Pretoria-based Etion Create is showcasing a range of innovative solutions, including advanced cybersecurity and navigation systems, at the third edition of the World Defence Show (WDS2026) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
At the forefront is the company’s Cheetah tactical router, making its international debut. ITAR-free and NGVA-compliant, the Cheetah is ideal for tactical applications and built on the new VNX+ platform with a clear growth path into mission computer systems.
“It can be upgraded to a mission computer with CM120 Intel ATOM or the NVIDIA Jetson Nano VNX+ processing module,” explained Tobie van Loggerenberg, Executive: Business Development Manager. “Importantly, it provides centralised encrypted connectivity for situational awareness, sensor and effector interfacing, communications internal and external to the vehicle, as well as tactical datalink functions.”
Also on display is a compact version of the CheetahNAV tactical vehicle navigation system, designed for space-efficiency without compromising display clarity. The CheetahNAV Compact provides real-time moving map technology, dead-reckoning horizontal position accuracy of 0.2% in GNSS-denied environments, and jamming-resistant operation via an integrated inertial measurement unit (IMU). Multi-language support ensures effective use in multinational operations.
With production now taking place in Saudi Arabia, Etion Create’s CheetahNAV systems are already in service with the Kingdom and other Middle East customers, reflecting the company’s focus on expanding in the region.
On the cybersecurity front, Etion Create is presenting the RQ11 strategic security terminal for the first time. Designed for command centres, base or shore stations, and naval vessels, the RQ11 encrypts all over-the-air communications, supports interoperable voice and data services across radios from diverse manufacturers, and features a front-panel Zeroize function for secure data and key erasure.
Built on the TQ5 secure modem module and the Nanoteq QCM-R radio cryptographic module, the RQ11 ensures secure, auditable communications for modern military operations.
Etion Create recently completed the incorporation of Nanoteq Products and Engineers, becoming part of the South African Reunert Group’s Reutech Applied Electronics division, further strengthening its capabilities in tactical electronics and cybersecurity.
With these systems, Etion Create is demonstrating that South African innovation is ready for the global stage, providing reliable, secure and mission-ready solutions for the modern battlefield.
