Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026
Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 is Africa’s only aerospace and defense expo combining a trade exhibition with an air show. Held biennially in the City of Tshwane, South Africa’s administrative capital, the event showcases technologies across the air, land and sea sectors.
The exhibition brings together professional and business visitors from across the aerospace and defense industries, including representatives from the armed forces, government, equipment procurement organizations, defense and general aviation contractors, operators, end users and research establishments.
Image credit: AAD
AAD is regarded as a national asset in South Africa and is one of the country’s largest contributors to GDP during show years. The event provides a platform for exhibitors and visitors to view aerospace and defense technologies, meet industry professionals and experience aviation demonstrations.
When is Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo 2026?
Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo 2026 will take place from 16–20 September 2026.
The event will feature a three-day trade exhibition followed by a two-day public air show.
Themes at AAD 2026
AAD 2026 will showcase developments across aerospace and defense technologies covering air, land and sea applications.
The event will feature technologies and solutions from the aviation and defense sectors, including aircraft, UAVs, defense systems and related industry capabilities.
What’s On?
AAD 2026 will combine a trade exhibition with a public air show.
The trade exhibition will provide access to aerospace and defense technologies, with opportunities for professional and business visitors to engage with exhibitors and industry representatives.
The public air show will feature a range of aviation displays, including:
Air Demonstrations
The air show will include world-class air demonstrations, aerobatic displays, parachute drops and mobility track demonstrations.
Aircraft and Static Displays
Visitors will be able to view static displays featuring aircraft from some of the biggest names in the aviation and defense industries.
Youth Development Programme
A dedicated Youth Development Programme Pavilion will provide interactive activities for young visitors. Activities include plastic model building, virtual aviation, simulators, target shooting, first aid and crime scene investigation.
AAD Registration and Tickets
Registration is available for trade visitors, media representatives and exhibitors. Air show tickets are available for public visitors.
Trade exhibition admission is restricted to professional and business visitors who have been invited. Visitors should be involved in legitimate areas of the defense or general aviation industry, including the armed forces, government, equipment procurement organizations, defense and general aviation contractors, operators, end users and research establishments.
All stand personnel, visitors, guests, contractors and service providers must pre-register. Applications are subject to a security clearance process.
Where is Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo 2026?
AFB Waterkloof / Waterkloof Air Force Base
Waterkloof 378-Jr
Centurion, 0157
South Africa
How to Get to AAD 2026
From OR Tambo International Airport
From OR Tambo International Airport, take exit 46 for the R21 N towards Kempton Park and Pretoria.
Merge onto the R21 and take exit 12 for M31 / Nellmapius Drive towards Centurion.
Turn left onto Nellmapius Drive / M31, then turn right onto Van Ryneveld Avenue / M28.
From Midrand
Head northwest toward Old Pretoria Main Road and turn right onto Old Pretoria Main Road.
Take the third left to remain on Old Pretoria Main Road, then take the first left onto New Road.
Merge onto the N1 towards Pretoria and continue onto Ben Schoeman Freeway.
Take the exit towards M10, turn left onto M10 and continue to the destination.
To learn more about Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
