1975: The Birth of AAD
The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo traces its origins to the civilian “Aviation Africa” exhibition, which debuted at Lanseria Airport in October 1975. Initiated by the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA) and World Airnews, the event combined a trade exhibition for commercial aviation vendors with a public air show. Over time, this foundation merged with the DEXSA military exhibition to form the modern AAD Expo.
1995: SAAF ’75 Expo
In 1995, the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association of South Africa (AMD) organized the SAAF ’75 Expo at Waterkloof to mark the 75th anniversary of the South African Air Force. The success of this event demonstrated growing demand for a combined defence and commercial aerospace showcase.
1998: Formation of Aerospace Africa
To accommodate expanding military participation, CAASA and AMD joined forces in 1998, rebranding the exhibition as “Aerospace Africa” and relocating it to Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof in Centurion. The initial combined event hosted 254 trade exhibitors from 21 countries.
2000: Establishment of Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD)
In 2000, Aerospace Africa formally merged with the biennial Defence Exhibition of South Africa (DEXSA) to create Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD). Jointly hosted by AMD, Armscor and CAASA—with support from the South African National Government, Department of Defence and Department of Trade and Industry—the event became the premier defence and civil aviation exhibition on the continent. That same year, the SAAF celebrated its 80th anniversary with an Air Tattoo at the show.
2004: International Growth
By 2004, AAD attracted 428 total exhibitors (194 direct and 234 indirect) representing 25 countries, alongside 52 official delegations from 37 nations.
2006–2010: The Cape Town Years (AFB Ysterplaat)
- 2006: AAD relocated to AFB Ysterplaat in Cape Town for the first time, attracting over 22,000 trade visitors and 120,000 public air show attendees.
- 2008: The exhibition hosted 400 exhibitors from 35 countries and nearly 80 foreign delegations, including 20 defence ministers.
- 2010: Marking its final iteration at AFB Ysterplaat, AAD 2010 featured 350 direct and 150 indirect exhibitors, 77 aircraft, 61 high-level international delegations, 13,000 trade visitors and over 80,000 public attendees.
2012: Return to the City of Tshwane
AAD returned to its permanent home at AFB Waterkloof in 2012. The trade exhibition drew over 40,000 professional visitors, 120 official delegations and 84 static and flying aircraft, while the public air show hosted nearly 93,000 spectators.
2014: First Appearance of AHRLAC
AAD 2014 was highlighted by the public and operational debut of the Advanced High-Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft (AHRLAC). Developed in South Africa by Paramount Group and Aerosud, the light reconnaissance and precision-strike platform marked a significant milestone for indigenous African defence engineering on the global trade stage.
2016: Debut of the Portuguese Air Force Airbus C295
AAD 2016 featured the first appearance of the Airbus C295 tactical transport aircraft operated by the Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa). The multi-role airframe was displayed to highlight tactical airlift, maritime surveillance and search-and-rescue (SAR) capabilities tailored for international defence and humanitarian operations.
2018: Denel Showcases RG41 8×8
At AAD 2018, Denel showcased its RG41 8×8 armoured combat vehicle fitted with a 30 mm modular combat turret. The platform was highlighted as a new-generation wheeled armored vehicle designed as a cost-effective solution combining high mobility, protection and firepower.
2022: Hensoldt South Africa Marks World Rhino Day
During AAD 2022, Hensoldt South Africa commemorated World Rhino Day on September 22 by celebrating five consecutive years of zero poaching at the world’s largest rhino conservancy. The milestone highlighted how the company’s advanced defence and surveillance technologies have successfully protected large rhino populations, contrasting with national statistics that saw 259 rhinos lost to poaching across South Africa in the first six months of 2022 alone.
2024: First Appearance of Chinese Y-20 and Embraer C-390
AAD 2024 marked a major milestone with the debut of two strategic airlift platforms making their first appearance at the show: the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Xi’an Y-20 heavy strategic transport and Embraer C-390 Millennium multi-mission tactical airlifter. Their presence underscored the event’s standing as a global showcase for international defence equipment and heavy strategic air mobility capabilities.
