DefenceWeb

16/01/2026

The CSIR’s Defence and Security Cluster delivered more than R700 million in revenue in 2024/25 — accounting for around 20% of the organisation’s total income. Strong local and international demand helped push CSIR’s overall revenue beyond target, according to its latest annual report. Read more.

At more than R700 million, revenue from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR’s) Defence and Security Cluster amounted to a fifth of all

16/01/2026

Wagner says its mission in Mali is “accomplished” — but is it? After France’s exit and years of insurgency, questions remain about what the mercenary group actually achieved, and what comes next for security in the Sahel. Read the analysis.

On 6 June 2025, private military company Wagner announced they would be withdrawing from Mali. "Mission accomplished”, declared the mercenary group via

16/01/2026

The US Embassy has sharply criticised Iran’s participation in the SA-hosted Exercise Will for Peace 2026, saying it signals South Africa siding with a regime accused of repression and terrorism, and warning it undermines regional maritime security.

The United States Embassy in South Africa has said allowing Iranian forces to operate in South African waters is a sign of South Africa choosing to stand with

16/01/2026

President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the SA Air Force after three helicopter squadrons were deployed this week to rescue people affected by severe flooding, responding to emergency requests from across the country.

Three of five SA Air Force (SAAF) helicopter squadrons were in action this week assisting people overcome the ravages of Mother Nature and, reportedly in

16/01/2026

African Military Profile | West Africa’s most capable military continues to modernise amid insurgency and maritime security challenges. Explore Nigeria’s growing military power and regional influence. Read the Nigeria Military Profile -https://tinyurl.com/37vbexub

15/01/2026

Thohoyandou will host Armed Forces Day 2026 on 21 February. The event returns after no formal celebration in 2025 following the deaths of 14 South African soldiers deployed in the DRC.

The SA National Defence Force (SANDF) will this year mark Armed Forces Day (AFD) – 21 February – in Limpopo’s Thohoyandou, capital of the erstwhile Venda.

15/01/2026

South Africa has every right to choose its partners — but should it really be conducting naval exercises with Iran, Russia and China? A sharp critique questions the logic, risks and consequences of the Will for Peace 2026 exercise. Read the full argument.

The Will for Peace 2026 joint naval exercise between South Africa, China, Russia, and Iran, which started in Simon’s Town last weekend, is a bad idea.

15/01/2026

The CSIR has taken a major step in commercialising its passive radar technology, signing a licensing agreement with US-based Adler Aerospace. The deal opens the door for global uptake of South African-developed radar capability. Read more.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is one of the world’s leading organisations developing passive radar, and has recorded major

15/01/2026

Claims by an SANDF soldier of having to buy his own boots echo wider concerns raised by the country’s largest military trade union, which says deployments are failing on equipment, planning and post-deployment care. Read the full story.

An anonymous South African soldier’s claims of major deployment shortcomings - even going as far as having to pay for boots - support what the country’s

15/01/2026

Sponsored | Engineered for high-pressure missions, Twiga’s HDPE Military Patrol Boats combine rugged durability with superior buoyancy and resilience. Learn what sets Twiga apart. https://www.twiga-africa.com/

15/01/2026

African Military Profile | Africa’s largest military remains a dominant regional power as it balances modernisation with insurgency and border security pressures. Explore Egypt’s formidable defence landscape. Read the Egypt Military Profile - https://tinyurl.com/3u7d2az5

14/01/2026

Uncrewed systems aren’t just taking to the skies — they’re heading to sea. Navies worldwide are investing heavily in uncrewed surface and underwater vessels, with global use set to expand rapidly over the next decade. Explore why maritime robotics is the next big shift.

When it comes to unmanned military vehicles, most people tend to think of the sky, where attack and surveillance drones are a fixture in armed conflict. But