South Africa’s Arms Exports Soar to $590 Million, Cementing Its Role Among Global Defence Leaders

South Africa’s defence industry saw a surge in exports in the past year, with shipments of arms and munitions reaching R10.1 billion ($590 million), almost three times the R3.6 billion ($210 million) exported the previous year, according to the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC).

The NCACC approved 582 export permits to 42 countries, reflecting a broad international market for South African defence products.

Munitions led the surge at R4.8 billion, including a significant R3.3 billion order from Germany. Other notable buyers included Turkey, Kenya, France, and the United Arab Emirates.

Regionally, Europe accounted for 42% of South Africa’s exports, the Middle East 23%, Africa 20%, Asia-Pacific 12%, and the Americas 3%. Deliveries included over 130 armoured vehicles, two naval vessels to Tanzania, and aircraft supplied to Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique.

South Africa is Africa’s largest defence manufacturer and ranks among the world’s top 20 arms exporters, reinforcing its strategic role in the global defence market.