South Africa’s defence exports surged to more than $550 million in 2025, marking a record performance for the country’s arms industry and underscoring its growing role as a global supplier. The sales, confirmed this week, covered shipments to 42 countries including France, Turkey, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates and several European and Middle Eastern buyers, as reported by Business Insider Africa.
The export portfolio included munitions, armoured vehicles, aircraft systems and electronic warfare equipment, with Europe emerging as the largest market, followed by the Middle East and Africa. Official figures indicate the total represents nearly a threefold increase compared to 2024, reflecting rising global demand for defence equipment and South Africa’s expanding production capacity.
Industry analysts note that the growth has been driven largely by ammunition exports and specialised military hardware, alongside improved access to international markets. South Africa remains one of the few net arms exporters on the continent, with defence firms leveraging cost competitiveness and adaptable technology to secure contracts across diverse regions, as highlighted in defence sector reports.
The sharp rise in exports signals a broader revival of South Africa’s defence manufacturing sector, positioning it as a strategic supplier in global security supply chains while boosting foreign exchange earnings and industrial output in an increasingly competitive arms market.
