The Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association of South Africa (AMD) has welcomed the increase in national funding for security and defence announced in the 2026 Budget Speech.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed that spending on law and order will rise from R268.2 billion in 2025/26 to R291.2 billion by 2028/29. The budget also includes R2.7 billion in additional funding over the medium term to support defence capabilities including measures aimed at sustaining the South African Air Force’s operational readiness.
Responding to the announcement, AMD CEO Sandile Ndlovu said the allocations reflect a growing recognition that safety and security are foundational to economic growth and social stability.
He noted that the strengthened allocation represents a critical investment in safeguarding South Africa’s sovereignty, supporting regional stability and enabling the country’s defence industry to continue contributing advanced capabilities to national and continental security priorities.
Government will also allocate R1 billion to the South African Police Service and a further R1 billion to the South African National Defence Force from the Criminal Assets Recovery Account to bolster the fight against organised crime.
“The increased investment in defence and security is a welcome and necessary step toward strengthening South Africa’s ability to protect its people, its borders and its sovereignty,” Ndlovu said.
He added that the funding comes at a crucial time as South Africa emerges from a prolonged period of sustained defence budget cuts marking an important shift toward rebuilding national security capabilities.
AMD also extended its appreciation to Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga and President Cyril Ramaphosa for recognising the strategic importance of reversing the downward defence spending trajectory.
While the 2026 Budget represents a positive step forward, Ndlovu emphasised that the long-term objective remains to increase defence spending closer to 2% of GDP in line with international benchmarks.
He further highlighted that the shift presents an opportunity to deepen collaboration between government and the local defence industry to ensure national operations are supported by modern, locally developed and internationally sought-after capabilities.
Although South Africa produces world-class defence and security technologies, most of these capabilities are currently exported. According to Ndlovu, this presents a significant opportunity for increased local adoption to strengthen domestic operations.
Through sustained investment, increased public awareness and deeper collaboration, AMD and its members aim to enhance national security while supporting innovation, advanced manufacturing and skilled job creation.
“The commitments announced in this Budget represent important progress and maintaining this investment trajectory will be critical to long-term public safety, resilient institutions and sustainable economic growth,” Ndlovu concluded.
