The skies of Pretoria are set to Dazzle Crowds from Today

Ahead of the event, AAD Executive Committee Chairperson, Ms. Segomotso Tire, briefed military attachés from various participating countries about the state of readiness for the exhibition. She assured delegates, exhibitors, and the public that the 12th edition of the show will be “bigger and better.”

“This edition of AAD couldn’t have come at a better time, coinciding with South Africa’s 30 years of democracy. It underscores the importance of government-to-government collaboration,” Tire remarked, addressing delegates from countries including Kenya, Botswana, Senegal, Morocco, South Korea, China, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Singapore, Finland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Russia, the USA, Canada, and Brazil, among others.

Tire also confirmed that 87 percent of the invited dignitaries have confirmed their attendance, including Ministers of Defence, Deputy Ministers, Secretaries of Defence, Chiefs of Defence, Air Forces, Navies, and Surgeon Generals.

The event officially kicked off on Wednesday, September 18, with an opening ceremony attended by Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, and President Cyril Ramaphosa. Mayor Brink expressed pride in Tshwane hosting the prestigious event, noting its economic and business benefits for the city’s hospitality, tourism, and aviation sectors.

Minister Motshekga, leading a walkabout with military dignitaries, previewed the exhibition’s highlights. Reflecting on the 12th edition, she said, “This is the largest aerospace and defence exhibition in Africa, and a flagship event for the continent’s industry.”

Motshekga emphasized that the show continues to attract leading global industry players, offering a platform to showcase technological innovations and foster dialogue within the aerospace and defence community