South African State-owned defence industrial group Denel has highlighted its participation in the upcoming Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 exhibition. AAD would run from September 16 to September 20 and would be held at Air Force Base Waterkloof, in Centurion, in Tshwane. Denel’s theme for this year’s AAD is “Advancing Defence Capability Together”.

“AAD 2026 is significant for Denel,” stated Group CEO Tsepo Monaheng. “It is the first time we participate at the exhibition with the Department of Defence as our Shareholder, providing an important platform to reaffirm our contribution to South Africa’s defence capability and the broader defence industrial base.”

Denel will use AAD to display its leading capabilities. These will include missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (more popularly known as drones), the Rooivalk attack helicopter, the Badger infantry fighting vehicle, the T5-52 truck-mounted 155 mm artillery system, and advanced ammunition capabilities. Also showcased will be the expertise and skills developed by the Denel Technical Academy.

In addition, the group will use AAD to reconnect with customers and also partners and stakeholders. The aim is to explore new opportunities for growth. Visitors to the Denel stand will be able to interact with its technical specialists and with its products and technologies. The intent is to highlight Denel’s remaining major capabilities and to signal its determination to become a more innovative, competitive and stronger organisation, for the future.

“Advancing defence capability requires collaboration between government, [the South African National Defence Force], [defence acquisition and research and development agency] Armscor, [the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research], industry, customers, partners and our technical and engineering community,” affirmed Monaheng. “AAD gives us an opportunity to showcase what Denel has built over many years, communicate the positioning for the future, reconnect with the market and look towards new opportunities for the future.”