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The 12th edition of Africa’s largest aerospace and defense exhibition and air show wrapped up on Sunday, September 22, in South Africa, attracting aviation experts, companies, and enthusiasts from around the globe. Despite chilly weather, hundreds of attendees flocked to the event to witness impressive displays, explore aircraft up close, and discover the latest advancements in aviation technology.
A standout attraction this year was Spot, the robotic dog from Boston Dynamics, showcased by Cape Town-based Deep Tech Solutions. Rethabile Letlala from the company highlighted its innovative applications: “We’re utilizing Spot for advanced remote inspections in areas like search and rescue, particularly in the mining sector and disaster management. This technology helps identify risks while also providing reassurance to victims that assistance is on the way.”
In addition to cutting-edge technology, the exhibition featured next-generation weapons, attracting key local and international stakeholders eager to explore opportunities within South Africa’s defense industry. Martin Venter of ECM Technologies noted the event’s global appeal, stating, “What makes AAD unique is that it’s a South African-grown initiative that brings international communities together. We’ve had participants from India, the US, and the UK showcasing their offerings, which is fantastic to see.”
This year, there was a notable increase in Chinese hardware presence, contrasting with the traditionally strong American representation; the US military, however, withdrew from this edition of the event.
The next Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition is set to take place in 2026, promising to continue fostering collaboration and innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors.
