The initial three days are focussed on the trade Expo and conference and then there are two days of public air show on the Saturday and Sunday.
The first Trade Day of AAD 2026 included for formal opening ceremony for the event. Hangar 6 was setup for the official opening, with tight security - scanners and searches of bags, for potentially dangerous items - manned by SAPS personnel.
The red carpet lined by a guard of honour and the flags of participating nations and the Navy marimba band to welcome guests was set up outside the hangar.
Hangar 6 ready for opening ceremony.
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans arrives with deputy Chief of SA Defence Force.
There was a salute as Minister of Defence & Military Veterans and Deputy Chief of SA Defence Force took to the podium. The choir then rendered the National Anthem.
Delegates were welcomed by the Deputy Mayor of Tshwane, the host city, Mr Eugene Modise, also expressing concern about the terrible recent murders of multiple women and expressed sympathy for families at this difficult time. Mr Modise has a PPL obtained at a flying school at Wonderboom National Airport, so he has some understanding of aviation.
Tshwane Deputy Mayor welcomed the delegates.
Deputy Minister of Defence & Military Veterans, Maj Gen (Ret) Bantu Holomisa noted that the government held a Defence Industry Legotla in July and recognised that priority now had to be given to the local defence industry in terms of budget and support.
He then introduced the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mrs Angie Motshekga, former Minister of Basic Education.
Deputy Minister Holomisa introduces Minister Motshekga.
Minister Motshekga welcomed the various delegations from other countries. 86 delegations from 33 countries were expected to attend. There were more than 250 exhibitors from 30 countries. It was estimated that more than 30 000 trade visitors from in excess of 50 countries would attend the Expo.
The Minister also emphasised that the clear support from Government the defence industry recognises that it is driver of both national security and economic growth.
The Minister then declared the AAD 2026 event formally open.
Minister Motshekga addressing the opening ceremony and formally opening AAD 2026.
The theme for AAD 2026 is "Africa's Gateway to Defence and Aerospace Collaboration". Celebrating 25 years of the AAD event, the only such expo in Africa.
There was also an AAD conference over the three trade days and 30+ industry speakers were to address and expected 300 delegates. Each day had an overall strategic theme: The Future of Warfare, African Defence Industry Showcase and Commercial and Military Aviation.
Keynote addresses at the conference were made by Gen. Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief, South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Lieutenant Gen. Carl Moatshe, Chief, South African Air Force (SAAF).
The choir closes off the opening ceremony.
There is an important emphasis on exposing our young people to the technologies represented and between 11000 and 13000 learners from across the country had been invited to attend.
Hangar 7 housed the Youth Development Foundation with different stands making opportunities available for young people to be exposed to the potential career opportunities in the defence industry, opportunities to interact with people in the defence and aviation sectors, availability of bursaries for study and promotion of Science, Technology and Mathematics subjects.
Some significant exhibitors in Hangar 4.
Hangar 7 was dedicated to the Youth Development Program - presentations and demonstrations to showcase career areas and technology.
Some outdoor exhibits - SAPS, Drone application, SAAF 41 Squadron and Jonker Sailplane.
Hangar 2 exhibits - South African DTIC and other countries.
Main exhibits in Hangar 3.
There was a General Aviation park showing some aircraft and related services booths.
The Silver Falcons, 85 Air Combat School and 2 Squadron were setting up their memorabilia stalls in preparation for the public airshow days. The Silver Falcons promise a 4-ship team for the West Coast airshow in March 2027.
Airbus had outside exhibits with their helicopters and a Casa 295 from the Angolan Air Force.
Paramount had and extensive outdoor display, but the Mwari with it's array of optional equipment was the most impressive aviation-related exhibit.
The AAD trade exhibition was more limited than in previous years and we look forward to seeing the promised growth in the local defence and aviation industries.
AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 Heavy Metal at Boeing Plaza 651
