South Africa CBRN Defence Market Size and Forecast by Threat Type, Equipment, End User, and Platform: 2019-2033

South Africa CBRN Defence Industry Outlook

The South Africa CBRN defence market is gaining strategic importance amid increasing regional and global concerns around chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. While historically not a major hub for CBRN investments, South Africa is now witnessing growing interest in strengthening its national preparedness, largely driven by rising geopolitical volatility, the potential misuse of hazardous materials, and the increasing global emphasis on homeland security. From 2025 to 2033, the market is projected to grow at a steady CAGR, supported by both national priorities and international collaboration. South Africa’s dual role as a regional security anchor and a hub for peacekeeping operations in Africa places additional pressure on its CBRN defence capabilities. The South Africa CBRN defence industry is evolving from reactive risk management to proactive threat deterrence. Institutions like the South African Council for the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Armscor (Armaments Corporation of South Africa) are playing a pivotal role in policy formulation and procurement. The government's alignment with global frameworks like the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) further emphasizes its commitment to building a resilient CBRN defence sector tailored to both military and civilian protection needs.

Driving Forces Fuelling CBRN Capability Expansion in South Africa

Several critical factors are driving the growth of the South Africa CBRN defence industry, both from a national and regional security perspective. Firstly, the rise of transnational terrorism, smuggling of hazardous substances, and the possibility of chemical weapon incidents—especially in areas with industrial activity—are prompting new investments. Secondly, South Africa’s expanding role in UN peacekeeping and African Union (AU) missions demands enhanced CBRN preparedness to protect its personnel in volatile regions. Thirdly, the recent focus on pandemic preparedness post-COVID-19 has reinforced the urgency to upgrade biological detection and containment infrastructure. In 2023, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) began collaborative training with European defence partners, focusing on biodefence and CBRN reconnaissance. International aid and training initiatives, such as those supported by the U.S. Defence Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), are accelerating the adoption of advanced detection equipment and personal protective gear. Meanwhile, the country’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) is expanding its public health-CBRN interface through improved early warning and surveillance networks. These collective dynamics are reshaping the South Africa CBRN defence market into a more agile and future-ready domain.

Adoption Trends Among Key End Users in the CBRN Defence Ecosystem

The South Africa CBRN defence sector is seeing growing adoption among a diverse group of end users. The primary stakeholder remains the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), particularly the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS), which manages decontamination, medical response, and protective protocols for chemical and biological incidents. In 2022, SAMHS initiated a review of its CBRN response protocols to align with international NATO and WHO standards. Additionally, civil defence units and first responders are increasingly equipped with mobile detection tools and decontamination units to respond to emergencies in urban and industrial zones. Critical infrastructure operators, especially those in the energy, mining, and chemical processing sectors, are integrating CBRN risk assessments into their operational safety protocols. The Department of Health, in collaboration with the NICD, is working on enhancing bio surveillance and laboratory readiness to detect radiological or biological events quickly. Educational institutions are also stepping up, with the University of Pretoria and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) launching research programs to develop indigenous CBRN detection capabilities. These multidimensional efforts reflect a broader adoption trend and underline the expanding scope of the South Africa CBRN defence market.

Key Industry Players and Strategic Collaborations Shaping the Market

The South Africa CBRN defence industry comprises both local capabilities and international partnerships that are critical to market development. Armscor continues to play a central role in procuring CBRN-related equipment for the SANDF, collaborating with both local defense SMEs and global contractors. On the regional level, South Africa is working closely with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to build cross-border response capabilities. European and North American defence contractors are engaging in public-private partnerships to co-develop training platforms and supply chain resilience solutions. In 2023, Rheinmetall Denel Munition, a key local defence manufacturer, announced plans to invest in a CBRN detection system in collaboration with a Swedish technology provider. Another key player is Safeguard Scientific, which has introduced modular CBRN response kits designed for rapid deployment in high-risk zones. Government collaboration with the U.S. DTRA and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) has enabled access to training modules and global best practices. These strategic alignments are fostering an innovation-led, capability-driven approach that strengthens South Africa’s position as a key regional player in the CBRN defence sector.

Future Outlook: Charting a Resilient and Integrated CBRN Defence Roadmap

Looking ahead to 2033, the South Africa CBRN defence market is expected to expand in both scope and technological sophistication. Future developments will likely include the integration of artificial intelligence for threat detection, the use of UAVs for remote sensing, and the deployment of real-time data fusion systems for command and control. Environmental monitoring systems tailored to chemical leaks and biological outbreaks will also see increased implementation across urban centres. The SANDF is projected to allocate greater budget shares toward CBRN preparedness, especially with the growing emphasis on homeland protection and disaster response. South Africa’s role as a regional hub for CBRN training and response coordination will likely be solidified through partnerships with entities such as the African Union's African Centre for Disease Control and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Moreover, institutional resilience through cross-sector coordination—defence, health, energy, and environment—will be vital in creating a holistic and agile response mechanism. With its unique strategic position, increasing multilateral collaborations, and a growing focus on innovation, the South Africa CBRN defence sector is well-positioned for long-term transformation and leadership in the African continent.

Author: Surender K (Vertical Head – Aerospace & Defence)

*Research Methodology: This report is based on DataCube’s proprietary 3-stage forecasting model, combining primary research, secondary data triangulation, and expert validation. [Learn more]

South Africa CBRN Defence Market Segmentation