Defence industry of South Africa

The South African defence industry is the largest and most advanced in Africa and one of the largest in the world, known for its innovative military technologies and wide range of domestically developed systems. It plays a critical role in supporting the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and serves a significant global market by exporting arms and defence technologies to over 100 countries worldwide. The industry encompasses both state-owned enterprises and private companies, producing everything from small arms and ammunition to sophisticated missile systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and highly capable armoured vehicles.^[1]

With decades of experience in weapons design and manufacturing, South Africa's defence industry has maintained global competitiveness while seeing the emergence of new companies and growth of private-sector innovators. Beyond conventional defence systems, the defence industry also played a major role in the development of South Africa's secretive nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons programmes during the apartheid era. Today, South Africa remains widely respected for its advanced artillery, electronic warfare technology, and armoured vehicle technology, cementing its position as a key player in the global military-industrial complex.^[2]

The roots of South Africa's defence industry go back to the colonial era, when basic arms and gunpowder manufacturing took place in the Cape Colony to support both British and Boer forces. By the early 20th century, state-owned workshops and military arsenals had been set up to meet local defence needs, although South Africa still depended heavily on weapons imports from Britain and other European powers.

During the Second World War, South Africa joined the Allied war effort and began producing munitions, small arms, artillery, and military vehicles—often based on British designs. This period marked the beginning of a more structured local military-industrial base and laid the foundation for future development. However, by the end of the war, the defence sector remained limited and still relied on foreign suppliers.^[3]

South Africa's defence industry grew rapidly during the South African Border War (1966–1990), a long-running conflict in Angola and Namibia. The 1977 United Nations arms embargo on South Africa forced the country to urgently build a self-sufficient arms industry. The state-owned company, Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor), was given broad authority to manage manufacturing, research, development, and procurement.^[1]

Unable to source weapons openly, South Africa entered into discreet partnerships with other politically isolated or strategically aligned states. Under the Israel–South Africa Agreement, the two countries exchanged missile technology, avionics, and aircraft upgrade expertise, laying the groundwork for later projects such as the Atlas Cheetah. Collaboration with Taiwan provided manufacturing techniques and advanced electronics to develop radar systems, while covert ties with Morocco gave access to French aircraft and armoured vehicle designs. In return, South African Special Forces provided training, operational doctrine, and technical assistance to the foreign armed forces.^[1][4]

One of the most notable products of this industrial drive was the Ratel Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)—the first wheeled IFV in the world. It was specifically designed for African terrain, combining mobility, firepower, and protection. The Ratel was widely used during the Border War and became an inspiration for wheeled IFV concepts worldwide.^[5] To counter the growing use of landmines by insurgents, South African engineers pioneered Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicle technology. The Casspir, with its V-shaped hull and raised chassis, was a groundbreaking design that was later adopted by NATO and US forces in conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan.^[6]

South Africa also made impressive advancements in battlefield optics and pilot systems. One of the most remarkable breakthroughs was in helmet-mounted display (HMD) systems for fighter pilots. These systems dramatically improved pilot situational awareness, enabling faster target acquisition and better combat efficiency. The technology was ahead of its time and served as the basis for similar systems later adopted by global air forces.^[7]

The country also built a formidable reputation in artillery development. The G5 towed howitzer and the G6 Rhino self-propelled howitzer earned international acclaim for their long-range, accuracy, and mobility. These systems were exported to countries in the Middle East, Asia, and South America, and they continue to influence global artillery doctrine to this day.^[6]

The nation's naval capabilities also expanded, with local shipyards producing fast attack craft, missile boats, and patrol vessels tailored for coastal defence and offensive operations, embargo running, and extended regional patrols, enabling the navy to project power despite international sanctions. This era marked the turning point of South African military innovation, positioning the country—despite global isolation—as a self-reliant regional power with defence capabilities rivaling those of much larger nations.^[8][9]

As the Cold War progressed, South Africa intensified its efforts to boost air, land, and missile capabilities amid regional conflicts and mounting international isolation. The Atlas Aircraft Corporation, established in 1965, spearheaded a golden age in South African aviation development.^[10] It produced the Atlas Cheetah, a heavily upgraded Mirage III variant with locally developed radar, electronic warfare systems, and aerodynamic improvements, which performed effectively against Soviet-supplied Angolan MiG fighters and cemented South Africa's regional air superiority.^[11] Helicopter development was also prioritized; the Rooivalk attack helicopter, based on the SA 330 Puma airframe and equipped with advanced optics, weaponry, and survivability enhancements, was purpose-built for African combat environments. It gained global recognition for exceptional agility, including being the first helicopter to perform a 360-degree loop.

During this period, South Africa also pursued an extensive clandestine weapons of mass destruction programme. Under Prime Minister John Vorster and later State President P.W. Botha, a nuclear weapons programme was developed primarily at the Pelindaba Nuclear Research Centre, producing nuclear devices that were voluntarily dismantled in the early 1990s prior to South Africa's accession to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).^[12]

Simultaneously, to complement its ongoing nuclear weapons and biological/chemical warfare programmes, South Africa secretly developed a ballistic missile programme in partnership with Israel.^[13] The RSA-1, RSA-2, and RSA-3 solid-fuel rockets were designed not only as satellite launch vehicles but also as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of delivering nuclear, chemical or biological warheads anywhere in the world.^[14] The RSA-3, in particular, demonstrated a range and technological sophistication on par with the leading missile powers of the era.^[13]

Alongside this, Project Coast was established in 1983 under the leadership of Dr. Wouter Basson, who was appointed by the head of the South African Medical Service division (the country's then-Surgeon-General) amid growing concerns over enemy chemical and biological weapons during the South African Border War.^[15] Initially focused on defensive measures such as vaccine research, the programme quickly shifted to offensive capabilities following orders from then-state president P.W. Botha. To conceal its operations and procurement of chemical and biological substances, Project Coast set up several front companies including Delta G Scientific Company, Roodeplaat Research Laboratories, Protechnik, and Infladel.^[15] Ben Raubenheimer served as the CEO overseeing these covert operations. Project Coast developed a wide variety of lethal chemical and biological weapons modeled partly on Soviet research. These included innovative assassination tools disguised as everyday objects, such as poison pellet-firing umbrellas, syringes disguised as screwdrivers, and contaminated beer cans and envelopes. These weapons were intended for use in warfare, political suppression, and targeted assassinations, primarily aimed at anti-apartheid activists and foreign "enemies of South Africa".^[15]

Disturbingly, Basson and his team conducted experiments on test subjects, many of whom were political detainees or prisoners of war (POWs), often without their consent.^[15] These tests included the administration of various toxins, drugs, and chemical agents to study their effects, ranging from incapacitating to lethal. Some detainees were reportedly subjected to injections and forced ingestion of poisonous substances, while others were exposed to harmful pathogens.^[15] Many victims suffered severe physical and psychological harm, and some died as a result. In 1982, Basson is also alleged to have arranged Operation Duel, which resulted in the killing of approximately 200 SWAPO prisoners.^[15] These human experiments and clandestine operations represent some of the darkest ethical breaches within South Africa's military-industrial history.

Despite international isolation, Project Coast reportedly benefitted from indirect foreign support, though no country has been conclusively implicated.^[15] The programme was eventually halted with the end of apartheid, the Cold War, and the early 1990s democratic transition as South Africa stopped all of its weapons of mass destruction programme's. However, despite efforts to destroy equipment, stocks, and information from those programmes, some still remain to this day, raising concerns they may fall into the hands of terrorist groups.^[12] In the aftermath, Wouter Basson was arrested and faced extensive legal proceedings for his role in Project Coast. He was charged with numerous offenses related to chemical and biological warfare, including murder, fraud, and drug trafficking.^[15] His trial became one of South Africa's most high-profile cases, highlighting the dark legacy of apartheid-era military programmes.

Project Coast remains one of the most notorious and controversial episodes in the history of South Africa's defence industry and military history, illustrating the complex and troubling intersection of military innovation, political repression, and human rights abuses during the apartheid era.

With the end of apartheid and the advent of democracy, the South African defence sector underwent major restructuring.^[16] In 1992, the production and R&D arms of Armscor were consolidated into a new state-owned entity: Denel SOC Ltd. Armscor retained its role as the procurement and acquisition agency for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Denel inherited a wide array of expertise in missile and UAV technology (via Denel Dynamics), armoured vehicles and artillery (Denel Land Systems), and military aircraft (Denel Aeronautics, formerly Atlas Aircraft Corporation).^[16]

As a result of the major political and strategic shifts following the end of apartheid and the Cold War, and the lifting of international sanctions, South Africa's defence posture underwent significant restructuring. This transition led to the cancellation of several high-profile programmes, including Project Carver, an indigenous 4th-generation twin-engine multirole fighter jet, which was cancelled while a prototype was still under construction.^[17] In February 1991, President F.W. de Klerk formally announced Project Carver's cancellation. The official rationale cited the prohibitive costs of developing a domestic fighter aircraft amid a newfound peacetime environment, shifting political landscapes away from apartheid, and South Africa's gradual reintegration into the international community.^[16] However, the decision to replace the Atlas Cheetah with the imported Swedish JAS 39 Gripen was met with significant criticism from military experts and defence industry professionals, who argued that abandoning the Carver programme was a lost opportunity for South Africa to secure strategic independence in advanced aerospace technology.^[17] Alongside Carver, other major programmes such as Project Loggim (main battle tank development) and the RSA ballistic missile programme were also cancelled.^[18] These cancellations marked a clear departure from the previous era's focus on self-reliance and cutting-edge military innovation driven by international isolation. The technological advancements and expertise gained during these projects provided a strong foundation for South Africa's contemporary defence capabilities. Had these programmes reached completion and the Cold War continued, South Africa might have emerged as a high-level formidable military power with independent and highly advanced technological capabilities.^[19]

Following the cancellation of these programmes, South Africa's defence industry shifted its focus toward consolidating existing technologies and leveraging its expertise in mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles, an area where it had become a global leader. South African MRAP designs, such as the Casspir, revolutionized vehicle survivability against landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), influencing military vehicle development worldwide. In 2007, the United States alone ordered over 2,500 South African-designed MRAP vehicles from Denel to protect troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and later incorporating key features like the V-shaped hull into their own platforms such as the Oshkosh M-ATV and Navistar MaxxPro.^[20] Beyond the US, many countries adapted South African MRAP design principles to develop their own mine-resistant vehicles, underscoring South Africa's profound influence on global military vehicle standards. This international recognition and collaboration significantly boosted South Africa's defence export profile and cemented its reputation as a leading innovator in survivability and armoured mobility.^[21]

Beyond MRAPs, South African defence companies continued to invest in armoured vehicles, artillery systems, and precision-guided munitions, while also investing in emerging sectors such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), electronic warfare, and advanced sensor technologies. The naval sector also received renewed attention, with local shipyards exploring the design and production of littoral mission patrol vessels / corvettes, and other platforms suited for maritime security and anti-piracy operations. This period marked a strategic pivot from developing wholly indigenous, full-spectrum platforms to becoming a key supplier of specialised, battle-tested solutions tailored for modern asymmetric warfare, peacekeeping operations, and niche export markets worldwide.^[22]

In the 2020s, the industry faced mounting challenges, including the SANDF's funding crisis, the financial strain on state-owned giant Denel, and declining SANDF orders. Despite these pressures, analysts note that the core technical capabilities—particularly in artillery, missile development, naval design, armoured vehicle engineering, and advanced optics—remain intact. With increased defence spending and policy reform, South Africa's defence industry could not only recover but also reassert itself as a globally competitive exporter. Such revitalisation would have the potential to create thousands of skilled jobs, safeguard strategic engineering expertise, and contribute significantly to the country's economic growth.^[22]

Several new strategic projects were launched or revived as part of the SANDF's modernization programme:

• Project Hoefyster: This programme aims to replace the South African Army's Ratel IFV with the Badger Infantry Fighting Vehicle, developed through a partnership between Finland's Patria and Denel Land Systems. The Badger is based on the Patria AMV but localized with South African turrets and variants. Although technical development was completed, production was stalled due to Denel's financial difficulties. The SA Army has nonetheless taken delivery of a small batch, with around 20 Badgers currently in service, while the remainder of the order remains on hold pending renewed funding and industrial capacity.^[23]
• Project Vistula: This project focuses on replacing the South African Army's ageing Samil truck fleet. It involves acquiring up to 5,000 modern military logistics trucks from local defence manufacturers in various configurations, including recovery, cargo, tanker, and specialised support vehicles. It is one of the largest logistical revamp efforts since the 1980s.^[23]
• Project Sepula: A large-scale next-generation mechanization programme that envisions the acquisition of up to 3,000 modern APCs and MRAPs to eventually phase out the South African Army's legacy Mamba and Casspir vehicles. The focus is on troop protection, modularity, and rapid deployment capability, particularly for peacekeeping, border control, and internal security operations. The vehicles are expected to be sourced primarily from South Africa's leading defence manufacturers—ensuring local industrial participation and technology retention. Over the years progress has been slowed due to budget shortfalls, but trials and evaluations continue. If fully funded, Project Sepula would be among the largest armoured vehicle acquisition contracts in the world, with potential to transform South Africa's landward mobility and mechanized warfare doctrine.^[23]
• Project Bay: The original Rooivalk Mk1 attack helicopter programme delivered 12 units to the South African Air Force between 2011 and 2013, despite the initial plan to acquire 24 attack helicopters. The remainder of the planned order was cancelled due to funding limitations and shifting defence priorities. Export attempts in the early 2000s failed to secure buyers, including a high-profile loss in Turkey's $3 billion tender for 91 attack helicopters, where the Rooivalk was shortlisted but ultimately rejected by Turkey in favour of the T129 ATAK.^[24] as of 2025 the Rooivalk Mk2 programme was launched with aims to revitalise the platform, with a planned production restart and a target of up to 100 new units for the SAAF and export markets.^[25] The Mk2 will feature more advanced avionics, improved guided munitions, enhanced sensors, modular weapon options, and reduced maintenance requirements to address shortcomings of the Mk1.^[26]
• Project Biro: Naval modernization programme to acquire Multi-Mission Offshore and Inshore Patrol Vessels (MMIPVs) for coastal security.^[23] While the Navy envisioned up to 30 vessels, only three have been approved due to budget constraints. In a public dispute on July 2025, the Chief of the South African Navy accused the National Treasury of “sabotaging” the SANDF through underfunding and slow procurement approvals.^[27]
• Project Hotel: This programme resulted in the acquisition of a new hydrographic survey vessel built by Sandock Austral Shipyards in Durban. The ship supports naval mapping, oceanographic research, and submarine route planning.^[23]
• Project Assegaai: A fifth-generation air-to-air missile jointly developed by Denel Dynamics and Brazil's Mectron, Avibras, and Opto Eletrônica. Designed to equip the Brazillian Air Force and South African Air Force's Gripen fighters, the A-Darter offers high agility, infrared homing, and counter-countermeasure capabilities.^[23]
• Project Outcome: A surface-launched variant of the Denel Umkhonto missile, adapted for ground-based air defence applications. Designed for short-to-medium range interception, it is intended to bolster both domestic air defence and potential export markets.^[23]
• UAV Capabilities: South Africa has become Africa's leader in UAV and UCAV development. The Milkor 380 is Africa's largest armed UAV, with SAAF orders in place and production at 8 systems per year, which is set to be increased to 16 systems per year by 2026 for domestic and foreign sales. Development of the larger and more advanced Milkor 780 UCAV is underway, positioning South Africa among the only eight countries worldwide capable of producing a combat-grade unmanned strike aircraft.^[28] The SANDF is also trialling drone swarms, electronic warfare drones, and tactical reconnaissance drones.
• Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) and Naval Vessel Expansion: Emerging R&D programmes in robotic land systems and new naval platforms.^[29][30]
• GBADS Phase 2 & 3: Ground-Based Air Defence System expansion stalled due to funding gaps; could be reactivated if SANDF priorities shift toward air defence readiness.^[23]

Some of these projects are not cancelled outright but remain paused or under review, largely due to the SANDF's funding crisis. Many of these initiatives still retain the technical groundwork, prototypes, or partial production capacity, meaning they could be revived should adequate funding and political support return.

These programmes were permanently terminated due to strategic shifts and the end of the Cold War, with little to no chance of revival:

• Project Carver – Indigenous fourth-generation delta-wing twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft project launched in the late 1980s to replace the Mirage F1 and Cheetah. Around $2 billion USD was spent on the programme (equivalent to over R54 billion in today's money) before its cancellation in the early 1990s. At least one full-scale mock-up and partial prototype were built before the project was halted following post-apartheid changing strategic priorities and the end of international sanctions.^[17]
• Project Loggim – Indigenous main battle tank development programme. Only one complete prototype was built, which was later sent to the SA Armour Museum in Bloemfontein after the SANDF decided not to adopt it into service due to cost, the lifting of sanctions, and a strategic shift away from heavy armoured warfare after 1994.^[18]
• RSA Missile Programme – Strategic missile development effort, reportedly tied to South Africa's nuclear weapons programme, terminated in the early 1990s.^[13]
• Project Coast – Covert chemical and biological weapons programme conducted during the apartheid era, officially terminated in the mid-1990s under international oversight.^[15]

Denel is South Africa's largest defence manufacturer, The company operates across multiple domains including missiles, armoured vehicles, artillery systems, UAVs, ammunition, and military aircraft.

Its key divisions include:

• Denel Dynamics (missiles and UAVs),
• Denel Land Systems (armoured vehicles, turrets, artillery),
• Denel Aeronautics (formerly Atlas Aircraft Cooperation) (helicopters, combat aircraft, and aircraft maintenance),
• Pretoria Metal Pressings (ammunition).

Notable products:

• Armoured vehicles: Ratel IFV, Rooikat, Badger IFV, Olifant main battle tanks, Casspir, Mamba, and the RG series of APCs / MRAPs.

• Missiles: Umkhonto surface-to-air missile system, Mokopa and ZT3 Ingwe anti-tank guided missiles, A-Darter air-to-air missile, and the Torgos guided cruise missile.
• Artillery: The G5 and G7 towed howitzers, G6 Rhino and GT7 self-propelled artillery systems, and the T5-52 truck-mounted self-propelled howitzer.
• Helicopters: Atlas Oryx, and Rooivalk helicopters
• UAVs: Seeker and Bateleur UAVs.
• Small arms and light weapons: Vektor assault rifles and pistols, NTW-20 anti-materiel rifle, and the DMG-5 machine gun.

Paramount is South Africa's largest privately owned defence and aerospace company, with a significant global footprint. It specialises in armoured vehicles, aerospace platforms, cybersecurity, and training.

Flagship products include:

• Mbombe 4, 6, and 8 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs)
• Marauder and Matador MRAP vehicles
• Mwari light attack aircraft
• Portable UAVs and modular mission systems

Paramount has expanded internationally, establishing production partnerships and facilities in several countries. It also offered the Mbombe 8 as an alternative to the delayed Denel Badger IFV programme for the South African Army.

Milkor is best known as the original developer of the MGL (Multiple Grenade Launcher), which has been widely adopted by militaries and law enforcement worldwide. Over time, Milkor has expanded its product line to include:

• A family of grenade launchers (MGL Mk1S, Mk1L)
• Light arms and suppressors
• A growing range of tactical UAVs, including the Milkor 380 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
• Patrol boats and modular naval solutions

Milkor operates with a vertically integrated model and has emerged as a rising player in defence exports.

Truvelo is a specialist manufacturer of sniper rifles, anti-materiel weapons, and precision small arms for military and law enforcement markets. Notable products include:

• CMS family of sniper rifles in multiple calibres (7.62mm, .338 Lapua, .50 BMG)
• Raptor and Counter-Materiel Systems in .20 and .30 calibres
• Various customisable optics and suppressor systems

Truvelo is known for the precision machining of barrels and for producing weapons optimised for African and desert climates.

Reutech, a division of Reunert Ltd, focuses on electronic warfare, tactical communications, radar systems, and remote weapon stations. It operates several specialised subsidiaries, including:

• Reutech Communications
• Reutech Radar Systems
• Reutech Solutions

Its products support both domestic and international militaries and include artillery location radars, vehicle-based surveillance systems, and remote-controlled weapon stations integrated into MRAPs and naval vessels.

A subsidiary of the German Hensoldt AG, Hensoldt South Africa (formerly part of Saab Grintek) is a major player in electro-optics, sensor fusion, electronic warfare, and cybersecurity. The company develops:

• Night vision and thermal imaging systems
• Laser rangefinders
• Self-protection suites for aircraft and land systems
• Electronic surveillance equipment for border control and signal intelligence

It serves both domestic and NATO-aligned customers and is a key partner in regional security collaborations.

South Africa's defence industrial base includes numerous smaller firms specialising in armour, simulation, naval systems, optics, and subsystems. These include:

• Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) – known for artillery shells and munitions.
• OTT Technologies, DCD Protected Mobility, SVI Engineering, Land Mobility Technologies (LMT), Twiga – known for manufacturing armoured vehicles.
• Armormax, Evotex, Centauri, Mecad Systems, Mecad Manufacturing, Midrand Armour Development – known for vehicle armour and turret systems.
• SAAB Grintek, Defence Integrated Convoy Protection (ICP), ACSM, Pro-Optics – known for electronics, communications, and optical systems.
• Rippel Effect, Tellumat, African Defence Systems (ADS), Desert Wolf, Magneto Dynamics – known for weapon systems, unmanned platforms, and specialised defence technology.
• Cape Advanced Engineering (CAE), CYBERSPACE, Aerial Monitoring Solutions (AMS) – known for engineering, cyber solutions, and aerial surveillance systems.
• NCS Resins – known for composite materials and resins used in defence manufacturing.
• Sun Space & Information Systems (SunSpace), SCS Aerospace Group, Simera Sense – known for space systems, satellite technology, and aerospace engineering.
• Delta G Scientific Company, Roodeplaat Research Laboratories, Protechnik, Infladel – known for their involvement in South Africa's nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) weapons programmes during the apartheid era.

Shipbuilding and Naval Companies:

• Sandock Austral Shipyards – Durban-based, specialising in naval vessel construction, refits, and support
• Damen Shipyards Cape Town – subsidiary of Damen Shipyards Group, building OPVs, tugs, and workboats for local and export markets
• Veecraft Marine – Cape Town-based, building patrol craft, workboats, and military support vessels
• Nautic Africa – part of the Paramount Group, producing patrol vessels and offshore support craft

While many of these companies operate on a smaller scale, they contribute vital components to the South African Defence Industry.

The country manufactures several generations of armoured vehicles and artillery systems:

• Infantry fighting vehicles
  

  Badger IFV

  

  Ratel IFV

  

  Mbombe 8 IFV

  

  RG-34 APC
  • Ratel IFV
  • Badger IFV
  • Mbombe 8^[31]
  • Mbombe 6
  • RG-41
  • iKwla^[32]
• Armoured personnel carriers
  • RG-12
  • RG-19
  • RCV-9
  • Maverick
  • Milkor BushCat^[33]
  • SVI Max 9^[34]
  • SVI Max 6^[35]
  • SVI Max 3^[35]
  • Twiga Nyati^[36]
  • Mfezi
  • Tau^[37]
  • Reva-V^[38]
• MRAP's
  

  Marauder

  

  RG-31 Nyala

  

  RG-35 MPV

  

  Mbombe 4
  • Casspir
  • Mamba
  • Marauder
  • Matador
  • RG-31 Nyala
  • RG-32 Scout
  • RG-33
  • RG-34
  • RG-35
  • RG Outrider
  • Mbombe 4^[31]
  • Reva
  • Springbuck
  • Puma M26
  • Puma M36^[39]
  • Milkor Vanguard^[40]
  • LM13^[41]
  • LM14^[41]
  • Gila
  • Okapi
  • Buffel
  • Bruiser 112^[42]
  • Bruiser 212^[42]
  • Twiga Nyoka^[36]
  • Twiga Nkwe^[36]
  • Maatla^[31]
  • Husky VMMD
• Armoured reconnaissance vehicles

  

  • Rooikat
  • Eland

• 

  Tanks
  • Olifant
  • Tank Technology Demonstrator^[43]
• Unmanned ground vehicles (UGV)
  • Reutech B-Cat Pathfinder^[44][45]
  • Rheinmetall Denel Mission Master^[46]
  • DCD Testudo^[47]
• Utility vehicles
  • Hornet RDRV^[48]
  • Gecko RDLV^[49]
  • Jakkals
• Military trucks
  • Samil Trucks
  • Denel Africa Truck^[50]

• Self-propelled artillery
  

  G6 Rhino

  

  T5-52

  

  G5 Leopard

  

  Bateleur MLRS
  • G6 Rhino
  • Bhim
  • T5-52^[51]
  • GT7^[52]
• Towed artillery
  • G5 Leopard
  • G7 LEO
• Rocket artillery
  • Bateleur FV2
  • Valkiri

Umkhonto Surface-to-Air Missile System

Umkhonto-IR (SAM), A-Darter (BVR), Mokopa and ZT3 Ingwe (ATGM)

RSA-3 ICBM

The industry excels in missile technology:

• Anti-tank guided missiles
  • Denel Dynamics ZT3 Ingwe
  • Denel Dynamics Mokopa
• Cruise missiles
  • Denel Dynamics MUPSOW
  • Denel Dynamics Torgos^[53]
  • Denel Dynamics Raptor 2
• Surface-to-air missiles
  • Denel Dynamics Umkhonto
• Air-to-air missiles
  • Denel Dynamics R-Darter
  • Denel Dynamics A-Darter
  • Denel Dynamics Marlin^[54]
• Ballistic missiles
  • RSA-1
  • RSA-2
  • RSA-3
  • RSA-4
• Guided bombs
  • Denel Dynamics Umbani
  • Denel Dynamics Raptor^[55]
  • Denel Dynamics Raptor 2^[55]

South Africa maintains key aerospace capabilities including:

• Fighter aircraft
  • Atlas Cheetah
  • Atlas Carver
• Attack aircraft
  • Paramount Mwari
• Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)

  

  • Milkor MA380 (MALE UCAV)
  • Milkor MA780 (MALE UCAV)^[28]
  • Milkor MA80 (MALE UCAV)^[56]
  • Milkor MA18 (MALE UCAV)^[56]
  • Denel Bateleur (MALE UCAV)
  • Denel Seeker 400 (Tactical Reconnaissance UAV)
  • Hensoldt Astus (Tactical Reconnaissance UAV)^[57]
  • Denel Seeker 200 (Reconnaissance UAV)
  • Denel Seeker 100 (Reconnaissance UAV)
  • ATE Vulture (Reconnaissance UAV)
  • CSIR Modular (Reconnaissance UAV)^[58]
  • Denel Skua (Target Drone)
  • CSIR Indiza (Mini UAV)^[58]
  • Paramount N-Raven (Multi-role Swarming UCAV)^[59]
  • Paramount Meteorite (High-speed UAV)^[60]
• Attack helicopters

  

  • Denel Rooivalk
  • Atlas XH-1 Alpha
  • Paramount Night Hawk (Mi-24 Modernization)^[61]
• Utility helicopters
  • Atlas Oryx
  • Paramount Super 17 (Mi-17 Modernization)^[61]

Naval production focuses on patrol boats, electronic systems, sonar, and combat system integration.

• Patrol and amphibious ships

  

  • Warrior-class (Multi-role offshore patrol vessel)
  • Paramount 85M Frontier (Offshore patrol vessel)^[62]
  • Paramount 70M Frontier (Littoral mission ship)^[62]
  • Milkor Interceptor (Fast attack vessel)^[63]
  • Warrior-class (Multi-role inshore patrol vessel)
  • Paramount 58M Frontier (Inshore patrol vessel)^[62]
  • Paramount 42M Frontier (Inshore patrol vessel)^[62]
  • Paramount 42M Trimaran (Multi-role inshore patrol vessel)^[62]
  • Paramount 35M Sentinel (Inshore patrol vessel)^[62]
  • Paramount 24M Sentinel (Inshore patrol vessel)^[62]
  • Paramount 22M Sentinel (Inshore patrol vessel)^[62]
  • Paramount 17M Sentinel (Inshore patrol vessel)^[62]
  • Milkor Commander (Inshore patrol vessel)^[64]
  • T-class (Inshore patrol vessel)
  • Milkor IPC (Maritime patrol boat)^[64]
  • Paramount 14M Guardian (Maritime patrol boat)^[62]
  • Paramount 11M Guardian (Maritime patrol boat)^[62]
  • Namacurra-class (Harbour patrol boat)
  • Paramount 8.5M Guardian (RHIB boat)^[62]
• Support ships
  • Drakensberg-class (Replenishment tanker)
  • Nelson Mandela-class (Hydrographic survey vessel)^[65]

Reutech Rogue LITE

Denel CIWS

TRT-30

• Close-in weapon systems (CIWS)
  • Denel 35 mm Dual Purpose Gun

• Remote weapon systems (RCWS)
  • Reutech Rogue LITE (.50 BMG)^[66]
  • Reutech Rogue Cradle (Dual 7.62 mm or .50 BMG / 40 mm grenade machine gun)^[66]
  • Reutech Super Rogue 1 (20 mm autocannon + optional grenade machine gun)^[66]
  • Reutech Super Rogue 2 (20 mm autocannon + 4 ATGM / SAM missiles)^[66]
  • Reutech Super Rogue 3 (20 mm autocannon + 4 ATGM / SAM missiles)^[66]
  • Evotex Thebe (.50 BMG / 14.5 mm KPV machine gun RCWS)^[67]
  • Evotex Cradle (Dual 7.62 mm / .50 BMG / 30 mm autocannon RCWS)^[67]
  • Evotex Vikela (40 mm grenade machine gun RCWS)^[67]
  • Centauri TRIAD (Anti-drone RCWS)^[68]
  • Centauri CRx-10 (.50 BMG machine gun RCWS)^[68]
  • Centauri CRx-30 (30 mm autocannon RCWS)^[68]
  • Centauri CRx-40 (40 mm grenade machine gun RCWS)^[68]
• Combat turrets
  • Denel GI-20
  • Denel GI-30
  • Denel LCT-20
  • Denel RCG-30^[69][70]
  • Denel TRT-25
  • Denel TRT-30

South Africa produces a wide array of infantry systems, including:

• Pistols

  

  • Vektor Z88 - 9 mm
  • Vektor SP1 - 9 mm
  • Vektor CP1 - 9 mm
  • Truvelo ADP - 9 mm / .45SW^[71]
  • TZ-99 - 9 mm
  • RAP-401 - 9 mm
• Submachine guns
  • Milkor BXP - 9 mm
  • Truvelo TRV AR9 - 9 mm

• Assault and Battle rifles

  

  • Vektor R4/R5/R6/LM5/LM6/H5 - 5.56 mm
  • Vektor CR-21 - 5.56 mm
  • Vektor R1/R2/R3 - 7.62 mm
  • Truvelo Raptor - 5.56 mm
  • Truvelo DM4 - 5.56 mm^[72]
  • Truvelo TRV 300-BLK - 7.62 mm^[72]
  • Truvelo TRV 545 - 5.56 mm^[72]
  • Truvelo TRV 739 - 7.62 mm^[72]
  • Truvelo TRV-545 DMR - 5.56 mm / 7.52 mm^[72]
• Shotguns

  

  • MAG-7
  • Armsel Striker
  • NeoStead 2000
• Machine guns
  • Vektor SS-77 - 7.62 mm / 5.56 mm
  • Denel DMG-5 - 7.62 mm / 5.56 mm
• Sniper and Anti-Material rifles

  

  • Denel NTW-20 - 20×82mm / 20×110mm / 14.5×114mm
  • Truvelo SR-20 - 20×82mm^[72]
  • Truvelo CMS - 7.62×51mm / .338 Lapua Magnum / 12.7×99mm / 14.5×114mm (multiple variants)^[72]
  • Truvelo 700 Phantom X - .308 Winchester^[72]
  • Truvelo 700 Warrior - .308 Winchester^[72]
• Grenade launchers

  

  • Milkor MGL - 40 mm
  • Milkor UGBL - 40 mm
  • Milkor Stopper - 37 mm / 38 mm / 40 mm
  • Neopup PAW-20 - 20x42 mm
  • Rippel Effect MGL6 - 40 mm^[73]
  • Rippel Effect XRGL40 - 40 mm^[74]
• Automatic-grenade launchers

  

  • Denel Y3 AGL 40x53 mm HV
  • Milkor AGL 40x53 mm HV^[75]
• Rocket launchers
  • Denel FT5 - 100 mm

• Armscor
• South African National Defence Force
• Military industry by country

• Bitzinger, Richard A. (2003). Towards a Brave New Arms Industry?. London: Routledge. ISBN 0-19-852835-3.