The countdown to the highly anticipated Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 exhibition officially reached its 100-day milestone on 8 June 2026. Scheduled to take place from 16 to 20 September 2026 at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria, this iteration marks the 13th edition of the exhibition and celebrates an impressive 25 years of aerospace and defence excellence.
As Africa’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, AAD 2026 continues to serve as a premier platform drawing industry leaders, trade exhibitors, official global delegations and visitors from across the continent and international markets. The milestone event highlights South Africa’s pivotal role in the sector while underscoring its reputation as a primary centre for innovation, engineering breakthroughs and technological progress. By attracting a highly diverse range of participants, AAD 2026 reinforces the country’s status as a regional hub for cutting-edge advancements and collaborative commercial opportunities in these strategic fields.
High-Level Stakeholder Alignment
Addressing stakeholders at the official countdown celebration, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga, stressed the vital importance of showcasing South Africa’s domestic manufacturing capabilities and reinforcing the country’s leadership role within the broader African defence and aerospace landscape.
The celebration was followed by a high-profile media briefing held at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) offices. During the briefing, Deputy Minister Major General (Ret) Bantu Holomisa, Chief of the SA Air Force Lieutenant General Carl Moatshe and prominent industry representatives shared operational updates on the advanced state of readiness for the exhibition.
Trade, Technology and Youth Development
Discussions during the briefing highlighted the extensive line-up of advanced air combat capabilities on display, the strategic focus on B2B trade during the first three days of the event and the public exhibition days featuring world-class aerobatic displays. Beyond the commercial and military showcase, organizers are prioritizing youth development alongside science, technology and innovation initiatives to inspire the next generation of African engineers and aviators.
As a foundational partner and primary stakeholder, the Department of Defence’s extensive participation in AAD 2026 solidifies its long-term commitment to strengthening sovereign defence capabilities, supporting domestic industrial growth and fostering multinational partnerships that contribute to South Africa’s overarching national security, economic development and technological advancement.
