AAD2026: A Celebration of Aviation, Teamwork and South African Airshow Spirit

By Aviation Central

The skies above Air Force Base Waterkloof came alive this weekend as thousands of aviation enthusiasts gathered for the public days of Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026. Against a backdrop of beautiful spring weather, the event delivered a varied programme of military demonstrations, civilian aerobatics, historic aircraft and impressive displays of aviation capability.

While expectations had been the subject of considerable discussion in the weeks leading up to the event, AAD2026 provided an opportunity for the South African Air Force, participating organisations and the broader aviation community to demonstrate what they could deliver.

A strong start with a meaningful message

The airshow opened with a parade of fire and emergency response vehicles, accompanied by the unmistakable sounds of Richard Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries. Beyond the spectacle, the opening served as a reminder of the importance of emergency services and the highly trained personnel who support aviation operations.

The traditional water salute carried a particularly poignant meaning this year, honouring a fire chief who had passed away and was laid to rest in Bloemfontein.

Airshow commentator Brian Emmenis, who is celebrating 25 years of involvement with AAD and 40 years behind the microphone at airshows, reinforced an important message throughout the event: every successful flight depends on a skilled and dedicated team working behind the scenes.

Military aviation takes centre stage

The South African Air Force provided a broad representation of its operational capabilities, with aircraft ranging from the Gripen and Hawk to the Rooivalk, BK117 and C-130 Hercules.

The Gripen display, flown by Cipher of 2 Squadron, offered a powerful reminder of the capabilities of South Africa’s premier fighter aircraft. The Hawk displays by 85 Combat Flying School added further energy to the programme, culminating in a spectacular closing sequence involving Gripens, Hawks, a C-130 Hercules and the Rooivalk.

The Rooivalk once again proved to be a crowd favourite. Its dedicated display highlighted the agility and power of this uniquely South African attack helicopter, which continues to hold a special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts.

The mass parachute jump, featuring military and civilian participants, added colour to the opening proceedings. Although strong winds resulted in some jumpers landing outside the base, all were reported to have landed safely.

The Mini-War delivers the action

Few events draw an airshow crowd to the fence quite like the Mini-War, and AAD2026 was no exception. The simulated combat scenario brought together parachute operations, intelligence gathering, close air support, the rescue of an injured pilot and the coordinated movement of ground forces. The Mamba armoured personnel carriers and the various aircraft involved contributed to a fast-paced demonstration that kept spectators engaged from beginning to end.

The South African Police Service also presented a tactical intervention scenario involving a simulated hijacking, featuring ground and helicopter operations.

These demonstrations provided an opportunity for the public to see the coordination, training and teamwork required in complex operational situations.

Civilian aviation adds colour and variety

AAD2026 was not solely about military aviation. The civilian flying programme brought together an impressive selection of aerobatic, historic and general aviation aircraft.

The Marksmen delivered a high-energy aerobatic display, while Andre’ van Zyl demonstrated the capabilities of the Magni Gyro. Juba Joubert’s display with the Sud Aviation Gazelle added a graceful helicopter performance to the programme.

The Flying Lions once again delivered their trademark precision and entertainment, while the Misasa Aerial Display Team showcased the versatility of Savannah aircraft in challenging wind conditions.

Sling Aircraft’s display team presented three different Sling models, demonstrating the depth of South Africa’s growing general aviation manufacturing industry.

Historic aviation was well represented by the Classic Flying Collection, with Chipmunks and other vintage aircraft offering a glimpse into the aircraft that helped train generations of pilots.

The Harvard Club of South Africa also brought the unmistakable sound of the Pratt & Whitney radial engine to Waterkloof.

Commercial aviation makes an appearance

The inclusion of commercial aircraft added another dimension to the flying programme.

A Global Aviation-operated Airbus A320, flying in LIFT Airlines colours, delivered a graceful and well-executed display alongside four Hawk aircraft. The demonstration highlighted the coordination and airmanship involved in presenting a commercial airliner in an airshow environment.

A surprise appearance by a FlyCobra Boeing 737-300, flown in by Hennie Delport and his crew, was another welcome addition to the day.

These appearances served as a reminder that aviation extends well beyond the fighter jet and aerobatic display, encompassing the commercial and operational aircraft that form an essential part of the industry.

International participation and areas for improvement

International participation was more limited in the flying programme than at some previous editions, but AAD2026 still welcomed several interesting aircraft from across the region and further afield.

One of the notable international visitors was an Airbus C295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft. The aircraft attracted considerable interest from aviation enthusiasts and photographers, but it should be noted that the C295 was present as a static display only and did not participate in the public flying program.

The C295 is a highly capable multi-mission aircraft designed for roles including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Its presence at Waterkloof provided visitors with an opportunity to see a modern maritime surveillance platform at close quarters.

Zimbabwe also provided an international flying presence, with its K-8 aircraft participating in the flying programme. The official AAD programme lists the Zimbabwean Air Force K-8 display on both Saturday and Sunday.

An unexpected Sunday visitor

Sunday also produced an interesting aviation surprise at Waterkloof, although it was not part of AAD2026.

A Botswana Defence Force **C-130H Hercules** made a brief operational stop at AFB Waterkloof. The aircraft was not included in the AAD flying programme and its visit should therefore be regarded as an operational movement rather than an AAD2026 participant.

Nevertheless, the arrival quickly caught the attention of the aviation and planespotting community.

Adding to the excitement was the aircraft's FlightRadar24 tracking information, which continued to identify the aircraft with its previous **USAF association**, rather than clearly reflecting its current Botswana Defence Force operation. This created considerable interest and discussion among planespotters following the aircraft's movement.

The aircraft itself has an interesting history. Botswana received a former US Air Force C-130H, which entered Botswana Defence Force service in 2024.

For those watching the skies around Waterkloof over the weekend, it was a fitting reminder that an airshow is not always confined to the published programme. Operational aviation movements can sometimes provide their own unexpected highlights.

Looking ahead

AAD2026 demonstrated that there remains considerable appetite for international participation, particularly among aviation enthusiasts who remember the larger international flying programmes of previous editions.

The presence of the C295 in the static display, the Zimbabwean K-8 flying display and the unexpected Botswana C-130H movement all added international interest to the weekend, even though they represented very different forms of participation.

For future editions, increasing the number and variety of international aircraft—both static and flying—could add another dimension to an already diverse event.

A well-run event with room to grow

From the initial media accreditation process to the arrival at the base, the organisation of the public days was generally efficient. Parking and entrance management appeared well coordinated, with military police and ticketing personnel helping to ensure a smooth arrival for visitors.

For photographers and aviation journalists, however, the value of an airshow extends beyond the flying programme. It is also about reconnecting with old friends, meeting new people and sharing the passion that makes the aviation community so special.

AAD2026 offered plenty of those opportunities.

Was it perfect? No. Did it deliver the level of international flying participation that some visitors may have expected from previous editions? Not quite.

Was it a disappointment? The flying programme, the variety of aircraft and the enthusiasm of the crowds demonstrated that there was still plenty to celebrate.

AAD2026 delivered a worthwhile weekend of aviation, combining military capability, civilian flying, historic aircraft and the dedication of countless people working behind the scenes.

As the next edition approaches, there is an opportunity for organisers, the aviation industry, the South African Air Force and the wider aviation community to work together to build on this year’s event.

For now, AAD2026 can be remembered as a celebration of aviation, teamwork and the enduring spirit of the South African airshow community.

Until the next time, keep looking skyward.

Editor’s note: AAD2026 took place at Air Force Base Waterkloof from 16 to 20 September 2026, with the public airshow held on 19 and 20 September.

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