NATIONAL NEWS - South Africa is ready to welcome the global aerospace and defence industry to Pretoria this week, with more than 30 000 trade visitors and dignitaries from over 30 countries expected at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 Exhibition.
The five-day event gets underway on Wednesday, 16 September, at Air Force Base Waterkloof, bringing together governments, defence and aerospace companies, industry leaders, technology innovators and visitors from around the world.
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga said South Africa was ready to host the exhibition, which has become an important platform for international engagement, trade and investment in the aerospace and defence sectors.
“AAD 2026” is being held under the theme “Africa's Gateway to Defence and Aerospace Collaboration” and is the only aerospace and defence exhibition and air show of its kind on the African continent.
Global aerospace and defence industry converges on Pretoria
The exhibition has grown significantly since it was launched 25 years ago and has become a major international platform for showcasing technological innovation, strengthening defence diplomacy and creating opportunities for trade and investment.
According to Motshekga, 33 countries and 287 exhibitors from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America have confirmed their participation in this year's event.
The exhibition is also expected to contribute to South Africa's economy through tourism, local procurement, job creation, skills development and revenue generation.
The government wants to build on this contribution by using AAD to create further opportunities for investment and industrial development.
“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,” Motshekga said.
The event will also provide opportunities for discussions around emerging technologies, international defence and aerospace developments and industry best practice.
Unmanned systems take centre stage
One of the major features of AAD 2026 will be the growing role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other unmanned systems.
Both large and small unmanned platforms will feature prominently in the exhibition and flying displays.
The focus builds on a milestone achieved at AAD 2022, when the exhibition secured regulatory clearance for UAVs to take part in the air show for the first time.
Motshekga said unmanned systems had evolved from a specialised niche into an increasingly important capability in modern defence and aerospace.
Their rapid development is changing the way defence forces plan, train and invest, while creating opportunities for innovation and technological development.
AAD 2026 will also feature specialised innovation hubs showcasing emerging technologies and new solutions across the aerospace and defence industries.
AAD looks to boost trade, investment and jobs
Beyond the military hardware and flying displays, the exhibition is expected to have a significant business and economic focus.
AAD provides a meeting point for international companies, governments and industry stakeholders looking for opportunities to collaborate, invest and develop new technologies.
The South African government views the event as an opportunity to demonstrate the country's ability to host major international events while strengthening its position within the global aerospace and defence value chain.
The exhibition's economic contribution also extends beyond the event itself, with visitors supporting accommodation, transport, hospitality, tourism and other local businesses in the Pretoria area.
12 000 learners to explore aerospace careers
AAD 2026 will also have a strong education and skills-development component.
Approximately 12 000 learners from all nine provinces are expected to attend over the weekend, giving young South Africans an opportunity to learn more about innovation, technology and career opportunities in aerospace and defence.
The initiative is intended to expose learners to possible career pathways in sectors that require skills ranging from engineering and aviation to technology, manufacturing and research.
For the industry, the programme also provides an opportunity to encourage the next generation to consider careers in highly specialised technical fields.
Air Force prepares for spectacular flying displays
For members of the public, the flying displays remain one of the major attractions of AAD.
South African National Defence Force Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya said the exhibition would give the public a greater understanding of the work of the country's armed forces.
Soldiers will also demonstrate mini-war scenarios based on real battlefield situations, offering visitors an insight into the challenges faced by members of the armed forces.
South African Air Force Chief Lieutenant General Carl Moatshi said the Air Force was ready to deliver the aerial displays that have become synonymous with the exhibition.
With international exhibitors, emerging technologies, business opportunities and public displays all forming part of the programme, AAD 2026 is set to put Pretoria at the centre of the African aerospace and defence conversation from 16 to 20 September. – SAnews.gov.za
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