Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo (AAD) 2026
Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo 2026 will take place from 16–20 September 2026 in the City of Tshwane, South Africa, bringing together the defense and aerospace sectors for a combined global trade exhibition and public air show.
Image credit: Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo
Said to be the only event of its kind on the African continent, AAD2026 convenes leaders in aerospace, defense, and security for business engagement and live demonstrations.
AAD is set to host industry professionals, military delegations, manufacturers, procurement specialists, and innovators from across air, land, and sea domains. Held biennially, AAD supports defense sector engagement across Africa and contributes to South Africa’s economy during show years.
When is the Event?
Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo 2026 is taking place September 16-20.
What’s On?
AAD2026 includes a three-day trade exhibition exclusively for defense and aerospace professionals, followed by a two-day public air show. The trade component connects exhibitors with government buyers, armed forces, and private sector contractors. The public days showcase aircraft and technology in live demonstrations.
Exhibitors can request meetings with foreign dignitaries through the official international military delegations program. The event also includes opportunities for business networking, meetings with official delegations, and live demonstrations throughout both trade and public days.
Full program and schedule details will be published closer to the event date.
Air Show
The public air show will feature aerial displays, mobility track activities, parachute drops, and demonstrations from leading global aviation and defense companies. Static aircraft displays and immersive technology exhibits will be included.
Additional activities will include:
- Simulator experiences and interactive aviation zones
- Family-friendly programming and youth engagement areas
Image credit: Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo
Themes
AAD2026 will focus on key areas across aerospace, security, and defense technologies, including:
- Civil and military aviation
- UAVs and remotely piloted systems
- Land systems, vehicles, and robotics
- Homeland security and surveillance
- Space technologies and satellite imaging
- Weapons, armaments, and combat systems
- Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO)
- Airport equipment and air traffic management
- Simulation and training technologies
- Energy, humanitarian logistics, and firefighting
Youth Development Programme
AAD2026 will feature a dedicated Youth Development Programme (YDP) to engage students and graduates with aerospace and defense industries. The initiative supports career awareness, STEM education, and access to internships and bursary information.
The program includes:
- Virtual aviation and simulator activities
- Model building and interactive exhibits
- STEM career guidance and university outreach
- Engagement with defense and aviation professionals
Exhibitors
Exhibiting at AAD2026 offers defense and aerospace companies access to procurement leaders, military stakeholders, and international delegations. Exhibitors may also participate in official meeting programs with visiting dignitaries.
AAD welcomes exhibitors ranging from defense contractors and aerospace manufacturers to systems integrators, research institutions, government suppliers, and solution providers in security, space, and civil aviation.
Participants can register through the event website and access information for international agents, exhibition stand builders, and sponsorship opportunities.
Where is the Event?
Air Force Base Waterkloof
Solomon Mahlangu Drive
City of Tshwane, South Africa
#AAD2026
To learn more about Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo (AAD) 2026, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
