Denel FT5

The Denel FT5 is a South African medium-range air-to-air missile (AAM) developed by Denel Dynamics (formerly Kentron). It was intended to arm the South African Air Force's (SAAF) fighter aircraft. The FT5 project was undertaken to create an indigenous AAM capability. Development started in the late 1980s and continued through the 1990s. The missile was designed to be a significant improvement over existing missiles in the SAAF inventory at the time, offering enhanced range and maneuverability.

The FT5 incorporated advanced features such as a dual-thrust rocket motor for extended range, an active radar seeker for autonomous target acquisition, and a high degree of agility for engaging maneuvering targets. It was intended to engage targets at beyond-visual-range (BVR).

However, the FT5 program faced significant challenges, including budgetary constraints and shifting defense priorities in the post-apartheid era. Despite promising performance during testing, the program was ultimately cancelled in the early 2000s before entering full-scale production or operational service with the SAAF. While the FT5 itself did not enter service, the technologies and expertise gained during its development contributed to other South African missile programs and defense initiatives.