South Africa recorded approximately $550 million (R10.1 billion) in defence exports in 2025, supplying military equipment to 42 countries, according to figures released by the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC).<\/p>\n
The latest data shows a sharp rise from about $190 million in 2024, with export earnings nearly tripling within a year as global demand for military equipment increased.
\nThe exports were authorised through 582 permits, covering a wide range of equipment including ammunition, armoured vehicles, aircraft and electronic systems. Ammunition particularly artillery shells accounted for the largest share of sales, driven largely by demand from Europe. Germany emerged as a major buyer, purchasing tens of thousands of artillery shells in deals valued at around $180 million, reflecting broader efforts by European countries to strengthen military stockpiles.<\/p>\n
Beyond Europe, South Africa maintained a steady flow of exports to markets in the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. Countries such as France, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates were among key international buyers, while several African nations, including Kenya, Ghana and Malawi, imported armoured vehicles. Aircraft and related systems were also supplied to countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique.<\/p>\n
The export growth was supported by local defence manufacturers, including Denel, Rheinmetall Denel Munition, Paramount Group and Milkor, which produce a range of systems from munitions and missiles to armoured vehicles and advanced military technologies.<\/p>\n
All exports were reviewed and approved by the NCACC, the government body responsible for regulating arms sales and ensuring compliance with international obligations, including restrictions on supplying countries under United Nations arms embargoes.<\/p>\n
South Africa remains one of the few countries in Africa with a developed defence manufacturing base and a consistent export market. The increase in sales highlights its role as a supplier in a global market where demand for ammunition and military equipment has risen significantly in response to ongoing geopolitical tensions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
South Africa recorded approximately $550 million (R10.1 billion) in defence exports in 2025, supplying military equipment to 42 countries, according to figures released by the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC). The latest data shows a sharp rise from about $190 million in 2024, with export earnings nearly tripling within a year as global demand […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1068,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[771,772,770,520],"class_list":["post-1067","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business","tag-defenceexports","tag-globalmarket","tag-militaryequipment","tag-southafrica"],"yoast_head":"\n