South Africa’s defence and aerospace capabilities were on display in Tshwane as helicopters, fighter jets, armoured vehicles and locally developed technologies drew crowds to a major aerospace and defence showcase.
The event highlighted the country’s growing ability to develop defence systems locally, including mobile surveillance technology designed for long-range monitoring.
Kopano Peter Lebelo, Chief Director of Materiel Governance, said the showcase was intended to challenge perceptions that African countries lack the capacity to develop advanced defence technologies.
Among the systems presented was a multi-role surveillance radar developed by the Materiel Governance office in partnership with Waytech Defence. According to Lebelo, the mobile system can monitor distances of between 200 and 300 nautical miles.
Lebelo said funding remains one of the biggest challenges facing the development of new defence technologies. However, he explained that many projects begin with practical problems identified by military leaders.
The event also featured demonstrations involving military vehicles and simulated combat scenarios, alongside aviation displays that attracted families and enthusiasts.
South Africa has one of the continent’s more established defence industries, with companies such as Denel, Paramount Group and Milkor involved in the development and manufacture of military equipment ranging from armoured vehicles and aircraft to drones, missiles and ammunition.
The showcase provided a glimpse into the technologies being developed locally as the country’s defence industry continues to navigate funding pressures and changing security needs.
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