The Institute for Maritime Technology was founded in 1975 to provide science based technological support to the South African Navy for carrying out its seaward military operations. Initially work undertaken was aimed at naval operational research and the establishment of underwater technology.

Over the years, capabilities have been developed to meet the growing demands of not only the SA Navy and other members of the maritime community, but also that of the other arms of service of the SANDF.

Today the Institute for Maritime Technology, a Division of Armscor Defence Institutes (Pty) Ltd is a multi-disciplinary company specialising in technological research and development, as well as specialised products and services.

The Institute for Maritime Technology's main objective remains the capability to provide techno-military insight to the South African Navy. The Division consists of two business units namely: