The twelfth edition of Africa’s largest and only aerospace and defence trade exhibition and air show, the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, is scheduled to take place from September 18 to 22, at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion, Gauteng.

This year’s event is set to attract over 30 000 trade visitors who will have the opportunity to engage with more than 300 exhibitors from the aerospace and defence sectors.

During the three-day conference, the AAD exhibition will emphasise three topics of discussion in which aerospace and defence industry players, and/or attendees, can engage, enabling knowledge exchange for the industry’s strategic development.

On September 18, the topic of discussion will be ‘Future Warfare’, which will explore the latest innovations, technologies and trends that are shaping the future of military operations.

September 19 will play host to the South African Defence Industry Showcase Day, which will highlight the achievements, capabilities and challenges that the local defence industry faces.

The last day of the trade exhibition will be committed to discussing the topic of ‘Maritime Security’, and will focus on challenges, developments and initiatives that influence maritime security as well as the implications for Africa.

The AAD exhibition holds a prominent position in South Africa’s and the continent’s defence industry calendar.

The trade show has grown significantly with each edition, attracting major industry players globally to showcase “cutting-edge technological innovations” in aviation, aerospace and defence. It also provides a critical platform for dialogue and discourse on international defence, aerospace and related best practices.

Public Air Show

Upon the conclusion of the trade exhibition days, the AAD will host an air show that will be open to the public from September 21 to 22, where thrilling aerobatics and displays will be carried out by an array of aircraft, promising to entertain an anticipated 60 000 spectators.

The AAD exhibition will also allow for 12 000 learners from schools throughout South Africa to engage with aerospace industry experts and technologies through the Youth Development Programme, which is focused on providing educational resources, hands-on experiences, and mentorship for the purpose of fostering a passion for aerospace and defence among young people.

The AAD exhibition is organised under the guidance and custodianship of a partnership among the Armaments Corporation of South Africa, the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa, and the South African Aerospace, Maritime, and Defence Industries Association, with support from the Department of Defence.

The event also receives institutional support from other government departments, including State Security; Trade, Industry and Competition; and International Relations and Cooperation, as well as from the South African Police Service and the Tshwane Metropolitan Police.

The AAD exhibition and air show serves as a pivotal platform for the aerospace and defence sectors, fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth within the industry. This biennial event is highly anticipated, not only for its role in showcasing the latest technological advancements but also for its ability to bring together industry leaders, government officials and military representatives from around the world.