The Committee was informed that Denel had developed an A-Darter Programme. The programme was a bi-national project that supported the government's aim to have closer ties with Brazil. The Brazilian Air Force invested 50% of the funding at the start of the programme. Without this funding, it would not have been possible to develop the missile. Brazil and South Africa both benefited from the technology embedded in the fifth-generation missile capability. Both countries would have a first-class capability to effectively protect their airspace. The programme ensured valuable engineering skills development and retention in South Africa and provided career opportunities for young people to grow in programme management and systems engineering disciplines. Denel wanted to ensure that its business development was aligned to the Denel Group strategy.