The CSIR will be participating in the biennial African Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion from 17 to 21 September 2014 to showcase some of the latest strategic defence and aerospace science, engineering and technologies (SET) that South Africa is home to.

Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems, maritime domain awareness, cyber defence, border safeguarding, integrated radar and sensor systems, as well as latest sonar, laser, materials and manufacturing technologies are some of the topics on international defence agendas to which the CSIR will be responding.

The CSIR plays a key role as an independent national science agency to support government’s national security imperatives and support the expansion of a healthy local defence industry through technology transfer and collaborative ventures. Through the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative, the CSIR also supports the dti by contributing to the vibrancy and skilling of this sector.

The CSIR has a substantial track record in defence science, technology and innovation, and has a number of strategic international R&D partnerships that help keep South Africa on par with global developments and provide opportunities for skills exchange and human capital development.

Exhibits on display will include collaborative projects in radar test and evaluation platforms; partnerships in border security and support to anti-rhino poaching; custom technologies used by the SA Special Forces; use of composite materials and laser-based services for the manufacturing industry; mid-infrared lasers for sensing and military applications; gas turbine development projects and novel technology to protect the crew of personnel carriers against improvised explosive devices; and research into mobility and soldier sustainability.

The CSIR has also developed techniques for cyber security and network vulnerability testing, a suite of modelling and simulation environments used for test and evaluation or training purposes and integrative control room integrations for law enforcement or military command centres.

In addition to the above, the CSIR will be participating in the concurrent AAD Youth Development Programme where learners and the youth can obtain insight into and information about study fields related to careers in the SET domain. The CSIR offers bursaries, vacation and studentship support options, particularly to science and engineering students and young professionals interested in careers in the defence, laser technology and aeronautics domains.

The CSIR pavilion will be situated in Hangar 4. To explore our defence and aeronautics capabilities and opportunities for collaboration, visit us at AAD. Enquiries can be sent to aerospace@csir.co.za or visit www.csir.co.za.