The Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) marked two decades of advancing South Africa’s aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing capabilities during a 20-year commemoration celebration at Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 at Air Force Base Waterkloof on 17 September 2026.
Established in 2006 as an initiative of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and hosted and managed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), AISI was created to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of South African industry.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, reflected on the programme’s journey from its modest beginnings to becoming an important instrument for industrial development.
He said the decision taken two decades ago was aimed at ensuring South Africa would not remain merely a consumer of imported aerospace and defence technologies but would instead develop domestic capabilities to research, design, develop and manufacture its own technologies.
Over the past decade, AISI has supported 142 small and medium enterprises, helped create and sustain more than 1 200 jobs, supported the development of 48 technologies and products and assisted companies in obtaining 49 international certifications and standards.
The anniversary celebration showcased several South African companies whose technologies have progressed through AISI support. These included capabilities ranging from gliders and radio-frequency systems to unmanned aerial vehicles and advanced manufacturing.
AISI’s work encompasses technology development, supplier development and accreditation while assisting local companies in strengthening their capacity to participate in global supply chains.
The programme also featured a helicopter signing ceremony with Henley Air, adding a practical industry milestone to the 20-year anniversary celebrations.
Setting the tone for the celebration, a Bell 222 helicopter was also positioned in the static display area at AFB Waterkloof. The aircraft will be available for media and members of the general public to view during the AAD 2026 airshow days on 19 and 20 September.
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga, was among the dignitaries in attendance as government, industry, the science community and other stakeholders reflected on AISI’s achievements over the past 20 years.
The anniversary provided an opportunity to recognise the contribution of South African industry while looking ahead to the technologies, partnerships and industrial capabilities that will shape the country’s next chapter of aerospace and defence innovation.