SA stands ready to host AAD exhibition

With just a couple of hours to go, South Africa stands ready to host the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Exhibition that gets underway tomorrow, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga said on Tuesday.

“I can say with confidence today that South Africa is once again ready to host AAD 2026, which is expected to attract more than 30 000 trade visitors and dignitaries from more than 30 countries to Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria from 16 to 20 September 2026,” the Minister said.

Speaking at the media launch of the AAD, the Minister said South Africa is determined to ensure that the exhibition is a success and further demonstrates South Africa's capacity to host major international engagements of strategic importance — convening the right stakeholders, at the right level, to advance the sector's shared agenda.

Hosted under the theme: "Africa's Gateway to Defence and Aerospace Collaboration," AAD is the only aerospace and defence exhibition and air show of its kind on the African continent.

It is ranked among the world's leading aerospace and defence exhibitions and serves as a strategic platform for showcasing technological innovation, facilitating international collaboration, promoting defence diplomacy, and strengthening trade and investment across the global aerospace and defence sectors.

“Since its inception 25 years ago, AAD has grown significantly and has made a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s economy, particularly through tourism, trade, local procurement, job creation and revenue generation,” she said.

The Minister said South Africa aims to grow the contribution of the exhibition to the economy, and create further opportunities for job creation, investment, skills development and industrial growth.

“Once again, AAD will bring together some of the world’s major industry players to showcase the latest technological innovations in the aviation, aerospace and defence sectors. It will also provide a platform for dialogue and engagement on international defence and aerospace developments, emerging technologies and best practices.

“AAD 2026 will introduce several specialised innovation hubs designed to showcase emerging technologies, innovative solutions and developments across the aerospace and defence industries.”

In addition, this year’s edition of the exhibition will place Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) firmly in the spotlight as large and small unmanned systems will feature prominently across the exhibition and flying display, building on the milestone achieved in AAD 2022, when the show secured its first-ever regulatory clearance to fly UAVs during the air show.

“This year, we recognise that unmanned systems have evolved from a specialised niche into a core capability of modern air power, becoming one of the fastest-growing areas in defence and aerospace. Their rapid development is reshaping how defence forces plan, train and invest, while creating new opportunities for innovation, collaboration and technological advancement across the continent and beyond,” she explained.

Over the course of the weekend, the AAD will aim to host approximately 12 000 learners from all nine provinces, providing them with meaningful exposure to innovation, career pathways and educational opportunities within the aerospace and defence sectors.

“To date, 33 countries and 287 exhibitors from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America have confirmed their participation in AAD 2026,” she said.

The Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya, described the expo as an exciting opportunity for the public to gain a better understanding of the work of the armed forces.

He said soldiers will demonstrate mini-war scenarios based on real battlefield situations, providing members of the public with an insight into the challenges faced by soldiers when protecting the country.

Chief of the SAAF, Lieutenant General Carl Moatshi, said the Air Force is ready to fill the skies with the spectacular air displays that have become one of the major attractions of the expo.

READ | Denel to showcase defence capabilities at AAD 2026

– SAnews.gov.za

 

Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.