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 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 next AAD takes place from 16-20 September 2026 and is well worth the wait!
How Do I Get To AAD?
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 Tickets?
AAD ticket prices will be revealed closer to the event.
Why Should Professionals Visit AAD?
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.
Trade visitors from the defence sector can take advantage of this opportunity to:
- Advertise
- Network
- Exhibit
- Seal new deals
- Discover new industry trends
- Experience military equipment up close
About 23,000 trade visitors attended in 2024, across the following business sectors:
| Military Aviation | Homeland Security | Civil Aviation |
| Land Systems | Aircraft Maintenance | Energy |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) | Airport Services | Weapons |
How Much Is It To Exhibit At AAD?
There are plenty of space configurations available at AAD for your exhibition stand design.
Early bird registration for AAD 2026 is valid until the end of September. Standard space rates apply from then on until the end of July 2026.
Standard rate prices for indoor booths are structured as follows:
| Indoor Booth Size | Standard Price | Indirect Exhibitor Fee |
| Between 36m2 and 100m2 | R 2 994 / m2 | R5 000 |
| Between 101m2 and 200m2 | R2 438 / m2 | R5 000 |
| Above 201m2 | R2 294 / m2 | R5 000 |
Exhibitors can also opt for a Chalet, consisting of a single indoor shell module at 75m2 and an outdoor area at 75m2. No interior fittings are supplied, and the cost is R317 949.
Why Should The Public Visit AAD?
The general public can enjoy AAD as well, with a two-day airshow taking place after the exhibition that is open to everyone. Whether you’re an aviation fanatic or need a fun day out for the family, this exciting airshow is regarded as the best in the country.
As an airshow guest, you’ll have the opportunity to see various military vehicles up close, such as South Africa’s SAAB JAS-39 fighter jets and Ratel armoured vehicles.
Don’t miss AAD 2026!
With the early-bird exhibitor registration period having already passed, AAD is gearing up for its next event in Tshwane. Don’t miss out on one of South Africa’s top expos and start planning with the help of a top exhibition stand builder in Johannesburg.
Who can attend AAD?
While the airshow is open to all, only trade visitors and official delegations can attend the AAD expo.
When was the first AAD held?
The first unified AAD event was held in 2000.
