A significant milestone has been reached in the countdown to the 13th edition of the biennial Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Trade Exhibition and Air Show, taking place from 16–20 September 2026 at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Centurion, City of Tshwane, South Africa. As of 8 June 2026, only 100 days remain until Africa’s premier tri-service exhibition opens its doors, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, government stakeholders and aviation enthusiasts from across the globe.
To celebrate this milestone, AAD, in collaboration with its partners, the South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Association (AMD), the Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (Armscor), and the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA), along with the South African Department of Defence and Military Veterans (DOD), unveiled the 100-day countdown to AAD 2026.
The event culminated in a physical setting at CT Hotel, where the exciting features and activities planned for AAD 2026 were outlined. Ms Nakedi Phasha, the Exhibition Director for AAD, stated, this year’s theme, ‘Africa’s Gateway to Global Defence and Aerospace Collaboration,’ encapsulates our commitment to fostering global partnerships and showcasing the impressive capabilities within the aerospace and defence sectors. As the only event of its kind on the continent and one of the top six in the world, AAD is truly in a class of its own.” Phasha further stated that Airshow tickets are officially on sale through Ticketpro.
The event was officially opened by the Chief Operations Officer at ARMSCOR, Mr Sipho Mbhokota, who emphasized that AAD it shouldn’t be juts an event in the defence calendar but a strategic place where collaboration and partnerships are forged.
One of the day’s key highlights was the official launch of the AAD Youth Foundation, an initiative to empower the next generation of talent in the aerospace and defense industries. The occasion was further marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the AAD Youth Foundation and Sci-Bono, a strategic partnership, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Aviation, and Mathematics) education for South Africa’s youth.
In her Keynote Address, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Honourable Angie Motshega concluded her speech by saying. “South African defence companies exported over R10 billion worth of military equipment and munitions in 2025, nearly triple the 2024 total. We aim to position the South African Defence Industry as a critical economic asset ready for expansion to drive national development. AAD 2026 is part of that repositioning”.
Following the 100 Days countdown celebration, members of the media attended a briefing hosted at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), where key stakeholders provided updates on preparations for the upcoming Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 exhibition and airshow.
The panel featured the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Major General (Ret.) Bantu Holomisa; Chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Carl Moatshe; Chairperson of the Africa Aerospace and Defence Executive Committee, Mr Kevin Storie; AAD Exhibitions Director, Ms Nakedi Phasha; Chief Operations Officer of Armscor, Mr Sipho Mbhokota; and AMD representative, Ms Michelle Nxumalo.
The briefing highlighted the state of readiness for AAD 2026 and reaffirmed the collective commitment of all stakeholders to delivering a world-class exhibition that will showcase Africa’s aerospace, defence, and innovation capabilities to the continent and the global market.
