The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 exhibition officially concluded on Sunday, bringing an end to five days of aviation, defence and aerospace activity at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria.
The milestone event also celebrated 25 years of AAD, marking a quarter-century since the modern exhibition was established in 2000. Over five days, exhibitors, government delegations, aviation professionals and thousands of public visitors gathered for Africa’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition.
A Showcase for African Aerospace
AAD opened with dedicated trade exhibition days, where manufacturers, defence companies and industry stakeholders showcased new technologies, aircraft and aerospace capabilities. The event then welcomed the public for a weekend of aerial displays, static aircraft exhibitions and demonstrations by the South African Air Force.
As Africa’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition, AAD continues to serve as a meeting point for manufacturers, airlines, defence companies, government delegations and aviation professionals from across the continent.
Looking Ahead to 2028
With the 2026 edition now complete, attention turns to AAD 2028. Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga officially announced that the next edition will take place from 27 September to 1 October 2028, while formally handing over leadership to the organisers of the upcoming event. Organisers will once again bring together the trade exhibition, conference programme and public air show that have become the hallmark of the event.
After celebrating 25 years of AAD, the next edition will continue the exhibition’s legacy as Africa’s leading gathering for aerospace, aviation and defence industries.
