Highlights South Africa's military prowess at an international defense exhibition, as displayed by Armscor.
South African Defence Industry Shines at IDEF 2025
At the 17th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) held in Istanbul, Turkey from July 22 to 27, 2025, the Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor) and 13 South African Defence Industry (SADI) companies showcased South Africa's advanced defence technologies [1][3].
The event, organised by SADI, provided a platform for Armscor and its partners to engage with global decision-makers, buyers, and industry leaders, exploring new collaborations and export opportunities [1][3]. Through these engagements, Armscor aims to secure tangible trade outcomes, expand export markets, and strengthen South Africa’s position as a trusted provider of cost-effective, high-quality defence solutions [1][3].
The participation was facilitated by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) scheme. This scheme enabled even small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) such as Kimona Holdings—a 100% Black-owned manufacturer of industrial protective clothing—to access international platforms and forge sustainable partnerships [1][3].
The engagements held during IDEF 2025 were particularly fruitful in areas like Command and Control, Communication, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) [1][3]. Companies from countries such as Türkiye, Canada, China, and the UAE were among those interacted with.
The presence of South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Honourable Mr Bantu Holomisa, at the exhibition underscored the government's commitment to building a strong and globally integrated South African defence sector [2]. His presence also signalled the importance of coordinated efforts between government and industry in driving growth, exports, and job creation [2].
Armscor's goal is to enable local enterprises, particularly SMMEs, to access global markets. This is in line with the corporation's efforts to foster a more inclusive, competitive, and sustainable defence ecosystem through mechanisms such as the Defence Sector Code [4].
Armscor's recent trade outcomes from IDEF 2025 include acquiring quality trade leads, expanded export opportunities, and initiation of international partnerships focused on collaboration and technological innovation with global defence industry players [1][3]. The corporation remains optimistic about the potential for long-term strengthening of South Africa’s defence sector.
References: [1] Armscor. (2025). Armscor's Successful Participation at IDEF 2025. Retrieved from www.armscor.co.za/news/idef-2025 [2] Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. (2025). IDEF 2025: Boosting South Africa's Defence Sector. Retrieved from www.thedtic.gov.za/news/idef-2025 [3] South African Defence Industry. (2025). IDEF 2025: A Milestone for South African Defence Industry. Retrieved from www.sadi.org.za/news/idef-2025 [4] Armscor. (2023). Defence Sector Code. Retrieved from www.armscor.co.za/about-us/defence-sector-code
The South African Defense Industry showcased their advanced technology in defense at IDEF 2025, engaging with global industry leaders for potential collaborations and export opportunities in areas like Command and Control, Communication, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) [1][3]. Through these engagements, the armor corporation aims to secure tangible trade outcomes, expand export markets, and strengthen South Africa’s position in the technology industry [1][3].
