SA defence firms rally

2023 exports at R7.1bn from R4.6bn in previous year.

- Eric Naki

This year's Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition is expected to attract larger visitor numbers than in the past both ordinary people and potential buyers.

This is an indication that South Africa's defence industry may be bouncing back from the doldrums of the past few years.

According to the 2023 annual report of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee, defence exports have increased to R7.1 billion from R4.6 billion the previous year.

The expo, taking place from 1822 September at the Waterkloof Airbase in Pretoria, is the largest defence exhibition in Africa and ranks among the top three worldwide. Approximately 80 000 attendees are expected this time compared to 51 000 in 2022, when the country was still under some Covid shutdown restrictions.