South Africa is ready to host the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Exhibition, which will take place at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria from 16 to 20 September 2026.
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga said the exhibition is expected to attract more than 30,000 trade visitors and dignitaries from over 30 countries.
Speaking at the media launch, Motshekga said South Africa was determined to make AAD 2026 a success while demonstrating the country’s ability to host major international events of strategic importance.
Hosted under the theme “Africa’s Gateway to Defence and Aerospace Collaboration,” AAD is regarded as the only exhibition and air show of its kind on the African continent.
It is also ranked among the world’s leading aerospace and defence exhibitions. The event provides a platform to showcase technological innovation, strengthen international cooperation, promote defence diplomacy and encourage trade and investment.
According to Motshekga, AAD has grown significantly since its establishment 25 years ago and continues to contribute to South Africa’s economy through tourism, trade, local procurement, job creation and revenue generation.
The government hopes to expand the exhibition’s economic contribution by creating further opportunities for employment, investment, skills development and industrial growth.
“AAD will once again bring together some of the world’s major industry players to showcase the latest technological innovations in the aviation, aerospace and defence sectors,” Motshekga said.
The event will also facilitate discussions on international defence and aerospace developments, emerging technologies and industry best practices.
Unmanned aircraft take centre stage
AAD 2026 will introduce several specialised innovation hubs showcasing new technologies, solutions and developments within the aerospace and defence industries.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, will be among the exhibition’s main attractions. Large and small unmanned systems will feature in both the exhibition and flying displays.
This follows a milestone achieved during AAD 2022, when the event received regulatory clearance to fly UAVs during its air show for the first time.
Motshekga said unmanned systems had developed from a specialised technology into a central component of modern air power. Their rapid growth is changing how defence forces plan, train and invest while creating new opportunities for technological innovation and cooperation.
Learners to explore career opportunities
Approximately 12,000 learners from all nine provinces are expected to attend AAD during the weekend.
The programme will expose learners to innovation, educational opportunities and possible careers in the aerospace and defence sectors.
A total of 33 countries and 287 exhibitors from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America have confirmed their participation.
Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya, said the exhibition would allow members of the public to gain a better understanding of the work performed by the armed forces.
Soldiers will present simulated mini-war scenarios based on real battlefield situations, offering visitors insight into some of the challenges faced while protecting the country.
Chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Carl Moatshi, said the Air Force was ready to present the spectacular aerial displays that have become one of the exhibition’s main attractions.
Source: SAnews.gov.za
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