The skies above Air Force Base Waterkloof came alive on Saturday as the first public day of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 airshow officially got underway in Centurion, Pretoria.
Following three days dedicated to trade visitors, industry leaders and international delegations, the weekend flying programme welcomed thousands of aviation enthusiasts to Africa’s largest aerospace and defence event.
Trade Exhibition Concludes after Three Days
Yesterday marked the conclusion of AAD 2026’s trade exhibition, which ran from 16 to 18 September and brought together manufacturers, airlines, defence companies, government officials and procurement delegations from across Africa and beyond. The exhibition is reserved for accredited media and trade visitors, serving as a platform for business discussions, product launches and international partnerships.
Aviation24news attended the opening trade day on 16 September, providing first-hand coverage and gaining valuable insight into the exhibition’s significance for the African aerospace and aviation industry. From commercial aviation suppliers to advanced aerospace technologies, the event demonstrated the growing role Africa plays in global aerospace collaboration.
A Spectacular Opening Day in the Skies
Saturday’s flying programme featured an impressive mix of military, civilian and aerobatic performances throughout the day. Highlights included the South African Air Force’s Gripen and Hawk solo displays, the powerful Rooivalk attack helicopter, the Zimbabwe Air Force K-8, as well as displays from the Flying Lions, Sling Formation Team, Global Aviation’s Lift Airbus A320 and Cobra Aviation’s Boeing 737. The programme also included parachute drops, helicopter demonstrations and the popular joint Gripen and Hawk combat display.
The public airshow continues to showcase both aviation heritage and modern aerospace capability, making it one of the continent’s most diverse flying displays.
What is AAD?
Held every biennially (every 2 years), the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo is Africa’s only event to combine a trade exhibition with a public airshow. Hosted at Air Force Base Waterkloof in one of South Africa’s three Capital cities, AAD is recognised as one of the world’s leading aerospace and defence exhibitions, bringing together participants from more than 30 countries across the air, land and maritime sectors.
Beyond the flying displays, the event plays an important economic and strategic role by facilitating business opportunities, technology exchange and collaboration between African and international organisations.
Final Day takes Flight Tomorrow
AAD 2026 concludes tomorrow, 20 September, with a second full day of public flying displays at Air Force Base Waterkloof. Visitors can once again expect a packed programme of fast jets, helicopters, formation teams and aerobatic performances as Africa’s premier aerospace exhibition draws to a close.
