GOVERNMENT AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE AGENCY MARKS 20 YEARS!

The Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) will on Thursday mark 20 years of supporting South Africa’s aerospace, defence, marine and advanced manufacturing industries during the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 Exhibition.

AISI was established in 2006 as a strategic initiative of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) to strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability and growth of South Africa’s aerospace and defence industry.

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau will attend and address the commemoration at the Air Force Base, Waterkloof on Thursday..

The milestone marks two decades of public investment in industrial capability, supplier development, localisation and export competitiveness, while highlighting the contribution of sustained government support and industry collaboration to the growth of South Africa’s advanced manufacturing base.

As a major platform bringing together industry leaders, technology developers, investors and international delegations, AAD 2026 provides an opportunity to reflect on AISI’s impact and showcase the capabilities of companies that have benefited from the initiative.

The DTIC has funded companies that have previously benefited or are currently benefitting from AISI assistance to showcase their products, technologies and capabilities at Africa’s leading defence and aerospace exhibition.

These companies will demonstrate products, technologies and solutions developed with AISI support, while engaging with potential customers, investors, partners and international stakeholders.