# Sandock Austral Defence rebrands to South African Defence Group

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2025/12/sandock-austral-defence-rebrands-to-south-african-defence-group/
- Published: 2025-12-04T17:06:02+01:00
- Author: Sarah Lesedi

Sandock Austral Defence has officially rebranded as the South African Defence Group(
SADG). The announcement, made at the Houghton Golf Club in early November, signals
a shift from traditional equipment manufacturing to a capabilities-based model focused
on sustainment, modernisation, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Established in 2019, the company was previously a division of the Sandock Austral
Group. The rebranding formalises its separation from Sandock Austral Shipyards, 
allowing the new entity to operate as a standalone defence and security business.
According to CEO Dr. Mthobisi Zondi, the move is not merely cosmetic but represents
a fundamental change in how the company engages with military clients, particularly
in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“We invest a lot in developing capability that is flexible and adaptable,” Zondi
said to _DefenceWeb_, adding that SADG first tries to understand the client’s problem
and then offer access to solutions. “We first try to understand the client’s problem
and then offer access to solutions.”

### **Reviving Naval Readiness: The Frigate Solution**

A primary focus for SADG is the South African Navy’s (SAN) Valour-class frigate 
fleet. The four MEKO A-200SAN frigates have faced [well-documented availability issues](http://military.africa/2023/04/south-african-navy-allocated-r1-4-billion-to-refit-fleet/)
due to deferred maintenance and budget constraints. SADG is currently engaged with
the Navy to implement an upgraded Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)—the
ship-wide network that monitors propulsion, electrical, and damage control systems.

Zondi noted that the Navy’s struggles with platform availability required a move
away from traditional maintenance cycles. SADG is proposing an in-house predictive
maintenance module that leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning(
ML). This system analyses data from the IPMS to predict component failures before
they occur, allowing for “just-in-time” maintenance that reduces costs and increases
time at sea.

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“Our team is continuously combing the solution space and the problem space for a
match between solutions and the issues that the client is struggling with,” Zondi
said.

Beyond the frigates, SADG is expanding its footprint on the Warrior-class Multi-
Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels (MMIPVs). In collaboration with Global Command and
Control Technologies (GC2T), SADG is promoting the ‘Mission Commander’ system. This
tactical suite integrates an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS),
Blue Force Tracking, and inputs from the Transition 100 unmanned aerial vehicle (
UAV). The system aims to give the MMIPVs—and potentially the Navy’s hydrographic
survey vessel—a comprehensive multi-mission capability.

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### **Landward Modernisation: Mamba and Rooikat**

For the South African Army, SADG is executing upgrades on two legacy platforms: 
the Mamba armoured personnel carrier (APC) and the Rooikat armoured car.

The Mamba, a mine-protected vehicle that has seen decades of service, is the subject
of a turret upgrade program. Originally featuring a manual mount for 7.62 mm or 
12.7 mm machine guns, the system has evolved at the SA Army’s request into a Remotely
Operated Weapon Station (ROWS). This modification moves the gunner inside the protected
hull, drastically improving survivability during engagements.

The system, developed with a local defence partner, has passed testing and is scheduled
for demonstration at the [SA Army’s Exercise Vuk’uhlome](https://www.military.africa/2025/12/sa-army-shifts-to-brigade-level-focus-for-exercise-vukuhlome-2025/).
Zondi emphasised the modularity of the system, noting it can be adapted to other
vehicle types. The wider Mamba modernisation plan uses a phased model to address
affordability, with a prototype vehicle currently undergoing conversion for testing.

Simultaneously, SADG has been appointed to explore the rehabilitation of the Rooikat
fleet. The 8×8 armoured reconnaissance vehicle, armed with a 76mm high-velocity 
gun, provides the SA Army with deep penetration and mobile firepower. SADG’s mandate
covers roughly 42 vehicles, ranging from de-preservation (bringing vehicles out 
of long-term storage) to modernisation. This project involves a consortium of local
companies, reinforcing the domestic supply chain.

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### **Strategic Partnerships and Cross-Industry Tech**

The rebranding emphasises collaboration over competition. Zondi highlighted partnerships
with established South African firms, including Armormax (integrating SADG turrets
onto 6×6 vehicles), Twiga (vehicle upgrades), and [OTT (Ratel IFV upgrades).](https://www.military.africa/2023/07/ott-technologies-to-deliver-remanufactured-ratels-to-an-african-military/)

The group is also aggressively targeting the unmanned systems market. Its combat
drone, displayed at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition earlier this
year, features a 30 kg payload and a 20 km range. While capable of carrying multiple
40 mm grenades for precision strikes, the platform is also marketed for Intelligence,
Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and force protection roles.

### **Navigating Budget Constraints**

SADG’s strategy acknowledges the fiscal reality of the African defence market. With
the [SANDF budget under severe strain](https://www.military.africa/2023/03/financial-woes-continue-to-impend-south-african-militarys-readiness/),
the company aims to derive 65% of its revenue from non-military sources, repurposing
defence technology for the commercial security sector.

Zondi cited a solution developed for a telecommunications client facing battery 
theft at cell towers. SADG deployed a layered security system utilising AI algorithms
to analyse movement patterns, triggering non-lethal effectors such as high-decibel
acoustic devices and strobes to disrupt intruders. Similar “Metropolitan Junction
Protector Systems” are being marketed to the banking and retail sectors to secure
critical infrastructure.

### **The Push for Public-Private Partnerships**

Perhaps the most notable shift in SADG’s approach is its advocacy for Public-Private
Partnerships (PPPs). Zondi argues that the traditional procurement model is too 
slow and capital-intensive for the current climate. He pointed to new PPP regulations
gazetted in 2025 as a potential breakthrough, allowing industry to submit Unsolicited
Proposals (USPs) directly to the SANDF.

Under this framework, Service Chiefs are obliged to respond to proposals within 
45 days. This mechanism allows private industry to propose “contracting for capability”—
where the contractor guarantees the availability of a system (like a frigate or 
a vehicle fleet) rather than simply selling parts.

“One of the things we hope to do as SADG is to work as a catalyst to transform the
entire defence ecosystem at the policy level, institutional level, and regulation
level,” Zondi stated. “There are a lot of capabilities that lie in the industry,
but the SANDF is unable to access them because policy and procedures are outdated.”

By formalising the split from the shipyard business and consolidating its land and
electronic warfare offerings, SADG is positioning itself not just as a supplier,
but as a sustainment partner essential to the SANDF’s operational survival.

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