South Africa’s defence acquisitions and research and development (R&D) agency Armscor has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with its South Korean counterpart, the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA). The MoU, which has a duration of five years, is intended to strengthen defence industry and defence R&D cooperation. 

“We view this collaboration as an opportunity to strengthen bonds of friendship and mutual interest with DAPA, within a framework of mutual respect,” affirmed Armscor CEO Advocate Solomzi Mbada. “It further reinforces Armscor’s position as a gateway to defence solutions for South Africa and the African continent at large.”

He further noted that strategic partnerships and collaboration were important for the defence sector, worldwide. The MoU was focused on producing and exchanging defence knowledge, technologies and materiel.

This partnership with DAPA will be guided by the principle of reciprocity, and will be implemented in adherence to the laws and regulations of both countries. The two agencies will set up a Joint Committee on Defence Industry Cooperation, formed from identified “focal points” within them both, to implement the MoU.

The two entities will also seek to encourage collaboration between their national defence industries. This could potentially include the acquisition of “armament systems” from each other, and also, where considered appropriate, joint R&D initiatives.

Armscor is committed to establishing relationships that will provide opportunities for, and aid the growth and sustainability of, the South African defence industry. This MoU gives the agency a platform to help support the wider local defence ecosystem.

“We play a pivotal role in capacitating the defence force with the materiel required to execute its mandate,” highlighted Mbada. “Our ability to consistently deliver on this mandate is rooted in our commitment to providing quality and fit-for-purpose solutions. This is achieved through strong partnerships with industry, supported by our acquisition and [R&D] capabilities.”