The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Denel have signed an agreement to advance research, technology development, innovation, knowledge sharing and technology commercialisation in what the CSIR says is a significant milestone to accelerate South Africa’s aerospace and military technologies.
“The partnership reinforces the CSIR’s mandate to improve competitiveness of industry and support a capable state through science, technology and innovation. It establishes a framework for cooperation across a wide range of research, development and innovation areas,” the CSIR said in a statement recently.
CSIR Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Thulani Dlamini, highlighted the extensive scope of the collaboration, which spans areas such as advanced manufacturing, engineering services, sensors, human capital development, maritime, missile technologies, cybersecurity, aeronautics, command, control and situational awareness platforms, space technology and joint technology commercialisation.
“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 respond to present challenges but also shape the aerospace and defence technologies of tomorrow. This collaboration will ultimately contribute towards building a capable state,” said Dlamini.
By signing 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, the CSIR added.
Denel CEO, Tsepo Monaheng said “We are excited that we have this shared vision to collaborate so we can successfully provide solutions to the SANDF (South African National Defence Force) 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.”
Both entities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.
Denel and the CSIR have a long history of working together. The CSIR noted it was the birthplace of the Rooivalk attack helicopter, and played a pivotal role in the development of Denel’s suite of missiles. The Council worked with the companies that preceded Denel, such as Kentron, and Atlas Aircraft Corporation – the Rooivalk project began in early 1984 under the auspices of Atlas, a predecessor of Denel Aviation. One of the CSIR’s contributions to the Rooivalk includes the development of infrared heat suppressors that were fitted on the exhausts.