2026 AAD
Exhibition Dates：16–20 September 2026
Venue：Pretoria, South Africa
Frequency：Biennial
Exhibition Introduction
As Africa’s premier air, land, and sea technology showcase, the 2026 Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) International Exhibition stands as the continent’s only integrated aerospace and defense expo combining a trade fair with a live airshow. Held biennially in Tshwane (Pretoria), South Africa’s administrative capital, AAD is recognized as a national asset, contributing significantly to South Africa’s GDP during exhibition years and serving as a cornerstone of Africa’s defense and aerospace industry development .
Building on its legacy since 2000, AAD 2026 will feature cutting-edge advancements across aerospace, defense, and security sectors, with a focus on network-centric warfare, uncrewed systems, and sustainable defense technologies. Organized by South Africa’s Department of Defence, Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD), and Armscor (South Africa’s state-owned defense procurement agency), the event aims to foster cross-border collaboration, attract foreign investment, and accelerate Africa’s military modernization .
Previous Edition Highlights (AAD 2024)
54,000 square meters of exhibition space (corrected from the original 5,400㎡, likely a typographical error).
259 exhibitors from 39 countries, including 9 national pavilions representing key African and international defense clusters.
22,970 trade visitors and 37,007 public attendees, alongside 11,000 participants in the Youth Development Programme (YDP), a critical initiative to nurture Africa’s next generation of aerospace professionals.
77 aircraft displays, including military jets, transport helicopters, and UAVs, complemented by 86 official delegations from 33 countries, underscoring AAD’s role as a pan-African strategic platform.
Exhibits Scope
Aerospace & Aviation
Aircraft: Military fighter jets, transport helicopters, civil aircraft, and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), including surveillance drones and combat UCAVs
MRO Services: Engine overhauls, avionics upgrades, and composite material repairs for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft
Airport Infrastructure: Ground support equipment, AI-driven air traffic management systems, and sustainable aviation fuel solutions
Defense Systems
C4ISR & Communications: Satellite-linked command centers, encrypted radio systems (VHF/UHF handheld and vehicle-mounted units), and AI-powered threat detection platforms
Weaponry: Anti-aircraft artillery, tank fire control systems, night-vision goggles, and non-lethal equipment (stun grenades, riot control vehicles)
Missile Systems: Surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), and drone countermeasures
Security & Emergency Response
Personal Protection: Ballistic vests, bomb disposal suits, and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) protective gear
Disaster Management: Search-and-rescue vehicles, thermal imaging drones, and mobile field hospitals with telemedicine capabilities
Border Control: Biometric scanners, X-ray cargo inspection systems, and AI-enhanced surveillance networks
Advanced Materials & Technology
Aerospace Composites: Lightweight alloys, thermal-resistant coatings, and 3D-printed aircraft components
Software Solutions: Cybersecurity protocols, logistics management AI, and flight simulation software for pilot training
Maritime & Naval Technology
Surface Vessels: Patrol boats, mine countermeasures (MCM) systems, and naval communication networks
Underwater Systems: Sonar arrays, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and submarine detection technologies
