CSIR and Denel Partner to Advance South Africa’s Aerospace and Military Technologies
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Denel have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration across research, technology development, innovation, knowledge sharing and technology commercialisation. The partnership encompasses a wide range of areas, including space technology, advanced manufacturing, engineering services, sensors, maritime and missile technologies, cybersecurity, aeronautics, command, control, and situational awareness platforms, and joint technology commercialisation. The signing ceremony was held on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, at the CSIR, attended by the chief executives of both organisations.
The MoU acts as a cornerstone of our progress in both organisations’ shared commitment to accelerating South Africa’s aerospace and military technologies, reflecting their aligned vision for the sector. Furthermore, the partnership reinforces the CSIR’s mandate to improve industry competitiveness and support a capable state through science, technology, and innovation. It establishes a framework for cooperation across research, development, and innovation.
Speaking at the ceremony, CSIR Chief Executive Officer Dr Thulani Dlamini emphasised the collaboration’s extensive scope, which also includes human capital development. “The partnership represents a significant step forward in building a future-ready, innovation-led economy. By combining the CSIR’s research capabilities with Denel’s expertise, we aim to co-create solutions that not only address current challenges but also shape the aerospace and defence technologies of tomorrow. This collaboration will ultimately contribute towards building a capable state,” said Dlamini.
Through the MoU, the entities aim to establish a formal foundation for joint initiatives that will enhance national competitiveness, attract investment, support the development and commercialisation of locally developed technologies, and promote skills development.
Denel CEO Tsepo Monaheng echoed Dlamini’s sentiments. “We are excited that we have this shared vision to collaborate so we can successfully provide solutions to the SANDF and the broader security cluster to achieve national security. For us, it will always be about how we can best support and advance our country’s aerospace and defence industries. This is where we align with the CSIR, whose mission is to strengthen South Africa’s key sectors and help build a capable state. We are proud to collaborate and look forward to many fruitful opportunities that will contribute to national development.”
The CSIR’s collaboration with Denel forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen South Africa’s innovation landscape through strategic partnerships. The Council helps local industry improve its competitiveness by providing access to specialised facilities and skills through the Industry Innovation Partnership Fund, supported by the Department of Science and Technology. Participants have access to large-scale prototyping and pre-commercial manufacturing infrastructure, equipment, expertise, and business and technical networks.
Both entities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.