​DAIRU is a research entity that attracts members from the defence sector and other dual-use industries as well as multi-disciplinary academic research entities seeking to create or exploit comparative and sovereign advantages within the Artificial Intelligence (AI) knowledge domain. DAIRU is mandated to facilitate research and innovation through national and international collaborative research projects.

The DAIRU Steering Committee is located at the Faculty of Military Science in Saldanha.; and the stakeholders are represented in various South African organisations that are interested in AI and its impact on national security.

DAIRU will be launched on 3 May 2024 at the South African Military Academy Saldanha. The launch will be presided over by Hon Mr Mondli Gungubele, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, and Hon Ms Thandi Modise, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans. Key defence stakeholders from the defence community will be in attendance. These will include, but not limited to the following: some members of the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Stellenbosch University leadership, Captains of defence industry and defence related media. It is envisaged that the Chief of the SANDF will be among the speakers.

The commandant of the South African Military Academy, Brig Gen de Castro, and the Dean of the Faculty of Military Science, Prof Tshehla, will host the event.  DAIRU represents a unique partnership between Government, Academia and civil society for national prosperity and advancement.  It positions the South African National Defence Force and Stellenbosch University as a leaders in the application of artificial intelligence in defence.