Pretoria – The sky is the limit for the 2016 African Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition which is showcasing the latest technologies and capabilities from a range of global players.
The five-day exhibition, which started on Wednesday, is being held under the theme “Unleashing Africa’s Defence and Aerospace potential”.
In its ninth edition, the biennially event is the largest land, sea and air exhibition on the African continent with not less than six continental partner nations exclusively exhibiting, Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said.
According to the Minister, this year the show will see more than 440 exhibitors from 34 countries as well as no less than 95 display aircraft from several countries.
There are 13 international pavilions confirmed, several regulars such as the United States of America, Germany, Russia, Turkey and Pakistan are participating.
For the first time in the show's history that African countries‚ other than South Africa‚ are exhibiting their military and defence capabilities and technologies.
The Minister said she was encouraged by the achievements of AAD to showcase the indigenous technologies of the region.
She said the AAD is a platform that enables exhibitors to access the international purchasing and supply chain in aerospace and defence, as well as providing a platform to market both their product and brands.
“It is pleasing to note upsurge of international interest in our defence industries and for them to participate and exhibit in the AAD and this augurs well for our economy,” the Minister said.
The exhibition will also offer a comprehensive youth programme, which exposes young people to engineering and technology, entrepreneurial skills, youth development and career opportunities.
The show will run until 18 September at Airforce Base Waterkloof, Pretoria.
It is coordinated and managed by partners - Department of Defence and Military Veterans, Armscor, AMD and Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa. - SAnews.gov.za
