Pretoria: 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.
According to South African Government News Agency, speaking at the media launch of the AAD, the Minister expressed South Africa's determination to ensure the exhibition's success and further demonstrate the country's capacity to host major international engagements of strategic importance. The exhibition, hosted under the theme: "Africa's Gateway to Defence and Aerospace Collaboration," is the only aerospace and defence exhibition and air show of its kind on the African continent. It ranks among the world's leading aerospace and defence exhibitions, serving as a strategic platform for showcasing technological innovation, facilitating international collaboration, promoting defence diplomacy, and strengthening trade and investment globally.
The Minister highlighted the significant growth of AAD since its inception 25 years ago, noting its meaningful contribution to South Africa's economy, particularly through tourism, trade, local procurement, job creation, and revenue generation. South Africa aims to further increase the exhibition's economic contribution, creating opportunities for job creation, investment, skills development, and industrial growth.
AAD 2026 will feature major industry players showcasing the latest technological innovations in aviation, aerospace, and defence. It will provide a platform for dialogue and engagement on international defence and aerospace developments, emerging technologies, and best practices. This year's edition introduces several specialised innovation hubs designed to showcase emerging technologies, innovative solutions, and developments across the industries.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) will be prominently featured, building on the success of AAD 2022, which secured regulatory clearance for UAV flights during the air show. The Minister noted that unmanned systems have evolved from a niche to a core capability in modern air power, reshaping defence planning and investment while fostering innovation and collaboration.
The AAD will host approximately 12,000 learners from all nine provinces, providing exposure to innovation, career pathways, and educational opportunities within the sectors. To date, 33 countries and 287 exhibitors from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas have confirmed participation in AAD 2026.
General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defence Force, described the expo as an opportunity for the public to understand the armed forces' work. Soldiers will demonstrate mini-war scenarios, providing public insight into the challenges faced by soldiers in protecting the country. Lieutenant General Carl Moatshi, Chief of the SAAF, confirmed the Air Force's readiness to present the spectacular air displays that are a major attraction of the expo.
