The 2026 Africa Aerospace and Defense (AAD) exhibition has concluded in Pretoria, bringing together aerospace and defence companies, government representatives and industry professionals to showcase technologies and discuss opportunities for cooperation.
Held from Sept. 16, the event highlighted developments across the aerospace and defence sectors, with participants presenting aircraft, defence equipment and related technologies.
The exhibition also provided a platform for discussions on cooperation in aerospace and defence, reflecting growing efforts to strengthen industrial and technological capabilities across the African continent.
AAD is one of Africa’s major aerospace and defence exhibitions, attracting international companies and delegations to South Africa and providing opportunities for governments and industry players to explore partnerships, investment and technology cooperation.
The 2026 edition comes as African countries seek to expand domestic industrial capacity and develop stronger technological capabilities, including through international partnerships and investment in advanced manufacturing.
The event also underscored the role of South Africa as a major hub for the continent’s aerospace and defence industries, bringing together international and African stakeholders in Pretoria.

