AI, autonomous systems, and low-cost drones are rapidly transforming modern warfare, but their impact extends far beyond the battlefield.
At the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 expo at Air Force Base Waterkloof, industry leaders highlighted how relatively inexpensive unmanned tech is shifting global defence strategies.
For African nations facing vast borders and tight budgets, long-endurance drones offer a smarter, cost-effective security alternative. Moreover, South Africa’s defence engineering sector stands uniquely positioned to turn this military innovation into economic growth and everyday civilian tech.
That was one of the themes emerging from Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 at Air Force Base Waterkloof recently, where drones, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and electronic warfare were among the technologies focused on the future of defence.
Daniel du Plessis, vice president at Milkor Africa, says one of the biggest changes is the growing availability of capable, relatively low-cost unmanned technology.
“We see more and more often that low-cost drones outfitted with some level of AI can significantly change the scene in a war environment,” he says.
For Africa, that development is significant, with the continent facing a mixture of border security challenges, organised crime, insurgencies and extremist groups, while many operate with limited defence budgets.
Keeping pace with technology
One of the challenges is that defence planning and procurement can move considerably slower than technology.
Du Plessis believes many African countries are not yet adequately prepared for the growing use of relatively inexpensive unmanned systems, although he says there is an opportunity to change this.
“It is now, more than ever, of the utmost importance for African defence forces and governments to join hands in improving their capabilities and fostering long-term support relationships to counter these threats.”
For countries with large areas to monitor, unmanned aircraft can also offer an alternative way of thinking about defence spending.
Du Plessis points to long-endurance UAVs such as the Milkor 380, saying their operating costs can be significantly lower than those associated with conventional manned aircraft.
Long-endurance systems can fly more frequently, cover larger areas and remain operational for longer periods.
“African governments should focus on this and think of the long-term benefits to implementing UAVs, rather than five-year procurement cycles,” he says.
That does not necessarily mean replacing conventional aircraft or other military equipment, but points to a future in which unmanned systems become another part of a country's security infrastructure.
A South African opportunity
The growth of this technology also raises a question for South Africa. Can the country develop more of these systems locally instead of relying on imported technology?
Du Plessis believes the capability already exists.
“South Africa’s defence industry still has world-class capabilities with innovations in unmanned systems, armoured vehicles, applied electronics and tactical communication systems being featured every year,” he says.
The challenge, he says, is less about technical ability and more about creating a stronger relationship between government and industry.
In his view, underfunding of the SANDF has meant that companies have increasingly had to follow commercial opportunities and determine the direction of their own innovation.
“Should the South African government be able to allocate funding for strategic innovation, the industry will be able to execute the mandate,” he says.
There is also an economic argument for this.
South Africa's defence industry is a highly specialised sector requiring engineers, software developers, technicians and people with advanced STEM skills.
Du Plessis says the industry could become a catalyst for economic growth through exports, job creation and technologies that eventually find applications outside defence.
From defence to everyday life
Military technology finding its way into civilian life is not uncommon.
Du Plessis points to technologies such as the internet and mobile phones as examples of technologies associated with defence research that eventually became part of everyday life.
He believes today's unmanned and autonomous systems could follow a similar path.
“These systems are no longer weapons and bombs, but rather unmanned, autonomous, AI and software-driven systems that could be used in agriculture, private security, manufacturing, mining and other industries.”
The invisible battle
The electronic battle is another part of modern warfare that is less visible than aircraft and drones.
As unmanned systems become more dependent on communications, navigation and digital networks, electronic warfare becomes increasingly important.
A sophisticated drone is of limited use if its communications or navigation systems can be disrupted.
For this reason, Du Plessis says governments need to look beyond simply purchasing new equipment.
“Modern challenges require more than modern solutions,” he says.
Operational readiness and the ability to deploy and maintain systems are ultimately what determine whether an acquisition delivers the expected capability.
That makes long-term relationships between governments and technology companies increasingly important, rather than only buying equipment and expecting it to remain effective for years without continued support.
AI brings new risks
Du Plessis says that some of the technologies now grouped under the broad AI label are not new to defence. Machine learning, object detection and recognition, automation and control systems have been used for years.
What has changed is how quickly these technologies are developing and how widely available they have become.
That creates opportunities, but also risks.
“Low-cost unmanned systems outfitted with AI for semi-autonomous operations could lead to catastrophic results if used by the wrong entities,” he says.
The challenge for the defence industry is not only about developing increasingly sophisticated systems, but also developing ways of detecting, disrupting and countering them.
“Advancements are rapid, development cycles are shorter, and AI is getting more and more advanced each week,” he says about what AI could look like in the next five to 10 years.
Watching Africa’s borders
For Africa, one of the most immediate applications could be border surveillance.
The continent's vast distances and porous borders create opportunities for organised crime groups, insurgents and extremist organisations to move people and goods across countries.
Persistent aerial surveillance could provide governments with greater visibility over areas that are difficult and expensive to monitor from the ground.
Du Plessis believes African governments should consider partnerships with local defence companies and technology providers as part of that broader approach.
But the same drones, sensors, software and autonomous systems being developed for military applications could eventually become part of agriculture, mining, manufacturing, security and infrastructure management.
For South Africa, that creates a potential opportunity to turn an established defence engineering base into an industry capable of developing technology for both national security and civilian life.
The drone may have started life as a military tool, but its future could be much closer to home.
willem.vdputte@nationalmg.co.za