The CSIR’s Technology for Special Operations (TSO) research group has supported the needs of the special operations forces in defence and security operations over many decades. Scientific and engineering expertise, independence and a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing these forces are the important factors that drive this partnership.

Outside of traditional R&D, TSO also engages directly in strategic planning, policy and doctrine development, training, testing and evaluation projects, exercises, and life cycle management of operational systems for groups such as the South African National Defence Force, Special Task Force of the South African Police Services and other government departments. TSO is also uniquely geared for quick reaction tasks to support operational emergencies.