The Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Ltd (Armscor) is an acquisition agency for the South African Department of Defence (DOD) and other organs of state and entities.
Armscor’s mandate is to provide the armed forces with state-of-the-art defence matériel, delivering innovative defence solutions efficiently and effectively. The organisation manages the strategic capabilities of the DOD, producing research and vanguard technological solutions required to provide safety and security for South Africa, its citizens and the continent.
Armscor’s core businesses
- Acquisition
One of Armscor’s core businesses is acquisition. Its key functions include requirements analysis, technology development, design and development of products and product systems and the industrialisation and manufacturing of mature products and product systems that fully meet user requirements. It also entails procurement of existing and qualified products, as well as the acquisition of product system support for user systems during the operational lifetime of the systems.
- Research and development
Armscor, through its research and development, is able to conduct defence research and scientific research, test and evaluation services, technology management, analysis and industrialisation and intellectual property management services. The organisation has capability to perform an independent, centralised coordination and management role for technology acquisition and technology commercialisation.
- Naval dockyard
The dockyard provides repair and maintenance services to the SA Navy on various product systems from tugs and small craft to frigates and submarines. Maintenance and repair services cover both planned and ad hoc projects. It is one of South Africa’s strategic national capabilities, where the country’s naval defence maintenance, repair and overall capabilities are housed.
Facilities and capabilities
AB Logistics
AB Logistics (AB Log) is a shipping and travel company which provides clearing, freight forwarding and travel management services to Armscor, the DOD, defence industry and commercial clients both locally and abroad. The services are in road, rail, sea and airfreight and it specialises in domestic and international transportation and distribution. The travel division manages flights, car rental, accommodation, bus bookings and shuttle services for Armscor and the DOD.
Alkantpan Test Range
The Alkantpan Test Range (ATR) is an all-purpose ballistic test range for all kinds of weaponry ranging in calibre from 5.56mm to 155mm to large calibre weapons and ammunition. An ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accredited facility, this 85,000ha range is equipped for testing of artillery, mortars, armour, rockets, short-range missiles, insensitive munitions, sequential environmental testing and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). ATR also provides customised ordnance testing and related services to local and international clients.
Armour Development
The Armour Development facility has more than 40 years’ experience in conducting research and development and the testing of armour protection systems and technologies for the DOD and the entire defence industry. Services provided include analysis of customer protection needs, development of armour, and testing and qualification of vehicle hull ballistic resistance. Expertise also includes designing and fitting of armour packages on lightweight vehicles and main battle tanks.
Defence Decision Support Institute
The Defence Decision Support Institute (DDSI) has more than 30 years’ experience in defence support focused on enabling the DOD, state organs and commercial entities. The institute assists in developing insights and holistic solutions to decision-making challenges over the full cycle of defence capabilities and systems. This facility also offers a range of services that include policy and weapon systems analysis, war conflict studies, defence capability analysis and engineering support.
Ergonomics Technologies
Ergonomics Technologies (Ergotech) is Armscor’s leading research institute, providing military defence and commercial ergonomics research, design and development of human-machine systems and evaluation of environmental stressors. The broad range of services it offers in ergonomics and occupational health and safety is intended to optimise human performance and efficiency, reduce work-related risks and improve overall safety and productivity of employees.
Fluid and Mechanical Engineering Group
The Fluid and Mechanical Engineering Group (Flamengro) provides integrated modelling and simulation support on the design, development and operations of the DOD and the broader engineering and software sector. The group provides cost effective holistic solutions in the areas of computational mechanics, test and measurement, software development and small-scale manufacturing.
Gerotek Test Facilities
Gerotek Test Facilities is an internationally accredited multidisciplinary facility offering ISO 17025 accredited testing and evaluation of defence-related and commercial vehicles and products. Other services offered include advanced driver training, facilities hire, events, recreation and conferencing, together with restaurant and catering services for public and corporate clients.
Hazmat Protective Systems
Hazmat Protective Systems (Hazmat) is a major manufacturer and supplier of purpose-designed quality respiratory and filtering products to the commercial and defence industries. Hazmat is one of the few companies capable of impregnating activated carbon for use in its products. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, processes are in place to ensure clients consistently receive high quality safe products at competitive prices.
Institute for Maritime Technology
Armscor’s Institute of Maritime Technology (IMT) is an ISO 9001 accredited centre of excellence providing science-based technological and engineering support to the SA Navy and other members of the maritime community. IMT specialises in maritime technologies, sciences for military defence applications, defence research, and development, testing and evaluation of maritime systems which have led to a number of cutting-edge innovations.
Protechnik Laboratories
Protechnik Laboratories is a multidisciplinary scientific laboratory focused on high-end research and development work in chemical and biological defence solutions. An ISO 17025/IEC: 2017 accredited testing laboratory with a 30-year history, Protechnik Laboratories offers a wide range of analytical services to verify and detect the presence of highly toxic and prohibited chemical and biological agents. This research benefits the defence and commercial industry, agriculture, food manufacturing, mining and environmental sectors.
Armscor is geared towards taking the defence industry to the next level by building new sustainable pathways to unlock Africa’s defence growth potential.
