AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE

The Aerospace and Defence sector lies at the heart of AISI’s mission. Through our Aerospace and Defence (A&D) Technology Based Industry and Supplier Development Programme, we empower South Africa’s aerospace and defence manufacturing base to build globally competitive capabilities.

We nurture strategic partnerships between OEMs, systems integrators, and SMMEs, helping lower-tier suppliers scale up via quality management systems, productivity improvements, and integration into global supply chains.

Our goal is to build a resilient, innovative national aerospace and defence industry, driven by local capability, technological sophistication, and global competitiveness.

The AISI has supported projects for both local and international markets, backed the development of cutting-edge defence technologies, and helped firms obtain internationally recognised accreditations — such as AS/EN 9100 — while adopting standards that ensure long-term export potential and operational excellence.

Expression of interest

Deadline for application: 25 March 2027 Apply for support now

Aerospace and Defence Technology-Based Industry and Supplier Development Programme

The AISI invites eligible advanced manufacturing companies to apply for participation in the Aerospace and Defence Technology-Based Industry and Supplier Development Programme. This call aims to identify aerospace and defence advanced manufacturing companies, including SMMEs and non-SMMEs, that will benefit from targeted interventions. AISI is an initiative of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition hosted and managed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

The programme enhances industry competitiveness through the following key interventions:

Standards and accreditation support
Process development and optimisation
Technology enhancement

Application process and deadline

Please download the application documents as follows:

Prospective beneficiaries may submit applications anytime until Thursday, 25 March 2027 at 16:30. Submissions will be evaluated monthly as they are received, continuing until the closing date.

Contact information

For further details, please email us on aisi@csir.co.za or tthupana@csir.co.za, or call us on +27 (0)12 841 2913.

Standards and accreditations

ISO Accreditation

AISI supports aerospace and defence manufacturers in achieving internationally recognised certifications that are critical for global competitiveness. Key standards include:

AS/EN 9100 – Aerospace quality management
ISO 9001 – General quality management
ISO 14001 – Environmental management
ISO 45001 – Occupational health and safety

These certifications help local suppliers meet strict industry requirements, improve operational excellence, and access international supply chains. By guiding firms through the accreditation process, AISI ensures that South African aerospace and defence companies can compete confidently on a global stage, delivering high-quality, reliable products that meet international expectations.