STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE

TACTICAL UPDATES

REF: SAWID-IDEF25

SAWID Returns with Renewed Purpose Following IDEF 2025 Success

SAWID’s revitalisation marks a powerful new chapter for women in South Africa’s defence industry. Building on the record participation of seven women-owned companies at IDEF 2025, the organisation is advancing gender equality, strengthening industry connections and creating new pathways for future female leaders across defence, aerospace, security and technology.

31 JUL 2026 arrow_forward

TACTICAL UPDATES

REF: REF 3710-ZAF

Pamodzi Group and Aselsan Partner to Localise Two-Way Radio Production in South Africa

Pamodzi Group and Turkish defence electronics company Aselsan have entered into a technology transfer agreement to locally assemble and test the Astela Apco 3710 two-way radio in South Africa. The partnership supports localisation, skills development and the growth of a sustainable local supply chain, while strengthening the country’s defence, security and mission-critical communication capabilities.

28 JUL 2026 arrow_forward

GLOBAL STRATEGY

REF: 4472 - Empowered

AMD Women-Owned Companies Making Headlines

Diverse leadership brings different experiences and approaches to problem-solving. This can encourage innovation, improve decision-making and create stronger, more adaptable organisations.

28 JUL 2026 arrow_forward

TACTICAL UPDATES

REF: GC²T

GC²T: Advancing Command, Control and Enabled Awareness

As the sovereign Command and Control and Simulation provider to the South African National Defence Force and other government agencies, GC²T develops advanced solutions tailored to the operational requirements of each customer.

28 JUL 2026 arrow_forward

GLOBAL STRATEGY

REF: 2026 AMD

AMD - Strengthening South Africa’s Defence and National Security Industry

The South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association, commonly known as AMD, represents and supports the collective interests of South Africa’s defence and national security industry.

24 JUL 2026 arrow_forward

TACTICAL UPDATES

REF: 4492-XRAY

Title: Driven by Munitions and Armoured Vehicles, South Africa’s Defense Sector Hits $550M in Global Exports

South Africa has solidified its rare position as a major African arms exporter, generating $550 million across 42 countries in 2025. Fueled by massive European demand for ammunition—including a landmark $180 million shell order from Germany—the nation continues to supply critical military hardware, aircraft, and armored vehicles across Europe, the Middle East, and the African continent.

17 JUN 2026 arrow_forward

GLOBAL STRATEGY

REF: 8821-KILO

A Calling to Serve: Embracing Leadership, Faith, and Impact as the New Chairperson of WIDSA

Stepping into a significant new season of life and leadership, the newly announced Chairperson of Women in Defence and Security Africa (WIDSA) reflects on responsibility, purpose, and legacy. Anchored by faith and a profound sense of duty, she commits her tenure to advancing the voices, participation, and economic growth of women and youth within the continent’s defense sector.

17 JUN 2026 arrow_forward

GLOBAL STRATEGY

REF: 1029-ORBIT

The M28 Gunship: Poland’s Creative, Low-Cost Blueprint to Neutralize Drone Swarms

To protect high-value assets like F-16s and F-35s from low-speed aerial threats, Poland is exploring a pragmatic defense strategy: converting the PZL M28 Skytruck cargo plane into a dedicated gunship interceptor. Equipped with miniguns, guided rockets, and advanced sensors, this adaptation bridges the gap between ground defense and advanced fighters, offering a sustainable, layered approach to modern drone warfare.

17 JUN 2026 arrow_forward

TACTICAL UPDATES

REF: 3312-NAVY

Aviation in Higher Ed: UNISA Recommissions Its Strategy with Africa’s First University-Owned Airport

The University of South Africa (UNISA) has marked a historic milestone by becoming the first higher education institution on the continent to acquire its own airport facility. Spanning 20 hectares, the new airfield will pivot the traditional distance-learning pioneer into immersive, hands-on training—serving as a dedicated research hub for aviation, aeronautics, drone technology, and digital engineering systems.

17 JUN 2026 arrow_forward

CYBER WARFARE

REF: 7714-COGNIT

South African Government Rejects WHO Report on Migrant Deaths, Citing Organized Crime

Pretoria has hit back at the World Health Organization, calling international reports on the recent deaths of foreign nationals inaccurate. While the WHO attributed the fatalities to a wave of anti-immigrant unrest, South African officials maintain that the deaths of several Ethiopian nationals stemmed from organized criminal activity rather than xenophobic violence, prompting plans for a formal diplomatic intervention to correct the record.

17 JUN 2026 arrow_forward

GLOBAL STRATEGY

REF: 5543-MAP

The Hollow Force: Kobus Marais on South Africa’s Dangerous Defence Contradiction

Former Shadow Defence Minister Kobus Marais warns that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has reached a breaking point. With the 2026/27 defence budget hovering at a critical low of 0.7% of GDP—and 70% of that consumed by personnel costs alone—the state's political leadership is courting a "dereliction of duty." Marais argues that South Africa is currently holding onto the emotional memory of its past conventional military might rather than the reality of actual operational readiness.

17 JUN 2026 arrow_forward