SA 'in a hurry' to acquire more military equipment

From multibillion-dollar aircraft and drones to advanced avionics suites, munitions, simulators, armoured vehicles and artillery - the African Aerospace and Defence show pulled out all the stops this week.

The trade show drew exhibitors from Russia, China, Germany, the UK, India and the US.

Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula opened the Pretoria event on Wednesday saying that South Africa's desperation for military equipment had increased because what it had was ailing and ageing.

The exhibition ends today.

The government recently concluded a 20-year defence review, which is currently being considered by parliament's defence portfolio committee.

"There will be re-prioritisation, but we are in a hurry... there is an urgency... the military is desperate to address the challenges it faces, especially in terms of heavy transport aircraft," Mapisa-Nqakula said.