Ibutho Defence Technology, in collaboration with the US-based Hyperian Aerospace, is set to transform South Africa’s defence and aerospace landscape through a pioneering joint venture known as the Ibutho-Hyperian JV.
From hypersonic missiles to AI-guided drones and cybersecurity infrastructure —Ibutho Defence Technology is aiming to position South Africa at the forefront of next-generation defence. Formed through a strategic joint venture with Hyperian Aerospace, the company promises local innovation with global reach. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Robert Statica, co-founder of the Ibutho-Hyperian JV, shared the vision behind this ambitious project, shedding light on how it could reshape South Africa’s industrial capacity, defence strategy, and even its role on the global stage.
At its core, Ibutho Defence Technology stands out as a trailblazer. It’s the first wholly black-owned aerospace defence company in South Africa, a fact that carries deep historical and social weight. Teaming up with Hyperian Aerospace, a firm known for its advanced defence solutions, Ibutho is bringing world-class technology to South African soil. But this isn’t about simply importing know-how.
Forged in South Africa, Engineered for the Continent
IBUTHO’s emergence signals a pivotal shift in African defence sovereignty — shifting from imported dependency to homegrown innovation. Partnering with the globally renowned hypersonics leader HYPERIAN AEROSPACE, the joint venture is developing and manufacturing next-generation platforms from South African soil, with deep knowledge-sharing and technology transfer at its core.
This partnership has already yielded two operational defence pillars:
KAMBISA™ – Africa’s First Hypersonic Missile Defence Platform
At the heart of IBUTHO’s missile shield is KAMBISA, a national hypersonic missile defence platform designed to neutralize long-range, high-speed aerial threats with unmatched precision. Developed in collaboration with HYPERIAN AEROSPACE, KAMBISA integrates:
- HM1- HM3 Mach 15-25 hypersonic interceptors
- Directed Energy Weapons (DEW)
- AI-guided multi-spectrum radar arrays
- Mobile and stationary launch systems
- Full command autonomy for sovereign control
This system delivers real-time defensive response capabilities and is designed for highly strategic installations, national capitals, and defense command centers. KAMBISA is modular, scalable, and export-ready under secure strategic partnership agreements.
NQABA™ – The Ultimate Border Defence Platform
Named after the Xhosa word for “protection,” NQABA is a multi-layered border defence platform combining:
- HTV (Hyper Tactical Vehicles) equipped with hypersonic missile pods, Avenger cannons, DEWs, and mobile AI command
- Gryphon Armed Drones for ISR, interdiction, and surveillance
- QuadSight-SX4 Drones for 24/7 aerial perimeter coverage
- Sentinel Towers with advanced cameras, infrared, and tracking systems
- Autonomous sensor fusion grid integrated with the national command
Deployed as a ring of protection across borders, ports, and remote terrains, NQABA creates a real-time deterrent force against insurgencies, trafficking, and illegal incursions — with full sovereignty retained by the host nation.
SKYLIFT VTOL – A New Era in South African Aerospace
The third crown jewel in IBUTHO’s offering is the SKYLIFT VTOL — a revolutionary Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft capable of transporting up to 50 passengers, 10 tons of cargo, or executing tactical roles with battlefield precision.
Key specifications:
- Range: 3,000 miles
- Speed: Mach 0.94
- Altitude: Up to 35,000 ft
- Propulsion: Multi-fuel system with vectored thrust
- Variants: Civilian, cargo, tactical (firefighting, medical evac, SAR, military)
Built to operate from short or remote landing zones, SKYLIFT delivers unmatched mobility for military forces, disaster relief, border patrol, and regional airlines, fully manufactured in South Africa through the IBUTHO–HYPERIAN JV.
ROIC: The Rise of Africa’s First AI-Powered Defence Cloud
All IBUTHO systems feed into a central command platform known as ROIC — the Regional Operations & Intelligence Centre. Located in South Africa, ROIC serves as the neural brain of IBUTHO’s All-Domain Defence System, integrating:
- ATHENA 2.0 AI Defense OS for battlefield coordination, predictive analytics, and threat mitigation
- Real-time command of air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains
- Seamless control of KAMBISA and NQABA platforms via encrypted AI-assisted dashboards
- Full situational awareness across multi-theater and multi-national operations
“We are building a fortress for Africa, by Africans. It’s not just about deterrence — it’s about dignity, sovereignty, and security at scale,” says Sam Fidelis, Chairman of IBUTHO Defense Technologies.
Statica made it clear that the goal is to manufacture these systems locally, tapping into South Africa’s resources and talent to drive what he calls the “fourth industrial revolution” in aerospace, artificial intelligence, and cyber defence. This joint venture, he argued, positions South Africa as a prime hub for cutting-edge defence systems, with the potential to influence not just the country but the broader African continent and beyond. One of the most exciting aspects of this venture is its focus on hypersonic systems. For those unfamiliar with the term, hypersonic refers to speeds exceeding Mach 10—ten times the speed of sound. To put that into perspective, a trip from New York to Johannesburg, which typically takes 22 hours by plane, could be slashed to just 53 minutes. Ibutho is designing a passenger aircraft that could make this a reality, allowing people to travel anywhere on Earth in under an hour and a half.
This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about redefining how we use time, one of our most precious resources. Imagine flying to a meeting in another country and being back home for lunch. Beyond speed, this aircraft promises an environmental breakthrough. Powered by compressed hydrogen, it would produce zero CO2 emissions, marking a historic first in aviation—a clean, high-speed travel option that doesn’t harm the planet. The implications of hypersonic technology extend far beyond civilian travel. In the defence realm, Ibutho is developing hypersonic missiles and AI-guided drones that could give South Africa a formidable edge.
These systems, capable of rapid response and pinpoint accuracy, are designed to strengthen the country’s military capabilities. Artificial intelligence is the backbone here, acting not just as a tool but as a foundational infrastructure—much like a power grid. Statica likened it to flipping a switch: AI will be seamlessly integrated, processing data and enabling real-time decisions to keep these systems running smoothly. This blend of speed and smart technology could redefine how South Africa defends its borders, airspace, and maritime zones. The ripple effects of this industrial push are just as compelling.
Statica estimated that the venture could create between 20,000 and 100,000 jobs across South Africa and the African continent in the next one to five years. These aren’t just any jobs—they span high-skill roles like engineering, programming, and avionics, as well as supporting positions that bolster the broader economy. To make this happen, Ibutho is forging partnerships with local universities and industry players. Engineering students, programmers, and electrical engineers will work alongside seasoned experts, starting with internships that lead to permanent placements after graduation.
This collaboration aims to build a steady stream of young talent, equipping them to lead in fields like propulsion systems, electronics, and AI development. It’s a long-term investment in South Africa’s human capital, with the potential to spark widespread economic growth. Funding such an ambitious project requires serious investment, but Ibutho is taking a modern approach. For the first time in this sector, the company is pursuing a private-public partnership, blending government backing with private industry enthusiasm. Statica noted that aircraft production isn’t cheap, but they’re cutting costs through innovative methods like digital engineering—designing everything on computers, from airflow modelling to structural testing—and 3D printing, which reduces the need for massive factories.
This lean, tech-driven strategy has already attracted keen interest from partners eager to get on board, suggesting that the financial foundation is solid. Ibutho isn’t content to keep its innovations local. The company plans to export its systems to BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), the African Union, and Latin America. Statica reported a surge of interest following a recent soft launch, with countries reaching out non-stop to join the project. Why the enthusiasm? These systems are top-tier, unmatched globally, and powered by AI-driven solutions that keep humans in the decision-making loop while letting technology handle the heavy lifting.
For many nations accustomed to importing advanced defence tech, the idea of African-built solutions is a game-changer. South Africa’s strategic position, skilled workforce, and this cutting-edge partnership make it an ideal base to produce rather than purchase, enhancing not just its own security but offering a model for the continent. On the security front, Ibutho’s ambitions are comprehensive. The company aims to modernise South Africa’s entire defence framework—covering air, sea, land, space, and borders—with AI at the helm. Statica envisioned a continent-wide defence network where systems communicate via via AI, helping nations protect their territories and tackle regional conflicts, contraband, and illegal border crossings.
By identifying threats and coordinating responses, this infrastructure could bring stability to a region long plagued by such issues. It’s a bold vision, but one that’s already resonating with AU and BRICS partners who see South Africa as a leader in this space. Cybersecurity is another critical piece of the puzzle. Ibutho is building a National Cyber Security Operations Centre to safeguard South Africa’s critical networks—think power grids, water systems, air traffic control, and government and military operations. Many of these systems are outdated and vulnerable to attacks, data leaks, and insider threats.
The centre will use post-quantum encryption to secure communications and AI to monitor and block intrusions in real time. Statica stressed the urgency: African governments face growing cyber risks, and this initiative aims to plug those gaps, ensuring data stays safe and infrastructure remains operational. It’s a proactive stance, designed to keep outsiders out and maintain national integrity. This joint venture is more than a tech project—it’s a statement of intent.
Ibutho Defence Technology and Hyperian Aerospace are positioning South Africa as a global player in defence and aerospace, leveraging local ingenuity to meet African challenges. With private and public support, a focus on sustainability, and a commitment to skills development, this could be the spark that propels South Africa into a new era of innovation, security, and prosperity.
