The role of industry in the development and maintenance of air defence systems was highlighted at the 2013 South African Joint Air Defence Symposium (SAJADS) in Pretoria on Tuesday.

The theme for this year's event is 'Integrated Joint Air Defence within SADC [Southern African Development Community] and the Department of Trade and Industry's Action Plan to Enhance Indigenisation'.

Delivering the opening speech on behalf of South African Navy Chief Vice Admiral Johannes Mudimu, Rear Admiral Rusty Higgs stated "in particular I thank all our partners in industry for their contribution to this symposium, particularly in view of the theme of this symposium, that revolves around continued industrial participation with the military to advance the need for indigenisation of our inventory and thus improve cooperation and interoperability between our neighbours in SADC and ourselves. This will not only develop our local industry but also ensure that our armed forces have a sustainable inventory that is suited to operations within the African battle space."

He noted that SADC sought, through its Mutual Defence Pact, greater cooperation in defence and security matters, in order to resolve conflicts, settle disputes, and achieve military preparedness and collective self defence. Furthermore, the Department of Trade and Industry aimed at developing a "dynamic industrial, globally competitive, South African economy, characterised by inclusive growth and development, decent employment and equity, built on the full potential of all citizens".

"The symposium is thus aligned with the South African government's commitment to SADC as an enabler for the regional integration and sustainable development," Higgs stated. "Through cooperation in the fields of exchanging and sharing technology, developing and procuring indigenous standardised equipment, [and] formulating operating procedures and doctrine, conducting mutual training opportunities and exercises will contribute directly towards our operational readiness to jointly function effectively and efficiently in all mandated operations."

In modern military jargon, the term 'joint' indicates operations involving more than one service, such as army and air force, air force and navy, or all three together. SAJADS 2013, which is the eighth iteration of the biennial event, is being hosted by the South African Navy and is being held at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research International Convention Centre.