South Africa recently concluded its 2024 Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, which remains the largest of its kind on the continent. Hosted at the Waterkloof Air Force Base near Pretoria the event featured a mix of military airshows, static displays, and business networking opportunities. This year’s expo brought together hundreds of international participants from countries such as China, the United States, Germany, and Kenya, alongside South African companies and defense authorities.
Despite some adverse weather conditions, the expo showcased impressive aerial displays, including parachute drops, aerobatic performances, and combat simulations. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) held a “mini-war” demonstration involving Gripen fighter jets and Rooivalk helicopters, providing visitors with a live-action simulation of military engagements. Local aviation enthusiasts were also treated to a circuit by a FlySafair Boeing 737-800.
The event holds immense importance for South Africa’s economy and defense sector. It’s one of the country’s major contributors to GDP during exhibition years, and it functions as a platform for domestic arms manufacturers like Denel and Milkor to demonstrate their latest technologies. Denel, which has faced significant financial challenges in recent years, showcased its capabilities in hopes of reclaiming its former prestige, with President Cyril Ramaphosa expressing optimism about the company’s recovery.
International players also seized the opportunity to exhibit their products. Notably, China increased its presence at the expo, marking a shift from previous years when U.S. military aircraft dominated the show. This year, the U.S. military withdrew due to diplomatic complications involving a lapsed Status of Forces Agreement, which typically grants legal immunity to foreign military personnel operating in South Africa.
In addition to being a platform for defense collaboration, the AAD expo serves as a window into future partnerships and innovations in aerospace and defense technology. The next edition of the AAD exhibition is scheduled for 2026, with expectations to continue driving both economic and defense sector growth in South Africa.
Ennywealth
