Aircraft roaring overhead, parachutists descending from the sky, and military vehicles taking on the mobility track: Africa Aerospace and Defence returns to Air Force Base Waterkloof from 16 to 20 September 2026.
Five Days of Aerospace, Technology, and Live Action
Few Pretoria events can compete with Africa Aerospace and Defence for sheer scale. Better known as AAD, the biennial exhibition combines an international aerospace and defence trade show with two public air-show days, bringing industry professionals, aviation enthusiasts, and families together at Air Force Base Waterkloof.
The 13th edition takes place from Wednesday, 16 September to Sunday, 20 September 2026. The first three days are reserved for registered trade visitors and media, while the general public can attend the air shows on Saturday, 19 September and Sunday, 20 September.
AAD describes the event as Africa’s only aerospace and defence expo to combine a trade exhibition with an air show. That distinction matters. This is not simply an afternoon of aircraft performing overhead. Across its five-day programme, AAD covers developments in air, land, and maritime technology, while the public weekend brings the machinery out of the exhibition environment and into live demonstrations.
What to Expect at the AAD Air Show
The public programme is built around world-class aerial displays, with aircraft demonstrating speed, precision, and manoeuvrability above Waterkloof.
The broader programme is expected to include aerobatic displays, parachute drops, helicopter demonstrations, static aircraft, and displays from major participants in the aviation and defence sectors. Back on the ground, mobility demonstrations will give visitors an opportunity to watch military vehicles tackle a purpose-built track.
The noise, scale, and proximity are a large part of the experience. You can inspect aircraft and defence technology on display before looking skywards as the flying programme gets under way. It is the kind of event that rewards arriving early, finding a good viewing position, and staying for the full day rather than attempting a quick visit.
AAD’s previous edition attracted 37,007 members of the public, alongside 259 exhibitors from 30 countries and almost 23,000 trade visitors. Those numbers give some idea of the crowds expected at Waterkloof in September.
Activities for Young Aviation Fans
The aircraft may be the initial attraction for younger visitors, but AAD has also built a substantial educational offering around the public weekend.
The Youth Pavilion is expected to feature interactive activities such as flight simulators, virtual aviation, plastic-model building, target shooting, first aid, and crime-scene investigation. Its purpose is not simply to keep children occupied between displays. The programme introduces young visitors to the range of science, engineering, technology, and practical careers connected to aviation and defence.
The Trade Exhibition
For professionals, the event begins several days before the public arrives. The trade exhibition runs from Wednesday, 16 September to Friday, 18 September and is restricted to registered trade visitors and media.
This side of AAD brings together manufacturers, government representatives, official delegations, innovators, and decision-makers working across aerospace, security, and defence. Exhibits cover air, sea, and land technologies, including aircraft, unmanned systems, surveillance equipment, vehicles, and related technical services.
The exhibition is accompanied by conferencing, industry discussions, innovation platforms, and networking opportunities. Trade visitors must register separately through the AAD website; a public air-show ticket does not provide access to the trade-only days.
What You Can Bring
Public air-show days run from 08:00 to 17:00, with gates opening from 06:00. Arriving early is sensible, particularly if you want to find a suitable viewing position before the flying programme begins.
Visitors may bring camping chairs, picnic baskets, and soft-sided coolers containing snacks. Plastic bottles are permitted, but glass containers and outside alcohol are prohibited. Food stalls and a beer garden will be available inside the venue.
The prohibited-items list also includes gazebos, umbrellas, tents, blankets, braais, firearms, knives, laser devices, radio transmitters, remote-controlled devices, bicycles, scooters, pets, air horns, and flammable items. Check the complete visitor information and venue rules before packing.
September sunshine at an airfield can be unforgiving, even when the Pretoria morning begins cold. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and sunscreen, and carry a warm layer for the early start. Ear protection is also worth considering, particularly for babies and younger children, as some displays can be extremely loud.
Tickets and Parking
Online public-day tickets are currently listed at R270 for adults and R130 for children and pensioners. Tickets purchased at the venue are listed at R300 for adults and R140 for children and pensioners. Prices and availability may change, so confirm them through Ticketpro before booking.
Saturday and Sunday require separate tickets. Book through the Saturday Ticketpro page or the Sunday Ticketpro page.
Free visitor parking is available at the base, while designated wheelchair parking will be provided at Gate 5. With tens of thousands of people likely to attend across the weekend, allow additional time for traffic, security checks, parking, and the walk to the public areas.
Whether you follow every development in military aviation or simply want to see what happens when some of the world’s most impressive aircraft take over the Pretoria sky, AAD 2026 promises a weekend that will be difficult to ignore. You will hear it long before you reach the gates.
Event Details
Trade exhibition: Wednesday, 16 to Friday, 18 September 2026
Public air shows: Saturday, 19 and Sunday, 20 September 2026
Public hours: 08:00–17:00; gates open at 06:00
Venue: Air Force Base Waterkloof, 72 Solomon Mahlangu Drive, Pretoria
Online tickets: Adults R270; children and pensioners R130
On-site tickets: Adults R300; children and pensioners R140
Parking: Free visitor parking; wheelchair parking at Gate 5
Website: Africa Aerospace and Defence