Electrical engineer at CSIR Technology for Special Operations (TSO) in Stellenbosch, Yusuf Mowzer, joined the organisation’s team of defence technology experts at this year’s Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, Africa’s premier aerospace, maritime and defence trade exhibition held from 16 to 20 September 2026 at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria.
This year’s AAD 2026 served as a platform for showcasing the CSIR’s partnerships with industry and other organisations. Electrical engineer at CSIR Technology for Special Operations in Stellenbosch, Yusuf Mowzer, shared his expertise in radio communication technologies with young people.
The event was open to the public, offering young people exposure to science, technology, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) career opportunities, as well as advanced technologies such as radar and sensor systems, aerospace, electronic warfare, cyber defence, situational awareness, surveillance, advanced manufacturing and defence systems.
“A lot of the technologies on display were electrical, mechanical, industrial and chemical engineering-related research technologies, all of which are required for solutions in the defence sector,” Mowzer says. “It is an exciting space to be in, particularly at the CSIR, where we have a strong focus on research, development and innovation.”
It has been reported that nearly 28 000 trade visitors flocked to this year’s event. At the CSIR’s TSO exhibition, visitors had the chance to interact with striking visual graphics depicting the TSO’s projects and interventions, such as the quick-release launch system for deploying boats from a large vessel to a smaller vessel, battery technologies, the radio communications project Mowzer is involved in and the Tower Escape Safety System, a mechanical rail mechanism designed to evacuate submariners safely from a bottomed or disabled submarine tower.
“My interests were in radio communications, such as walkie-talkies and the communication methods associated with them. I had pleasant experiences enquiring about technologies with delegates at the event, who were very forthcoming with information and eager to explain and share the ins and outs, as well as practical hands-on experiences, of the technologies,” Mowzer says.
“When pursuing the STEMI career, events like these serve as a good example and preview of careers, technology and innovation possibilities, because they expose people to opportunities that are not typically well known and this is why the exposure matters,” he says.
Such sights are not common everyday occurrence and when reflecting on some of his personal highlights at the event, Mowzer says: “I had never seen those Gripen fighter aircraft with my own eyes. During the day, aircraft were being test-flown, all of which generated a sense of awe. To experience the aircraft’s power, sound and speed firsthand created an even greater appreciation for the technology.”
The CSIR also participated in the concurrent AAD Youth Development Programme, which had Mowzer teeming with excitement. “I enjoyed speaking to the younger crowd and demystifying the CSIR for the youth. A career in defence technologies or even aviation is not always top of mind for young people. You see aspects of these fields depicted in movies, but they can feel like far-fetched ideas. This exhibition can break down barriers and open one’s mind,” Mowzer says.
“Not only was it my first opportunity to travel to the CSIR Pretoria campus, but I also learnt that defence experts across the CSIR are using the same technologies for different applications. Nonetheless, it was great to meet many of my colleagues in person for the first time, learn about the work they are doing and explore potential internal collaboration opportunities.”
The CSIR’s exhibition stand was bustling with trade fair visitors and was staffed by its optronics, robotics and aerospace specialists. Featured technologies included the Swift Target Drone, CSIR wind tunnels, the Operation Command Centre Asset and Fleet Management System, Cmore Situational Analysis Platform, the Cyber Early Warning System, digital identity solutions, the Optronic System Simulator, Electronic Countermeasure Trainer, Rino and Tyto optical systems, physical security intelligence solutions, the C-Gull Synthetic Aperture Radar, Inundu Pod, passive radar and the Electronic Warfare Mission Support System.
“Technology is always evolving and it is important to remain abreast of developments, stay curious and be willing to learn more to improve one’s skills and capabilities,” Mowzer says. “It was impressive to see the capabilities the CSIR has to offer, such as one of the 3D-printed designs that is aviation-proof. Viewing the designs on a smaller scale allows one to assess their feasibility for sectoral and industry uptake.”
Highlights of the event included the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative on 17 September 2026, a milestone demonstrating the contribution of sustained public investment, supplier development, localisation and industry collaboration to the growth of South Africa’s aerospace, defence, marine and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Published 21 October 2026