PRETORIA, South Africa, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- The 13th edition of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition concluded on Sunday in Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital, highlighting technological innovation, industrial development and international cooperation in the aerospace and defence sectors.
The five-day event was held at Air Force Base Waterkloof under the theme "Africa's Gateway to Defence and Aerospace Collaboration."
South African Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga said the exhibition provided a platform for exchanging ideas, forging partnerships and unlocking new opportunities in the aerospace and defence industries.
According to Motshekga, more than 250 exhibitors from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America participated in this year's event.
"The diversity of nations present at AAD 2026 underscores the importance of this event as a meeting point for global innovation, trade and cooperation," she said.
Segomotso Tire, executive manager at the Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor), a core partner and key organizer of the exhibition, told Xinhua at the event that the exhibition offered opportunities for African companies to establish partnerships with international counterparts.
She added that areas such as aerial vehicles, augmented reality and cybersecurity presented opportunities for cooperation, while international partnerships could help local companies access advanced technologies and develop specialized skills.
Held biennially, the AAD combines a trade exhibition with an air show, serving as a platform for promoting international collaboration, trade and investment in Africa's aerospace and defence industries.
This year's edition featured three trade days from Wednesday to Friday, followed by two public air-show days over the weekend. ■