grade guidelines. We are actively invested in ballistics and keep our finger on the pulse of how attacks are carried out in relation to weapons, ammunition, modus operandi and results.”

“We often say we don’t have customers, we just have a really big family!  The fact that more than 70% of the work we do every year is for existing customers or referred customers is a testament to this.”

Michael Broom

“What we learn here is applied to our armouring to combat an ever-evolving threat.  This attitude most importantly applies to how we treat our clients, particularly after the vehicle has been armoured. Most of our time and effort spent with clients is ‘after the sale’ where we are available to them 24/7 for repairs, maintenance and advice on their general safety.” 

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