The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition is one of the longest running such events on the continent, and is celebrating 25 years of existence. Defence Minister Angie Motshekga was the main functionary at an anniversary event and official launch of the 2026 edition at Air Force Base Waterkloof.
Delivering her keynote address on Thursday 15 January, Motshekga said AAD is a global and continental platform that allows exhibitors to engage on the evolving nature of the industry. The exhibition, Motshekga said, promotes exports that sustain the defence industry, firms up partnerships, attracts investment, cultivates skills, and strengthens Africa’s industrial base.
As no nation can meet the challenges of security by themselves, AAD allows participants to share knowledge and strengthen partnerships. Motshekga emphasised the critical role of defence in ensuring stability and fostering development, as a safe and secure environment attracts investment, stimulates growth, and allows economies to thrive. “Peace efforts may not always make headlines but their impact is real as economies can thrive,” she said. Defence, for example, plays a developmental role by securing borders.
Photo: Guy Martin
Mike Clark, President of the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA), said AAD is the largest aerospace and defence platform on the continent, and has stood the test of time, including enduring the Covid-19 pandemic. “Through resilience we pivoted back to healthy and thriving status.”
“This expo is a bridge between nations, people, and industry, bringing them together for shared progress.” He said government recognition as strategic national event underscores the importance of AAD, with the 2026 iteration set to be a groundbreaking edition.
Entrepreneur and AAD Youth Development Programme Chairperson Kholisile Khumalo highlighted the economic impact of AAD, which amounts to R500 million, according to a University of Pretoria study.
Part of the official launch on Thursday 15 January included an awards ceremony, with Contribution to AAD awards presented to members of the South African National Defence Force, CAASA, Aero Club of South Africa, Air Show South Africa, and AAD organisers. Winners of the AAD photographic competition were announced: Meghan McCabe received top spot for her winning photo, receiving a R6 000 prize, while Sebastian Horrell received R5 000 as the youth category winner. Francois Louw received R4 000 as the runner-up.
After Motshekga officially launched the 2026 edition of AAD, Exhibition Director Nakedi Phasha said it is now all systems go. “We are building a launchpad for Africa’s airspace and defence future. AAD 2026 is set to be bigger, better and bolder. AAD is not just an event but a platform to be reckoned with. As the longest serving such exhibition in Africa, it has stood the test of time.”
AAD a national event
AAD 2026, scheduled to take place from 16 to 20 September 2026 at Air Force Base Waterkloof, has been formally declared a national event by the South African government, signalling commitment to strengthening South Africa’s aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing capacity.
“It also broadens the platform’s relevance by giving companies outside the traditional defence environment, including those in mining, information and communication technology, engineering and high-precision manufacturing, a space to showcase dual-use technologies that support both industrial and national capability,” Phasha said.
AAD organisers and its partners, Armscor, the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association of South Africa (AMD) and CAASA, remain committed to ensure local manufacturers remain connected to international markets despite growing uncertainty.
“Through collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, South African firms also participate in key international exhibitions under the national pavilion programme, widening their visibility and improving export readiness,” Phasha told Engineering News.
She said that universities, research institutions and technology bodies use AAD to connect with industry, helping to support innovation across civilian aviation, space, robotics and advanced manufacturing. AAD’s impact has seen international partnerships formed at the exhibition resulting in joint ventures, co-production agreements and meaningful technology transfer into South Africa’s industrial base.
AAD has been promoted far and wide, including at other major global defence shows, including the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in the UAE, the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) in the UAE, the Defence and Security Equipment International Exhibition (DSEI) in the UK, and the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) in Turkey. “These engagements help position the South African industry within global networks and secure interest from government and corporate delegations,” Phasha said.
CAASA is the lead partner for the 2026 edition of AAD. Organisers are expecting more than 300 global exhibitors, 30 000 trade visitors, and 80 000 public visitors during the weekend air show days.
DefenceWeb has partnered with the AAD organisers to run the three-issue Show Daily magazine and three-day AAD Conference. For more information contact Robert Mace (sales), Guy Martin (editorial), or Ros Hinchcliffe (conference).
