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 […]
DCD Defence Unveils Bushbuck Light Tactical Vehicle at AAD 2026
DCD Defence officially unveiled its newest protected-mobility offering, the Bushbuck light tactical vehicle, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition. The event, held at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Tshwane, recently concluded after bringing together international defence and security delegations. Designed, built and tested in South Africa, the Bushbuck joins DCD’s internationally proven portfolio […]
AISI Celebrates 20 Years of Aerospace and Defence Innovation at AAD 2026
The Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) marked two decades of advancing South Africa’s aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing capabilities during a 20-year commemoration celebration at Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 at Air Force Base Waterkloof on 17 September 2026. Established in 2006 as an initiative of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and […]
Paramount Unveils Next-Generation Mbada 4×4 at AAD 2026
AAD 2026 opened with a significant new vehicle debut as Paramount unveiled its latest light armoured vehicle, the Mbada 4×4, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition at AFB Waterkloof. With the cover officially off, Paramount, alongside its partners at Kalyani Strategic Systems India, presented the Mbada to the public for the first time at […]
South Africa’s aerospace, maritime and defence industry: A sleeping giant with global potential
We chat to Sandile Ndlovu, Executive Director of the South African Aerospace and Defence Industry Association South Africa’s aerospace, maritime and defence industry is a “sleeping giant”, according to Sandile Ndlovu, Executive Director of the South African Aerospace and Defence Industry Association and CEO of the South African Aerospace and Defence Industry Export Council. He […]
AAD over the years
by Jarryd Sinovich Images by Charlie Hugo & Jarryd Sinovich The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo stands as the premier air, land and sea defence exhibition on the African continent. Combining an international trade fair with a public air show, its history over five decades mirrors the development of modern aviation and defence technology […]