Is there anything more impressive than watching a supersonic fighter jet fly by at 800 kilometres an hour after sealing a huge new deal for your company? We don’t think so.
Enter one of South Africa’s most successful and popular events: the Africa Aerospace & Defence Expo (AAD). Held biennially in Pretoria, this just happens to be one of those shows people talk about for the next week afterward!
Join us as we explore what makes this show so great, why you should attend, what it costs, and how to get there!
What Is AAD?
AAD is southern Africa’s premier expo for the global defence industry. It’s also a major airshow for both trade and the public, with participation from the South African Air Force and other militaries from around the world.
The AAD 2026 expo is only open to trade visitors and official delegations, but the air show is open to everyone.
The first unified AAD was held in 2000, before moving to Air Force Base Ysterplaat in Cape Town in 2006. It returned to Waterkloof in 2012 and has grown exponentially ever since.
When And Where Is AAD 2026?
AAD is held at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria, South Africa. While it may not be a usual expo venue in South Africa, it is the most capable for hosting the AAD indoor expos alongside the outdoor vehicle and equipment displays.
The 2026 AAD takes place from 16-20 September and is well worth the wait!
How Do I Get To AAD 2026?
Air Force Base Waterkloof is nestled in Centurion, south of central Pretoria and roughly a 40-minute drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The R21 takes you from the airport to just past Waterkloof, where you can take the M10 turnoff or the N1 turnoff just before the base.
The area is busy during the airshow flying days, and AAD parking can be a nightmare if you’re a new visitor. Parking points are usually set up away from the base, from which visitors can catch a bus to get to the venue. Maps are released closer to the event dates.
How Much Are AAD 2026 Tickets?
The AAD airshow tickets for visitors are cheaper when booked online through Ticketpro:
| Price | Adults | Children (12-18) | Children (0-12) | Pensioners |
| 1 Day Entry (Ticketpro) | R270 | R130 | Free | R130 |
| 1 Day Entry (at the gates) | R300 | R140 | Free | R140 |
| Both Days Entry (Ticketpro) | R540 | R260 | Free | R260 |
| Both Days Entry (At the gates) | R600 | R280 | Free | R280 |
Important: These fees are for tickets only; a small processing fee may be added when purchasing tickets off Ticketpro. There are no two-day passes: you will need to buy two separate tickets for Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Why Should Professionals Visit AAD 2026?
AAD is a unique event with two components: a trade-only, three-day professional expo and an airshow open to everyone. Each one is as incredibly exciting as the other!
Air Force Base Waterkloof hosts some of the largest aircraft hangars in the country, making it an ideal location for this defence expo. Major defence companies, government officials, and the media gather under these hangars every two years for AAD, where all the newest defence technology is on show.
“AAD is the most anticipated event on South Africa’s air show calendar. Public or private, your team should be there if they’re serious about the African defence market.”
