Airbus Marks 50 Years in Africa with Continued Investment in South African Aviation
By Defence Circle/Image:Jarryd Sinovich Airbus highlighted its 50-year presence on the African continent during its media briefing at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 exhibition, outlining its contribution to aviation development, local industry, technical training and aerospace support across the region. Nam-Binh Hoang, Managing Director of Airbus Southern Africa, represented the company during the […]
Africa Stood Tall: AAD 2026 Showcased Continental Capability as Attention Turns to 2028
By Defence Circle/Images: Jarryd Sinovich The 13th edition of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) came to a spectacular close at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Centurion on 20 September, capping five days that confirmed the event’s standing as the continent’s premier aerospace and defence platform. AAD 2026 hosted 52 official delegations from 28 countries and […]
SVI unveils Land Cruiser 79 six-wheeler Tactical Observation Vehicle
Armoured vehicle specialist SVI Engineering unveiled its new Toyota Land Cruiser 79 series six-wheeler Tactical Observation Vehicle at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 exhibition in Pretoria. The platform enables deployed crews to conduct long-duration missions with total operational independence while capturing and processing key battlefield intelligence. Built on a Land Cruiser 79 Single […]
Armscor strengthens support to keep South African Air Force in the skies
The Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor) has taken a significant step towardsstrengthening the operational readiness of the South African Air Force (SAAF) through theappointment of service providers to maintain and service its critical prime mission equipment. The importance of this support was demonstrated during the recently concluded AfricaAerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 exhibition where […]
Bushtec Solutions launches 12 new deployable infrastructure products at AAD 2026
Bushtec Solutions, part of the Canvas and Tent Group, launched 12 new products at Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026, held at Waterkloof Airforce Base in September. The launch is anchored by the campaign theme ‘The Value of Experience’, referencing the company’s more than 55 years of engineering heritage across seven continents and over 1,000 […]
South African Defence Innovation Takes Center Stage at AAD 2026
The 2026 Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) expo marked a major milestone for South African defence manufacturing, driven by a remarkable turnout of international delegations and strong continental support. Speaking at the event, Daniel du Plessis, Vice President for Africa at Milkor, highlighted the immense interest generated by South African defence capabilities and emphasized the […]
Paramount unveils V-Raven reusable VTOL ISR & light attack system at AAD 2026
Following its high profile unveiling at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 exhibition, global aerospace and defence technology leader Paramount has formally introduced the V-Raven, a new family of reusable vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft systems. Built to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and light attack capabilities in demanding environments, the […]
Maintaining a Technological Edge under Rationalised Defence Budgets
By Brett Macdonald In business, the term Exponential Technology is used to describe an innovation that typically has a long gestation period, but then suddenly explodes in the marketplace and takes over, as though overnight. A well-known case study in Exponential Technology is the story of how the Kodak camera and film company dominated the […]
Sweden and South Africa Reaffirm Defence Cooperation at AAD Expo
By Jarryd Sinovich/Images by Swedish Embassy The 2026 African Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo at Air Force Base Waterkloof served as a pivotal backdrop for high-level bilateral diplomacy, underscoring the enduring and vital defence partnership between Sweden and South Africa. Against a landscape of rapidly evolving global security requirements and technological innovation, delegation members from […]
HENSOLDT Introduces KENIS Sensor and Secures Major Customer Order at AAD 2026
by Jarryd Sinovich/Images by HENSOLDT HENSOLDT South Africa has marked the launch of its KENIS 1280 AK thermal imaging sensor as a standalone product with a significant customer agreement signed during Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026. HENSOLDT South Africa and Estonia-based HEVI Optronics have signed an agreement for the supply of 200 KENIS 1280 […]