By Charmaine Ndlela
South Africa has declared itself ready to host the 13th edition of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition and airshow, with organisers marking 100 days before the continent’s largest aerospace and defence gathering gets underway.
The five-day event will take place at Air Force Base Waterkloof from 16 to 20 September 2026 and is expected to attract more than 60,000 visitors, as well as industry leaders, defence manufacturers, government representatives, technology innovators, and international delegations.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, exhibition director Nakedi Phasha said preparations were well advanced and that this year’s edition could rank among the biggest since the event’s inception.
“We are looking to host no fewer than 300 exhibitors from more than 40 countries. In terms of official delegations, we have invited more than 200 and are targeting 100 confirmed delegations from 100 countries,” Phasha said.
She said the exhibition would serve as a global platform for the aerospace, aviation and defence industries to showcase new technologies, strengthen partnerships and explore investment opportunities.
“Africa Aerospace and Defence is a five-day trade exhibition, with the first three days reserved for trade. During those days, parallel conference events will bring together regional and international stakeholders to engage on key issues affecting the sector,” she said.
The exhibition will feature demonstrations of unmanned aerial systems, a dedicated space technology hub, and displays across air, land, and maritime defence sectors.
The final two days will be open to the public, with organisers expecting more than 60,000 visitors to pass through the base over the course of the event.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga highlighted the strategic importance of the exhibition in showcasing South Africa’s aerospace and defence capabilities and reinforcing its leadership role on the continent.
Organisers confirmed participation from more than 40 countries through official delegations, exhibitors and industry stakeholders.
Held biennially, AAD has established itself as Africa’s leading aerospace and defence exhibition and airshow, bringing together policymakers, manufacturers, innovators and defence experts to explore emerging trends in the sector.
Phasha said international interest continued to grow, with additional confirmations from foreign exhibitors and aircraft participants still being received.
“AAD is an international airshow. We have invited international participants, including aircraft exhibitors, and confirmations continue to come in,” she said.
“South Africa is ready. It is ready for business. The defence industry is ready for partnerships, and we invite the world to join us at Air Force Base Waterkloof from 16 to 20 September 2026.”
