With the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA) the lead partner organising the 2026 Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) expo, commercial aviation as well as drones will be high on the exhibition agenda.
At an AAD stakeholder engagement event in Pretoria last week, CAASA Chief Executive Kevin Storie emphasised the growing importance of Africa’s aviation sector as not just an industry but as a tool to unlock Africa’s economic potential, notably through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Aerospace and defence play crucial roles in Africa’s development,” he said. AAD 2026 will, amongst others, serve as a platform for sustainable aviation solutions, airport infrastructure etc. particularly as South Africa is a key aviation hub on the continent.
“At AAD 2026 we aim to promote the policy development of aviation, ensuring it remains a thriving sector for growth,” Storie said. Drones will be a key focus as they reshape the global defence landscape “making drone technology a critical focus area for South Africa and Africa.”
In a radio interview ahead of the stakeholder engagement, Storie noted that AAD 2026 Diamond sponsor Milkor manufactures “incredible equipment that is used the world over,” including surveillance aircraft. Its Milkor 380 is the largest unmanned aerial vehicle designed and built in Africa.
“We’ve got multiple components that are involved in the drone spaces…there’s lots of fantastic equipment we’ve built such as the Rooivalk. That’s the level of technology and capacity we have in South Africa. On a recreational side it’s arguable to say that South Africa produces one of the best gliders in the world in Jonker Sailplanes. We have some fantastic talent in south Africa, we’ve got fantastic companies that really the whole world can utilise. Most of South Africa may not be aware that we build components for Boeing, for Airbus,” Storie said. “While we might be at the bottom of Africa, we have quite a big footprint going into the world and our expertise is world renowned.”
The CAASA Chief Executive Officer told stakeholder engagement attendees that the world is a “challenging place” at the moment, but at AAD 2026 “business is the order of the day, not chaos.”
As AAD is a government-endorsed national event, this recognition reinforces its role in driving economic growth, fostering technological innovation, and strengthening global partnerships, Storie said. AAD is a “premier platform” for collaboration between government, industry, and international stakeholders.
AAD 2024 had significant global representation, with nine national pavilions and 86 official delegations from 33 countries, showcasing the event’s international prominence in the defence and security arena. There were 77 aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles present, 22 970 trade visitors, 37 007 general public visitors, and 11 000 Youth Development Programme participants. The event positioned Africa as a key player in the global aerospace and defence field, Storie said, but the organisers want to attract even more international participation and investment at the 2026 edition.
Tshwane Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise said the city is honoured to host AAD. Gauteng is the country’s economic powerhouse and drives 40% of industrial production, and 60% of the country’s exports. In addition to hosting an economically stimulating event, AAD can assist with tourism in Gauteng as it brings in thousands of international visitors, Modise said. He also called for the development of Pretoria’s Wonderboom airport, which has as much potential as Lanseria International, particularly with regard to pilot training.
Siphiwe Dlamini, Head of Communication (HOC) in the Department of Defence (DoD), promised that President Cyril Ramaphosa would feature during the opening of the 2026 exhibition. During AAD 2024, Ramaphosa visited on the second day of the show and engaged extensively with exhibitors and international delegates during an in-depth tour of the event.
AAD Exhibition Director Nakedi Phasha said AAD 2026 will be “another landmark event. Building on the success of previous editions, AAD continues to serve as Africa’s premier platform for the defence and aerospace industries, bringing together global leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to shape the future of our sectors.”
Exhibition bookings are now officially open, with early bird rates available until 30 September 2025. “I look forward to welcoming you to Air Force Base Waterkloof from 16-20 September 2026, where we will once again redefine possibilities, inspire innovation, and strengthen global connections,” she said.
AAD 2026 is being organised by the Department of Defence and Military Veterans (DoDMV), Armscor, the SA Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD) and CAASA.
