By Garth Calitz Despite the presence of cutting-edge technology at AAD 2026, including autonomous aircraft, advanced unmanned systems, and next-generation weapons and sensors, one of the exhibition's oldest attractions, the Mini War, still captivates the audience. The battlefield demonstration once again will bring together ground troops, armour, artillery and aviation assets in a fast-moving display designed to demonstrate how the South African National Defence Force can com

By Garth Calitz Airbus Helicopters and Denel Aerospace have used AAD 2026 to formalise a partnership aimed at strengthening South Africa’s ability to support and sustain the South African Air Force’s helicopter fleet. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at AAD 2026, establishing a long-term framework for industrial cooperation that could see greater maintenance, engineering and technical capability anchored in South Africa. At its core, the agreement

Paramount has unveiled its new V-Raven reusable vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft at AAD 2026, presenting a system designed to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), with a development pathway towards light attack. Previously known as the N-Raven, the programme has evolved significantly. Paramount has moved away from the original catapult-launched concept to a returnable VTOL aircraft family that can operate from dispersed

By Garth Calitz AAD 2026 has put the Centurion Aerospace Village (CAV) firmly back in the spotlight and potentially provided the catalyst for turning a long-standing industrial concept into a significant aerospace and defence manufacturing cluster. CAV is now seeking a strategic partner to accelerate the expansion of the development, located alongside Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion. The timing could hardly be more appropriate. Across the AAD exhibition, South African

By Garth Calitz Space is no longer simply the domain of superpowers and science-fiction enthusiasts. It is becoming a strategic military and commercial environment, and Africa is being forced to decide whether it will participate or simply pay the subscription fee. That was the focus of a panel discussion at the AAD 2026 Conference in Pretoria, titled “Space as a Strategic Domain: How Africa Can Secure, Commercialise and Compete in the New Space Race.” The session formed part

Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026 remains a major international defence exhibition, with companies and official delegations from around the world represented at Air Force Base Waterkloof. But for those who came to see aircraft, there is a noticeable difference this year. Foreign aircraft participation, both on the static ramp and in the air, is considerably lighter than at previous editions of AAD. There are still some welcome international visitors. An Angolan Air Force C-29

By Garth Calitz AAD 2026 day one is done and dusted and if the opening address by Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga is anything to go by, South Africa is about to become an aerospace and defence industrial powerhouse... Again. The 13th Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition opened at Air Force Base Waterkloof on 16 September with all the familiar ingredients: sovereignty, localisation, industrialisation, innovation, skills development, job creation, expo

By Garth Calitz There was a time when military aviation was fairly straightforward. You had an aircraft, a pilot, some weapons, a radar and, if things went particularly badly, a very expensive meeting afterwards. Those days are disappearing rapidly. One of the most obvious trends at Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026 is the sheer prevalence of unmanned systems. What was once regarded as a specialist niche populated largely by remotely piloted surveillance aircraft has evolved

By Garth Calitz Airbus and Johannesburg-based ALT Academy have signed an MoU at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 exhibition at AFB Waterkloof, establishing a framework for cooperation in aircraft maintenance training. The agreement is aimed at addressing the growing demand for appropriately trained aviation maintenance personnel as African airlines expand their fleets and introduce increasingly sophisticated aircraft and systems. Under the MoU, Airbus and ALT Acade

By Garth Calitz The 13th Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Exhibition and Air Show is officially underway at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria. The speeches have been made, the formalities have been handled and the obligatory handshakes have been exchanged. Now it’s time for the action. While the trade exhibition and conference get down to business, the skies over Waterkloof will also get busy, with airshow validation flights continuing throughout the trade days as parti