South Africa’s Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) has supported 142 small and medium enterprises, helped create and sustain more than 1,236 jobs and enabled the development of 148 new technologies and products over the past decade.
Speaking on 17 September 2026 at the 20th anniversary of AISI, held in conjunction with Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 at Air Force Base Waterkloof, Minister Parks Tau outlined the programme’s contribution to South Africa’s aerospace and defence industries and the government’s plans to expand industrial capability.
Tau said the initiative was established following recommendations contained in South Africa’s Aerospace Strategy for a Sustainable, Economical and Growing Aerospace Industry (ASSEGAI), with the aim of developing a sustainable and internationally competitive domestic aerospace and defence industry.
Established with an annual budget of approximately R300,000, AISI now operates with close to R50 million a year, leveraging additional co-investment from participating companies.
Over the past decade, the programme has assisted companies in obtaining 49 international certifications and standards. According to Tau, these interventions have generated approximately R381 million in local industrial output and more than R332 million in direct exports.
He highlighted several South African aerospace companies whose development had been supported through the initiative.
Jonker Sailplanes received support from AISI and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) through flutter analysis and ground vibration testing for European certification. The company is now exporting its JS5 sailplane to Europe, with export revenue exceeding R30 million, and is commissioning new production facilities this year.
LambdaG has developed a space-qualified Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) antenna for low-Earth-orbit satellites, contributing to domestic radio frequency and microwave manufacturing capability.
Kutleng Dynamic Electronic Systems has developed a flight-certifiable avionics platform that is being integrated into a South African Air Force programme, while AutonoSky has designed, developed and manufactured the A22 Manqoba unmanned aerial vehicle for military applications.
Tau also referred to the South African space technology companies Simera Sense, NewSpace Systems and Dragonfly Aerospace, which have contributed to placing locally manufactured satellite technology into orbit.
He said the South African Council for Space Affairs, whose members he appointed towards the end of 2025, was intended to help ensure an appropriate regulatory environment for the responsible and peaceful use of space.
Alongside AISI, the Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP) and the Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII) continue to support collaboration between researchers, universities and industry.
Tau welcomed work by the CSIR to consider broadening AISI’s mandate to extend its reach across the marine and wider advanced manufacturing sectors.
Defence Exports and Industrial Investment
Addressing the wider defence industry, Tau said South Africa needed to strengthen its ability to design, manufacture, maintain and export its own platforms while responding to changes in international supply chains and the growing importance of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and strategic technologies.
He pointed to AAD 2026 as an opportunity for South African manufacturers to establish partnerships and attract investment. The exhibition brings together more than 300 exhibitors and more than 50 official delegations, alongside international manufacturers including Airbus, Embraer, Leonardo and Saab.
South Africa’s defence exports reached a record R10.1 billion in 2025, according to figures presented by the Minister. Munitions accounted for R4.8 billion of that total, led by Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM).
Tau said RDM had committed to a further multi-billion-rand investment over the next three years, in addition to the approximately R1 billion it already spends annually upgrading its four South African plants.
The investment is intended to double production capacity in response to global demand.
He cited RDM’s development through its joint venture with Denel as an example of how South African defence engineering capability could be combined with international market access.
The government remains committed to the continued stabilisation of Denel as a strategic platform for industrial partnerships, he said.
Tau also acknowledged the challenges facing domestic manufacturers, including high energy costs, restricted access to capital, logistics constraints and skills shortages.
Referring to the recent Defence Industry Lekgotla, he emphasised the importance of preserving domestic industrial capability, advancing dual-use technologies and retaining and developing critical technical skills.
Armscor’s acquisition and localisation requirements would remain an important mechanism for supporting local manufacturing and skills development through defence procurement.
The government would also continue exploring how Special Economic Zones could support advanced manufacturing clusters and industrial corridors.
Supporting the Next Generation of Aerospace Enterprises
Looking ahead, Tau identified autonomous systems, advanced materials, additive manufacturing, space technologies, digital engineering and unmanned aerial vehicle technologies as areas that would shape the next phase of South Africa’s aerospace and defence industry.
He said AISI would need to continue supporting emerging enterprises seeking to enter these technology-intensive sectors.
The programme requires companies receiving its funding to hold at least Level 4 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) status, as part of its mandate to develop black industrialists, innovators and technology entrepreneurs.
Tau said expanding participation in aerospace and defence manufacturing would require closer collaboration between government, industry, academic institutions and science councils.
He identified ongoing work with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC), Armscor, Denel and major original equipment manufacturers on co-investment, enterprise supplier development and industrial scaling.
The Minister reiterated the government’s intention to continue supporting AISI and its partnership-based industrial development model as South Africa seeks to expand its aerospace, defence, maritime and advanced manufacturing capabilities over the next 20 years.
