AAD Mini War Still a Crowd Favourite

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 combine different capabilities in a combat scenario.

While the defence industry is increasingly talking about artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and warfare conducted at ever greater distances, the Mini War provides a rather more visceral demonstration of military capability.

Helicopters operating close to the ground, armoured vehicles manoeuvring across the battlefield and troops advancing under aerial support make for considerably more entertaining viewing than a presentation on network-centric or drone warfare.

It is also one of the few AAD attractions where the audience doesn't have to wonder whether the technology is actually going to do something. It does — and usually with plenty of noise.

The Mini War remains a reminder that, despite the rapid transformation of military aviation and the growing importance of unmanned systems, conventional forces still have a role to play.

At AAD, it also remains proof that sometimes the best way to explain combined-arms warfare is simply to let the SANDF put on a show.

And judging by the reaction from the crowds, the Mini War is still very much a hit and that was only the rehearsal. On Saturday and Sunday, they will be showing off their skills to the general public.