SANDF Chief of Staff Welcomes Egypt’s New Defence Attaché to South Africa
By Defence Circle/Images:SANDF The Chief of Staff of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Lieutenant General Tembelani Tandekile Xundu, welcomed Egypt’s newly appointed Defence Attaché to South Africa, Staff Colonel Sherif Shoukry, during a courtesy visit to Defence Headquarters in Erasmuskloof on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. The meeting was facilitated by the SANDF’s Defence […]
Indian Navy’s INS Tarkash Arrives in Simon’s Town for Exercise IBSAMAR IX
by Defence Circle/Image:Indian Navy The Indian Navy’s INS Tarkash arrived at Simon’s Town, South Africa, on 11 October 2026, marking an important milestone in preparations for Exercise India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime Exercise IX (IBSAMAR IX). The arrival brings India’s naval presence to the South African coast as the Indian, Brazilian and South African navies prepare to […]
CSIR: Eight Decades at South Africa’s Scientific & Industrial Forefront
by Brett Macdonald/Images:CSIR The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was co-founded by Field Marshal Jan Smuts and Sir Basil Schonland on 5 October 1945 to conduct directed research for advancing science and industry, in a bid to support post-war industrial growth in the country after World War Two. Headquartered on the “Scientia” campus […]
Exercise IBSAMAR IX 2026 Begins in Simon’s Town as India, Brazil and South Africa Strengthen Naval Cooperation
Exercise IBSAMAR IX 2026 has commenced in Simon’s Town, Western Cape, bringing together the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa for a multinational maritime exercise aimed at strengthening interoperability, professional cooperation and maritime security. Taking place from 8 to 21 October 2026 in the Simon’s Town and False Bay areas, the exercise is hosted […]
Africa Stood Tall: AAD 2026 Showcased Continental Capability as Attention Turns to 2028
By Defence Circle/Images: Jarryd Sinovich The 13th edition of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) came to a spectacular close at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Centurion on 20 September, capping five days that confirmed the event’s standing as the continent’s premier aerospace and defence platform. AAD 2026 hosted 52 official delegations from 28 countries and […]
Chief of the SAAF Honors Dedication and Service at AFB Ysterplaat Medal Parade
By Defence Circle/Image:WO2 Nathan Geduld On 1 October 2026, the parade grounds of Air Force Base Ysterplaat played host to a pivotal gathering of military and civilian personnel during the Chief of the South African Air Force Combined Medal Parade. The solemn yet triumphant ceremony served as a formal recognition of exceptional dedication, operational resilience […]
Major General Lonwabo Zicina Steps Up to Lead SA Army Force Preparation
by Defence Circle/Image:Lieutenant Martha Munyai(SANDF) Effective 1 October 2026, the future of how the South African Army prepares for war has a new and familiar name: Major General Lonwabo Zicina, the newly appointed Chief Director Force Preparation. His appointment is a fitting recognition of a military practitioner whose own life has been a masterclass in […]
Armscor strengthens support to keep South African Air Force in the skies
The Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor) has taken a significant step towardsstrengthening the operational readiness of the South African Air Force (SAAF) through theappointment of service providers to maintain and service its critical prime mission equipment. The importance of this support was demonstrated during the recently concluded AfricaAerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 exhibition where […]
Armscor and Denel strengthen collaboration to advance the interests of defence force
by Defence Circle In a milestone engagement for South Africa’s defence sector, the Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor) and state-owned defence conglomerate Denel have formally reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration following an inaugural joint board meeting at Armscor Head Office. This historic meeting marks the first joint engagement of its kind since Denel’s […]
Maintaining a Technological Edge under Rationalised Defence Budgets
By Brett Macdonald In business, the term Exponential Technology is used to describe an innovation that typically has a long gestation period, but then suddenly explodes in the marketplace and takes over, as though overnight. A well-known case study in Exponential Technology is the story of how the Kodak camera and film company dominated the […]