The recently tabled Armscor Corporate Plan 2025 lays out a strategic blueprint for strengthening South Africa’s defence posture—highlighting key developments relevant to the aviation sector and the South African Air Force (SAAF).
One of the most significant developments is the establishment of the Space Command Capability, officially launched on 6 May 2024. Falling under the Air Defence Programme, this new command signals a forward-looking move into aerospace surveillance and defence, with anticipated contributions to maritime domain awareness and operational readiness.
Armscor continues to play a critical role in supporting the SAAF, managing acquisition, maintenance, and lifecycle services for key air assets. The Corporation’s integrated procurement systems are designed to ensure aircraft availability and mission capability—despite a constrained budgetary environment.
The 2025 plan also spotlights growing interest in unmanned aerial systems and battlefield robotics, with Armscor tasked with adapting commercial technologies for military application. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to respond rapidly to emerging threats in modern air combat scenarios.
Through structured collaboration with industry stakeholders such as the South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD), Armscor aims to support the growth and global competitiveness of the local aerospace sector. Export promotion and public-private cooperation are at the core of these efforts.
Research and development remain a central pillar. Armscor’s catalogue of dual-use aviation technologies, serving both defence and civilian needs, positions it as a critical player in innovation. The organisation is actively repositioning itself as a rapid solutions provider for aviation, drawing on its extensive IP portfolio and technical expertise.
While traditionally land-focused, facilities like Gerotek are being leveraged to support crossover aviation applications—particularly in simulation and autonomous systems testing.
As geopolitical dynamics evolve and airspace becomes an increasingly strategic domain.
