South Africa has announced that it is ready to host the 13th edition of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) trade show and airshow, which takes place every two years. The country is also marking 100 days until the most important African event in the fields of aviation, space, and defense.

The expected exhibition is expected to attract hundreds of industry leaders, innovators, government officials, and representatives from the defense sector from around the world. This is intended to strengthen South Africa's position as an important player in the global aerospace and defense industry.

During a press briefing in Pretoria on Monday, Nakedi Phasha, the exhibition director, said that extensive preparations are underway to ensure the success of the event. According to the organizers, it should be one of the largest editions in the history of the exhibition.

"We aim to host at least 300 exhibitors from more than 40 countries. As for official delegations, we have invited more than 200. Our goal is to have 100 confirmed delegations from 100 countries. We expect that between September 16th and 20th, 2026, at least 60,000 people will visit the airbase," she said.

The exhibition will offer a platform to showcase the latest technologies in the fields of aviation, space, and defense. It will also create opportunities for investment, business partnerships, and collaboration across the African continent and beyond.

"Africa Aerospace and Defence is a five-day trade show, with the first three days reserved for industry professionals. During these three days, conference events will be held, where we will discuss various topics related to AAD with global and regional partners. We will showcase unmanned aerial vehicle technologies. In our space center, we will present space technologies. The airshow itself will include three components: air, land, and sea. During the last two days, we will open the airbase to the public, where we expect more than 60,000 visitors," said Phasha.

AAD, which takes place every two years, has established itself as the leading African exhibition and airshow in the fields of aviation, space, and defense. It brings together industry experts, policymakers, manufacturers, and innovators who follow new trends and developments in this sector.

"AAD is an international airshow. We have invited foreign participants, including aircraft exhibitors, and confirmations are still coming in. During the five days, we want to host the global defense and aerospace industry. We are here today to confirm that South Africa is ready. It is ready for business. The defense industry is ready for partnerships, and we invite you all to join us between September 16th and 20th, 2026, at the Waterkloof airbase," she said.

Thedipolomaticsociety/SAnews.gov.za