South African defence industry faces strategic shift at AAD exhibition

The biennial Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition recently took place at Waterkloof Air Force Base, showcasing South African aviation and military hardware. While the event included public displays featuring aircraft such as the JAS 39 Gripen and C-130 Hercules, the underlying industry faces a shift in strategic direction.

The South African government, through the ANC, has expressed interest in strengthening defence ties with BRICS nations. However, the domestic defence industry currently relies heavily on international markets, with the majority of exports directed toward Europe rather than BRICS members. Despite a shrinking budget for new equipment within the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the private defence sector has seen growth, with exports tripling last year due to rising global tensions.