Massive airshow to hit Pretoria: What you need to know
PRETORIA — South Africa has officially entered its 100-day countdown to the 13th biennial Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, declaring the country ready to host the continent’s premier trade show. The event, which is the largest of its kind in Africa, serves as a critical platform for the global aerospace and defence sectors to showcase emerging technologies and foster international partnerships.
During a media briefing held in Pretoria on Monday, Exhibition Director Nakedi Phasha confirmed that extensive preparations are underway to ensure the event ranks among the largest editions to date. Organisers are currently targeting over 300 exhibitors representing more than 40 countries. The exhibition is scheduled to take place at Air Force Base Waterkloof from 16 to 20 September 2026, with an expected attendance of at least 60,000 visitors.
The first three days of the five-day event will be dedicated strictly to trade and official delegations. Phasha noted that over 200 official delegations have been invited, with a goal of securing 100 confirmed delegations from various nations. These trade days will include parallel conferences where regional and global counterparts can discuss industry trends, investment opportunities, and collaborative frameworks.
Technological innovation remains a primary focus for the 2026 edition. The exhibition will feature a dedicated space hub and demonstrations of unmanned aerial technology. The show is designed to highlight tri-services capabilities across air, land, and sea sectors, reflecting the growing complexity and integration of modern defence systems.
The event concludes with a two-day public airshow, allowing the general public to witness aviation displays and explore the latest hardware. This biennial showcase is viewed as a vital economic driver for South Africa, reinforcing its status as a technological hub and a key player in the international defence market.
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