Armoured vehicles and defence systems are displayed at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition in Pretoria, showcasing South Africa’s landward defence manufacturing capabilities. Photo: Luyanda Danca, NNA News

NNA News - The 13th Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition ended in Pretoria on Sunday after five days focused on aerospace technology, defence manufacturing, industrial development and international partnerships.

Held at Air Force Base Waterkloof from Sept. 16 to 20, the biennial event brought together defence companies, government representatives, military delegations and aerospace specialists under the theme “Africa’s Gateway to Defence and Aerospace Collaboration”. The exhibition included three trade days followed by two days of public air displays. Organisers said the 2026 edition featured 259 exhibitors from 30 countries, while earlier government projections had anticipated more than 300 exhibitors and delegations from more than 50 countries.

Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga said the exhibition was intended to strengthen South Africa’s defence industry while creating opportunities for international cooperation. “I do hope that, again, this exhibition will help us strengthen the work and the discussions we had at the Lekgotla, of supporting our defence industry and doing all we can as government in partnership with the industry, universities, and also research institutions,” Motshekga said ahead of the exhibition. She also described AAD as an opportunity for defence diplomacy and stronger relationships between participating countries.

The exhibition's industrial focus comes as South Africa seeks to strengthen domestic capabilities in aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing. Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau said the country had deliberately pursued the development of local research, design and manufacturing capabilities rather than relying entirely on imported defence technology. “The ability to design, build, maintain and export our own platforms is a matter of national sovereignty,” Tau said at an AAD-related event on Sept. 17. He added that artificial intelligence and cybersecurity were changing the aerospace and defence sectors and that countries were increasingly restructuring supply chains around strategic technologies.

Visitors and exhibitors gather among armoured vehicles and aerospace equipment at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria. Photo: Guy Martin

Armscor executive manager Segomotso Tire told Xinhua that AAD also created opportunities for African companies to build relationships with international counterparts. She identified aerial vehicles, augmented reality and cybersecurity as areas where cooperation could help companies gain access to advanced technologies and develop specialised skills. The event also placed emphasis on young people entering the sector. Organisers said about 11,000 learners and students were expected to be exposed to aerospace and defence career opportunities during AAD 2026.

South African defence manufacturer Denel used the exhibition to showcase products including the Rooivalk attack helicopter, Badger landward systems, missile and unmanned aerial systems and advanced ammunition capabilities. Denel CEO Tsepo Monaheng said the event provided an opportunity for the company to reconnect with customers, partners and stakeholders while exploring new growth opportunities.

AAD combines a defence and aerospace trade exhibition with a public air show and is held every two years in Tshwane. Its 2026 edition placed particular emphasis on technology, industrial capability, skills development and international cooperation, reflecting the broader effort to connect African industry with global aerospace and defence markets.