South Africa's defence industry: Charting a new course?

SADF: Once the generator of military equipment to armed forces, today it is focuses on the export market and engaging in international alliances

The South African defence industry has evolved since its establishment in the 1960s. Once the generator of military equipment to the South African armed forces, today it is focused on the export market and engaging in international alliances to ensure sustainability. The evolution of this change is traced in this paper, while the challenges and prospects for the future of the industry are reviewed.

About the author

David Botha wrote this paper while a consultant to the Institute for Security Studies Arms Management Programme. He has previously worked as a senior manager in the public and private sectors of the defence industry.