South Africa has posted a record performance in its defence export sector, earning approximately $550 million (R10.1 billion) in 2025 from sales of weapons, ammunition, armoured vehicles and military systems to 42 countries, including France, Turkey, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates.
The figures underscore the country’s growing influence as Africa’s leading arms supplier at a time of rising global military demand.
According to data from the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC), a total of 582 export permits were approved last year, covering a wide range of defence products. This marks a significant jump from $190 million (R3.6 billion) recorded in 2024, nearly tripling South Africa’s annual defence export value in just one year.
Europe emerged as the largest destination for South African arms, followed by the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific markets. Germany was the single biggest buyer, purchasing around $180 million worth of artillery shells, making munitions the dominant export category. Turkey also imported 35,000 shells valued at about $37 million, while Estonia and Australia followed with smaller but notable orders.
Beyond munitions, South Africa’s defence industry also expanded its reach in armoured vehicles and aviation. African buyers featured prominently, with Kenya purchasing 34 vehicles, Ghana 30, Malawi 15, Cameroon 11, and the United Arab Emirates 10.
Aircraft exports were also recorded to Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and the UAE, highlighting South Africa’s growing footprint in both regional and global defence markets.
Two naval vessels were sold to Tanzania, while more than 10,000 light weapons were exported to multiple destinations, with Zimbabwe among the largest single buyers.
Meanwhile, dual-use technologies such as communications equipment, security systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles were also shipped to countries including India, France, Brazil, and Colombia.
South Africa’s defence industry is driven by major manufacturers such as Denel, Rheinmetall Denel Munition, Paramount Group, and Milkor, which supply both domestic forces and international clients. These firms have positioned the country as a rare African exporter in a continent largely dependent on imported arms.
Despite limited imports of specialised military equipment from countries such as the United Kingdom, Serbia, China, and the United States, South Africa remains a net exporter, reinforcing its strategic role in global defence supply chains.