ЮАР представит на конференции AAD 2026 систему двойного назначения для усиления оборонной логистики

The South African Defence Group (SADG) will present a focused paper on dual-use technology at Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026, highlighting how sovereign digital systems developed for commodity management can strengthen defence logistics and industrial capability. Dr Mthobisi Zondi, Executive Chair of SADG, will deliver a paper titled “Dual-Use Technology: A Case Study of the Integrated Commodity Tracing and Authentication System (ICTAS)” during the conference programme at Air Force Base Waterkloof. ICTAS was originally developed as sovereign digital infrastructure for agricultural and mineral commodity tracking for a country located within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The system combines a permissioned blockchain (Hyperledger Fabric), unique digital identity (Commodity Tracking ID), IoT sensor networks, edge computing and automated compliance engines. Every batch receives a verifiable digital identity; quality certificates, chain-of-custody events and warehouse receipts are recorded immutably; and real-time GPS and condition monitoring provide continuous visibility. Although designed for civil commodity markets, the architecture maps directly onto defence requirements. Applications include unique digital identity and provenance tracking for ammunition lots and critical components, real-time fleet and convoy tracking for military logistics platforms, depot and ammunition accounting with environmental monitoring, automated support for end-user certificates and Arms Trade Treaty reporting, and SADC-wide logistics interoperability for joint and African Standby Force operations. “In constrained budget environments, the ability to extract dual dividends from a single sovereign platform provides strategic advantage,” said Dr Zondi. “ICTAS demonstrates that investments in transparent, blockchain-anchored systems can simultaneously strengthen food and mineral governance while reinforcing the logistics backbone that underpins defence readiness. It also supports the broader goals of sovereign capability, defence innovation and exportable industrial strength.” The paper aligns with key themes emerging from the recent Defence Industry Lekgotla, particularly Defence Innovation, Sovereignty and Exports, as well as the SANDF’s emphasis on digital transformation and sustainment. Commercially, the dual-use model allows civil revenue to underwrite continuous technology development while generating sovereign intellectual property that remains under regional control. SADG focuses on defence and security solutions, dual-use platforms and industrial capability development across Southern Africa. The full short paper will be available to authorised parties ahead of AAD 2026. Contact South African Defence Group (SADG) Building 11, Sunninghill Office Park, 20 Peltier Drive, Sunninghill, 2191 www.sadg.co.za | [email protected] Event The AAD 2026 Conference (16-18 September) forms part of Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026, Africa’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition, and is expected to attract delegates from across the defence, aerospace and security sectors. The full conference agenda is available at https://aadconf.aadexpo.co.za/agenda/. Registration is open, with Early Bird rates available until 31 July 2026. For conference registration, programme information and sponsorship opportunities, visit the AAD Conference website.