Tag Archives: AAD
2019 Airshow Season
2018 has come and gone and saw some fantastic airshow displays across Southern Africa. We trust all our followers had a great festive season and some well spent time with loved ones!
We would like to wish all our followers a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones,2019 we should have a busier year with some action packed return events on the airshow circuit this year.
2018 Season
A quick recap on lasts years airshow season saw the welcome return of the Ermelo Airshow in Mpumalanga. The show had a great turnout and many of South Africa’s top airshow performers
https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/tag/ermelo-airshow-2018/
Armed Forces Day which was held in Kimberly Northern Cape had a major SANDF presence, we were lucky enough to be invited to the Weapons Demo at De Brug Weapons Range in Bloemfontein. We got to witness all forms of Fire Power from all the South African National Defence Force.
https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/tag/de-brug/
Race for Rhinos saw our team make way to Sua Pan in Botswana, we made our 3 hour journey up from Wonderboom Airport onboard Little Annie AN2.And got to witness the worlds biggest air race, with all funds raised going to supporting Africa’s Endangered Rhino!
https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/race-for-rhinos-2018/
The Africa Aerospace and Defence show at AFB Waterkloof was a major success and I’m sure we all waiting for the 2020 edition of the show.
https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/africa-aerospace-and-defence-airshow-2018/
Before any airshows take place the boys and girls in the Cape must get ready for Armed Forces Day which will be taking place in Bloubergstrand. Many types of SAAF aircraft will be keeping Capetonians eyes to the sky.
2019 airshow season will be kicking off with the Middelburg Airshow and Aeroclub-Air Week at Middelburg Airfield in Mpumalanga from 7-10 March 2019. The country airshows are always a favourite and access to aircraft and pilots is always a guarantee among the crowds.
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Some news for 2019
Get your own Airshow and Aviation Events Desktop calendar here
Aviation Centrals Newest Member
We would like to introduce one of our newest members to the Aviation Central Team, Mr Alan Richert who hails from Hilcrest in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
He will be covering the Natal Aviation events with our Aviation Centrals Trevor Viljoen. We look forward to your beautiful pictures and reviews Alan!
Some pictures from some RC Flying along the coast this past weekend Alan took, while Trevor Viljoen at the controls of the RC Aircraft!
Seen at Virginia Airport (FAVG) January 2019
See also https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/the-aero-l29-delfin-the-soviet-trainer/#more-4211
Silver Falcons Team 82
The Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team introduced a new team member to the team, Major Tian Stander became the number two. We would like to wish Major Omphile Matloane and the rest of the team a safe 2019 airshow season.
https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/the-pride-of-the-nationthe-silver-falcons/#more-477
https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/from-soloist-to-lead-omphile-mutloane/#more-1436
Falcon 2
Silver Falcons Team 82
Falcon 1-Major Omphile “Biggy” Matloane (Flown the Pc7MKII,A109LUH and Oryx Helicopters)
Falcon 2-Major Tiaan “Excell” Stander (Flown the PC7MKII,Alouette III,A109LUH and Oryx Helicopters)
Falcon 3-Major Corne “Stilbo” van Deventer (Flown the PC7MKII,HawkMK120)
Falcon 4-Major Bheki “SwaziBoy”Shabungu (Flown the PC7MKII,Cessna 208 Caravan)
Falcon 5-Major Sivu “Sivuple” Tangana (Flown the PC7MKII,AgustaA109LUH and Oryx Helicopters)
Falcon 6 GLO- Major Musa Dlamini (Flown the PC7MKII)
Falcon 7 PRO- Captain Xander Albasani (Flown the PC7MKII)
Falcon 8- Commentator Brian Emmenis
The 2019 Airshow season is set to be exciting and a number of shows will be there to entertain the South African Aviation Fanatics. Keep a good eye on our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/AviationSA/ And also our website https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/
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Africa Aerospace and Defence Airshow 2018
Africa Aerospace and Defence Airshow 2018
The 10th edition of the Africa Aerospace and Defence trade and airshow has come and gone, what was definitely the most exciting show we all looked forward to panned out to be a great success once again. The event took place over the 19th-23 September 2018 at Air force Base Waterkloof, Centurion, City of Tshwane.
Static Park
The apron was full of aircraft and most of the hangers were full of all different companies showing off their technology to the world. The crowds were kept busy with all the walking through the halls and interacting with aircraft and pilots.
Crowds flocked to the gates around the base from the 22-23 September to get the best seat along the crowd line,this to insure they don’t miss any part of the exiting program Colonel Keith Fryer(flight director) and Keith Andrews and their team put together to excite and show off air capabilities of the South African Airforce (SAAF). The Saturday show started off with the Sound of Freedom, that been the sound of jets, six Gripens from 2 Squadron and 3 Hawks from 85 Combat Flying School took to the skies and put a formation flypast over the crowds.What a way to start a airshow!
With Airforce Base Swartkop down the road from Airforce Base Waterkloof, Swartkop was used as a second base for aircraft including the new microlight display team known as the Misasa Aerial Display-MAD Team. The team is made up of Adrienne Visser as lead, Pieter Kriel at the number two, Gary Heyenreich at number three, Gavin Van Der Berg at four and number five Marius Nel. It was great to see a microlight display team after the absence at airshows for some years now,we hope to see them on the regular airshow circuit in the future. There was a Airplane Factory Sling 4 and a Raven 500 formation Flypast.A mass Bathawk display was put on show, and is shown why its a great aircraft for Anti-Poaching missions.A light sky jeep was also thrown into the formation as well as the wagtail gyrocopter, all aircraft not shy to the African bush!
Raven 500
Wagtail
Capital Sounds once again had their ever hard working team at the event and this has to be the longest line of speakers that Capital has at a airshow in South Africa. Brian Emmenis and Leon Du Plessis informed the crowd of each aircraft taking to the skies and brought a lot of the airshow vibe to Waterkloof.
Capital Sounds
Lieutenant colonel Craig “Shark” Lesson once again did 85 Combat Flying School proud,as he put the Hawk Mk120 through its paces.The Officer Commanding 85 Combat Flying School displayed both one of the Flag Hawks’271′ and one of the grey aircraft during the course of AAD2018.Andrew Blackwood Murray flew his Nashua Extra 300 and Neville Ferriria flew his Slick 540 with a combined aerobatic sequence with high energy aerobatics and low knife edge passes so the crowd could capture the sleek lines on both aircraft. Neville Ferreria had just returned from Hungry where he is flying the Geneavation Aerobatic aircraft for the country. He is surely doing South Africa proud!
Hawk MK120 ‘Vlaggie’
Hawk MK120 ‘262’
Andrew Blackwood Murray Extra 300
Slick 540 Neville Ferreira
Paramount Groups AHRLAC aircraft did some tight formation flying and was defiantly a way to show it off to the worlds market of defence. Staying with the locally manufactured aircraft the 16 Squadron Rooivalk was put through its paces in the UN white livery by Major Paul ‘Raccoon’ Kempthorn, at the end of his display he released a large amount of flares,a great end to a display!
Paramount Group AHRLACs
Paramount Group AHRLACs
16 Squadron Rooivalk
16 Squadron Rooivalk
The Rand Airport based Puma Flying Lions Harvards and Taillifts Cows Pitts Specials flew their usual display infront of the 45 000+ crowds.The SAAF Museum and Harvard Club Harvards and a single Douglas DC4 did a couple of formation Flypasts over the crowd and brought back many memory’s of the former SAAF trainer before the Harvard was replaced by the Pilatus PC7MKII. The DC4 then went onto doing a solo display flown by Captain Bill Good.
Puma Flying Lions Harvards
Taillifts Cows Aerobatic Pitts Team
Mass Radial Display
Harvard Club
Harvard Club
Douglas DC4
Douglas DC4
The cockpit ambassadors of the South African Airforce The Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team 82,put on a great display led by Major Omphile Matloane who received his Golden Wings a couple of days before the start of AAD2018.Lt Colonel Glen Wraden flew the Aero L29 from AFB Swartkop, The Airforce of Zimbabwe K8 was also flown with a support CASA 212 on static display.
Silver Falcons
Silver Falcons PC7MKIIs
Falcon 5 Sivu Tangana
L29
L29
K8
K8
There were two mini-wars on the day of the show,both from the SAAF Museum and from the current SAAF inventory of aircraft.A vast amount of pyrotechnics and armored vehicles were used during the show.
SAAF Museum Bosbok and Cessna C185
Ratels
Oryx Helicopters
Top Cover Rooivalk and Hawks
Ivan van Der Schaar and Jon-Marc Hill, Juba Jourbet flew the Bi-plane formation that being a Boeing Stearman and Antonov 2 ‘Little Annie’.Later in the day Little Annie escorted by the Stearman dropped a large amount of Manhattan Marshmellows for the crowds.
AN2 and Boeing Stearman
AN2 ‘Little Annie’
AN2 marshmallow drop
2 Squadron was well represented at the show once again,we were able to see six Gripens in formation,two Gripens in the mini-war and a solo gripen display flown by Major Geoffrey ‘Spartan’ Cooper and a 2v1 combat routine.
2 Squadron Gripens
Gripen JAS39D flown by ‘Midnite’ and ‘Bluebird’
Gripens being flown by ‘Cipher’ and ‘Doberman’
28 Squadron was busy during the mini-war delivering troops into the simulated battle-zone, Lt Col Clint Hawtrey also gave one of the best C130BZ displays to date. What a display it was to witness!
C130BZ
C130BZ dropping flares
C130BZ during the mini-war
A huge of congrats must go to the organisers of AAD2018
Florence Musengi-AAD Chairperson
Simphiwe Hamilton-Excutive Director
Leon Dillman-CEO CAASA
Leona Redelinghuys-Exhibition Director
Marketing and Public Relations-Nakedi Phasha
Youth Development Program-Kholisile Khumalo
General Fabian Zimpande “Zakes” Msimang-Chief of the South African Airforce
The 11th Edition of Africa Aerospace and Defence, AAD2020, will take place 16 – 20 September 2020. 2020 SAAF and the Aero Club of South Africa will be celebrating their centenary birthdays and this creating lots of expectations among young and old to see a Super Show. All we can do is wait and see what they deliver and how many Countries except the invite to join South Africa on this centenary celebrations.
Click to enlarge photos below
AAD2018 Day 2
AAD2018 Day 2
Thursday day two of AAD2018,saw a bigger influx of trade visitors then day one of the event,the media were kept busy with a number of briefings and different subjects to photograph and report on.Much of the morning,we spent going through each of the halls and seeing the different defence industry’s showing off their products to the world.
A visit to the western side of the base,we had the opportunity to capture pilots and ground crew as they made their way to aircraft for the validation flights for the weekends Airshow.Most impressive capture today was six Gripens on the apron. A sight you don’t see to often at South African Airshows.The rest of the validations were spot on and some great pictures and airmanship was seen!
Rostec suggests using automobile leasing scheme to renew Russian helicopter fleet
The Russian fleet of civilian helicopters numbers about 1,800 helicopters, over 60–70% of which have been operated for 25 years and longer. Most of those helicopters were put into operation as early as at the beginning of the post-soviet period, and a considerable part of the aircraft was purchased by air carriers in early 1990s. According to the aircraft register, the Russian fleet mostly consists of Mi-8 helicopters. Due to the long-standing need to replace a part of the Russian helicopter fleet, Rostec suggests measures that would facilitate purchase of new aircraft for air carriers.
“We are expecting that renewal of the helicopter fleet will be supported by the state program to facilitate purchase of new aircraft for air carriers, similar to the one implemented in the auto industry,” said Director of the Aviation Cluster of Rostec Anatoly Serdyukov. “A take-back program can be developed, and a leasing scheme may be used. For instance, an old helicopter will be taken in as the first payment, and an air carrier will receive a new helicopter in return.”
Canon AAD2018 to Aviation Photography
We joined the Canon team at the Royal Elephant Hotel & Conference Centre near AFB Swartkop, Pretoria. This workshop included the way of Aviation Photography with Justin de Reuck, South Africa’s top Aviation Photographer. The workshop was well attended and we as a team learnt so much and can improve our skills to Aviation Photography. Thanks to Canon and Abri Kriegler
Stay tuned to our Facebook page for updates on the final trade day tomorrow!
AAD2018 Day 1
AAD2018 Day 1
The Africa Aerospace and Defence day one of the trade day finally arrived, visitors from across the world have made their way to Africa’s largest trade and airshow in South Africa. This is the 10th annual AAD trade and Airshow taking place of its kind.
The official opening of the event took place near the movements terminal building at AFB Waterkloof, where President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed invited guests and media.
He mentioned “In support of the industry, he outlined the many initiatives to maximise the value of the defence industry, notably the Defence Industry Strategy developed by the National Defence Industry Council, a Defence Sector Charter developed to open space for private participation by small and medium black enterprises and a defence industry fund that was launched in June this year as a funding mechanism for industry.”
Aircraft arrivals continued from Gripen to Hawk and SAAF Helicopters. The cockpit ambassadors of the South African Air Force, The Silver Falcons were busy throughout the day from a 9ship flypast of PC7MKIIs and a validation of their display. The Airforce of Zimbabwe K8 also flew its validation display during the course of the day.
2 Squadron Gripen
2 Squadron Gripen
2 Squadron Gripens
Silver Falcons
85 Combat Flying School Hawk MK120s
16 Squadron Rooivalk
Airbus H125
We look forward to tomorrow, keep a look out on our Facebook page for updates.
Official Opening of AAD 2018
Official Opening of AAD 2018
The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) is Africa’s only aerospace and defence expo that combines both a trade exhibition and an air show. Held biennially in the City of Tshwane – South Africa’s administrative capital, the AAD Expo is one of South Africa’s largest contributors to the country’s GDP in show years, and is regarded as a national asset.
This show dates back to when DEXSA 1975 ,The Africa Aerospace and Defense (AAD) Expo was born from the Aerospace Africa civilian exhibition that originates from the 1975 Lanseria Air Show and the DEXSA military exhibition.
The first in the series of aviation exhibitions titled “Aviation Africa.”
The show was opened by a 21 gun salute and a flypast by three Agusta A109LUH,the president Cyril Ramaphosa then addressed the crowd with the following:
Agusta A109LUH flag flypast
Agusta A109LUHs
“South Africa views the role of the military in the modern context as a developmental force, both nationally and continentally”, this is the view from President Cyril Ramaphosa in his opening address of the 10th Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition, taking place from 19 to 23 September at the Waterkloof air force base in Pretoria.
President Cyril Ramaphosa
According to the President, the show brings defence agencies and defence industries together in reflections on the evolution of security – and how they must each adapt to the requirements of the future.
“Improved security attracts investment, encourages growth and promotes development. In support of continental economic development, the SANDF forms part of the continental military intervention capability, in the form of regional intervention forces, as well as the centralised capability under direct control of the African Union. He argued that the South African National Defence Force ought to involve itself, with African partners, in peace missions to improve security in strife-torn regions. These intervention capabilities can reduce the risk of major interstate conflict and civil war.”
“From a national perspective, the development role of our defence force implies involvement in border safeguarding, adding that South Africa’s border safeguarding operation, Corona, also focuses on preventing the illegal exploitation of national resources.”
As far as internal security is concerned, the defence force must always be ready to provide additional capacity to maintain order and stability within the relevant governance framework.
“A defence force that is a developmental unlocks substantial peace dividends for states and effectively reduces the investment required in defence over time.”
Whilst the government continues to prioritise socio-economic objectives that provide the best possible future for the youth, he was adamant that the economy is under pressure pointedly saying the means available in the fiscus are finite.
The President acknowledged that the South African National Defence Force was adapting to this economic reality.In this regard, the SANDF was prioritising within the implementation of the Defence Review by focusing on the core roles of the defence force. He said several ideas were being explored to modernise the funding model of defence and reduce its dependency on the fiscus. Still, for both security and developmental reasons, South Africa was looking after its defence industry.
“It is a national asset that has value for many departments and agencies of government,” he said. “It innovates products for the greater economy, such as systems that improve the safety of railway lines or improve the efficiency of shark nets. The common TV decoder in widespread use in South Africa is based on the intellectual property from a military technology project.”
The President noted the industry’s role as an important employer and an incubator of scarce skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“Some of our aircraft-related businesses are expanding in a highly competitive environment as suppliers to the biggest players in the global aircraft industry.” The industry is a steady earner of foreign exchange by delivering to the world leading products such as the Husky vehicle for detecting explosives and improvised explosive devices.”
In support of the industry, he outlined the many initiatives to maximise the value of the defence industry, notably the Defence Industry Strategy developed by the National Defence Industry Council, a Defence Sector Charter developed to open space for private participation by small and medium black enterprises and a defence industry fund that was launched in June this year as a funding mechanism for industry.
Government intends to support the industry to become export-driven on the back of international investment, by having a policy stance favouring international joint ventures with local industry. He noted defence industry investment destination, South Africa combines many unique factors.
Local industry still tends to own the full supply chain necessary for conceptualising and manufacturing their end product. Unlike many international ventures, defence production in South Africa does not imply multinational interdependency.
In terms of intellectual property, South Africa is one of less than ten countries that can manufacture missiles of a certain level of sophistication. He used this as an example, saying the development of intellectual property into technology demonstrators is very cost-effective due to the exchange rate between the rand and the major international currencies.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and General Solly Shoke Chief of the SANDF
“Many nations, from different parts of the world, have recently expressed interest in becoming involved in joint ventures with our industry. The African Aerospace and Defence exhibition offers a massive opportunity for all present to identify areas of synergy and convert them into joint ventures.”
The President concluded by saying that South Africa is interested in leveraging intellectual property into tangible products and export contracts. “We assume that the interest of our visitors here is a good return on investment and we are confident that it can be achieved.”
A flypast from nine PC7MKIIs from the Central Flying School concluded the ceremony.
Nine PC7MKIIs from Central Flying School Langebaanweg
Unlocking Africa’s Aerospace and Defence Potential at AAD2018
Unlocking Africa’s Aerospace and Defence Potential at AAD2018
The annual Africa Aerospace and Defence Trade and Airshow is finally on our doorstep and been held at once again at Airforce Base Waterkloof in Pretoria, South Africa. The event is the only trade exhibition and combined international airshow on the African continent, this marks the 10th AAD exhibition taking place at AFB Waterkloof. The trade show is always an exciting event on the calendar and takes place every second year, the amount of planning and organising really shows the amount each and every role player in the AAD Committee does pay off.
The Hon Ms NN Mapisa-Nqakula
The official media breakfast started off with a address by the minister of defence and military veterans, The Hon Ms NN Mapisa-Nqakula,who welcomed all and present at the briefing.
During the time President Nelson Mandela was the commander in chief, the South African National defence force played a major role during his term in office. When our late president passed away during December 2013,A 28 Squadron C130 flew the coffin of “Madiba” to his home in the Eastern Cape. The final flypast of the C130BZ flanked by two 2 Squadron Gripens over head AFB Waterkloof, the ones who witnessed it will be a formation never to be forgotten over the skies of Pretoria.
“This year the 10th AAD Exhibition takes place against the backdrop of our nation commemorating the centenary of the birth of President Nelson Mandela and Mama Sisulu. We remember them fondly: for their great contribution towards the democracy we are sharing in this country and for bringing our people together in peace. For this reason, we have renamed the Hanger one, which is popular as government precinct the “Madiba Hangar”. We invite you all to visit this hangar and join us and the rest of the country in remembering the first commander in chief of the South African National Defence Force.”
The Minister also mentioned that this show is critical as it is the only show of its kind in Africa, all forms of networking, sharing and exposing todays technology is vital. Developing the youth, which AAD Youth Development program will be taking place during all 5 days of the show. Showing off strategic capabilities in all forms of the defence industry. This show contributes to the value of society, Members of the AAD Committee also mentioned a economic impact analysis will be conducted after the show is completed. We look forward to AAD2018,let the trade and airshow begin!
AAD2018 Aircraft Arrivals Update
With the build up to AAD2018,the excitement is building with aircraft arrivals. Each day until Tuesday 2018-09-18 we will update on each aircraft arrival to AFB Waterkloof.
2018-09-15 Silver Falcons & Central Flying School Pilatus PC7MKIIs Arrival.
2018-09-16 USAF Boeing C17 Globemaster Arrival.
C17 Final approach for landing at AFB Waterkloof
2018-09-17 Monday Arrivals
Airforce of Zimbabwe CASA 212
Airforce of Zimbabwe K8
SUDAN SAFAT 03
USAF C130J
22 Squadron Lynx
44 Squadron CASA 212
41 Squadron Cessna 208A Caravan
Sling 2
41 Squadron KingAir
Ahrlac
19 Squadron Agusta A109LUH
Red Cross Agusta A119
Bell 212
R66
Ahrlacs
USAF C130J Final approach at AFB Waterkloof
USAF C130J
USAF C130J
LC130’Snowbird’ arrived at AFB Waterkloof at 20:30 2018-09-17
Large Presence of US Air force Aircraft at AAD2018
The United States Airforce have confirmed a number of aircraft that will be attending the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) at Airforce Base Waterkloof from the 19-23 September 2018.We can expect the following aircraft from this point of time.
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft. It was developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas. The C-17 carries forward the name of two previous piston-engined military cargo aircraft, the Douglas C-74 Globemaster and the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II. The C-17 commonly performs tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world; additional roles include medical evacuation and airdrop duties. It was designed to replace the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter, and also fulfill some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, freeing the C-5 fleet for outsize cargo.
The C17 will be coming from the The New York Air National Guard.The New York Air National Guard (NY ANG) is the air force militia of the State of New York, United States of America. It is, along with the New York Army National Guard, an element of the New York National Guard.
As state militia units, the units in the New York Air National Guard are not in the normal United States Air Force chain of command. They are under the jurisdiction of the Governor of New York though the office of the New York Adjutant General unless they are federalized by order of the President of the United States. The New York Air National Guard is headquartered at Stratton Air National Guard Base, Glenville, NY, and its commander is Major General Verle Johnston.
C17
The Lockheed LC-130 is a ski-equipped United States Air Force variant of the C-130 Hercules used in the Arctic and Antarctic. Ten are currently in service with the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard.
LC-130
The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. The C-130J is a comprehensive update of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, with new engines, flight deck, and other systems. The Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history. During more than 60 years of service, the family has participated in military, civilian, and humanitarian aid operations. The Hercules has outlived several planned successor designs, most notably the Advanced Medium STOL Transport contestants. Fifteen nations have placed orders for a total of 300 C-130Js, of which 250 aircraft have been delivered as of February 2012.The C130J-30 will be coming from Ramstein Airforce base in Germany,Europe.
C130J-30
The Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker is a military aerial refueling aircraft. Both the KC-135 and the Boeing 707 airliner were developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype. It is the predominant variant of the C-135 Stratolifter family of transport aircraft. The KC-135 was the US Air Force’s first jet-powered refueling tanker and replaced the KC-97 Stratofreighter. The KC-135 was initially tasked with refueling strategic bombers, but was used extensively in the Vietnam War and later conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm to extend the range and endurance of US tactical fighters and bombers.This aircraft will be from the US Airforces in Europe.
KC135R Tanker
The Boeing P-8 Poseidon (formerly the Multimission Maritime Aircraft or MMA) is a military aircraft developed for the United States Navy (USN). The aircraft has been developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, modified from the 737-800ERX. The P-8 conducts anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and shipping interdiction, along with an early warning self-protection (EWSP) ability, otherwise known as electronic support measures (ESM).[8] This involves carrying torpedoes, depth charges, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and other weapons. It is able to drop and monitor sonobuoys. It is designed to operate in conjunction with the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime Surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle.The Boeing P-8 Poseidon will be making its South Africa debut for the first time ever. This aircraft will be coming from the US Navy Forces based in Europe.
We will also see the Airforce Band ‘Touch-n-Go” preform at #AAD2018.
P-8 Poseidon
Stay tuned to our website for more updates on aircraft participation for the next weeks to come.
AAD 2018 Media Launch
With the upcoming Africa Aerospace and Defense show around the corner, excitement is definitely building as we were invited to the 100 day media launch at AFB Waterkloof officers mess in Pretoria. AAD known as the Africa Aerospace and Defense is a regular trade show and airshow held every two years at AFB Waterkloof in Pretoria South Africa ,this is all part of unlocking Africa’s Aerospace and defense potential. This show dates back to when DEXSA 1975 ,The Africa Aerospace and Defense (AAD) Expo was born from the Aerospace Africa civilian exhibition that originates from the 1975 Lanseria Air Show and the DEXSA military exhibition.
The first in the series of aviation exhibitions titled “Aviation Africa.”
In 1995 the AMD organised the hugely successful SAAF ’75 Expo in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the South African Air Force SAAF which is the second oldest air force in the world.During the trade exhibition, companies in the aviation industry were able to showcase their products in an indoor exhibition area, book hospitality chalets and display their aircraft in a static aircraft park.
The air show was open to the public and offered members of the general public the opportunity to view international aircraft.
During the last AAD in 2016,we saw 12 National pavilions,75 Official delegations from 37 countries,532 Exhibitors from 34 countries,33 862 Trade visitors from105 countries,56 924 general public visitors,444 accredited local and international media,146 military and civilian aircraft and 24 978 Exhibition space.
We were welcomed by Mr. Leon Dillman, CEO of CAASA The Commercial Aviation Association Of South Africa.The Youth Development Programme (YDP) forms an integral component of the Africa Aerospace and Defence Show, this years show promises to include the youth and provide as much needed information for them to have a career in the defence industry.
The Chief of the South African Airforce Lt Gen “Zakes” Fabian Zimpande Msimang Keynote Address on the occasion of AAD 2018 100 days countdown:
A UAV quadcopter made a brief appearance in the media room to welcome us with a 100 day countdown message!
The Chief of Staff from the Ministry of Defence and your counterpart from the Mayors Office in the city of Tshwane;Admirals and Generals from the SANDF;Senor Officers;Chairperson of AAD 2018 Policy Committee and senior representatives from the AAD partnership; Executives and Senior Managers from the SA Government in general as well as the Gauteng Province and the City of Tshwane in particular as our host Province and City respectively; Member’s of the Diplomatic Community should any be in attendance here today; Captains of Industry; Member’s of the Media; Ladies and Gentleman…
On behalf of our Minister of Defence and Military Veterans-Ms. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula- who is also the Chief patron for AAD;as well as on behalf of Gen Silly Shoke the CSANDF and custodian of AAD in the SANDF and whom I am effectively representing here today-I greet you and welcome you.
A special word of welcome goes to our guests of honour ,our exhibitors,sponsors as well as other key role-players and Partners on whose invaluable support we depend to make AAD a success especially SAA as our Official Carrier,The Gauteng development Agency-GGDA as well as Gautrain.
The number 100 has taken on a renewed significance for AAD. Not only has our CiC and President of the country recently completed his 100 days in the high office but today we are exactly 100 days from this seminal and 10th instalment of this global show piece and we do so in a year when our nation is celebrating the Centenary for our founding President and CiC.
It is now a matter of record, that AAD 2016 was a resounding success. Otherwise we would not be here launching the shows 10th instalment as scheduled for the 19th to the 23rd of September 2018 and I declare that WE ARE READY!!!
This years theme is “Unlocking Africa’s Aerospace and Defence Potential”. As already mentioned, this 10th edition of AAD takes place against the backdrop of the Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebrations. The SANDF is deeply honoured to remember Nelson Mandela as its founding Commander-in-Chief and continues to be inspired by his values and vision for a Defence Force that symbolizes unity and service to all our people. It is with this in mind that we have decided that, for the duration of AAD2018 expo, Hangar 1 at Waterkloof Airforce Base will be renamed ‘Madiba Hangar’ in honour of the first Commander in Chief.
Though hosted in our beautiful capital city ,AAD is not just a South African event but a continental spectacle as well as a premier global exhibition. The Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo represents the collective aspirations of our African people.The AAD demonstrates that Africans can be masters of their own density by creating the capability for defending themselves.It also showcases Africa’s defence industrial capability which is an integral part of any country’s ability to defend its sovereignty. At AAD 2016 the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula highlighted the global challenges that we,as democratic South Africa and a leading player in the various multilateral organisations, cannot afford to ignore. Today, I would like to add the regional challenges in the form of conflicts and the twin scourges of piracy and rhino poaching.
In collaboration with our partners on the Continent, we stand ready to face these challenges in the interest of peace and security. without this collaboration our beloved continent would never realise the much-needed socio-economic development that is key to strengthening democracy on the Continent.
We are all aware of the growing cyber-threat world wide that poses a risk to all countries. It is paramount that efficient, powerful and cost effective cyber defence and cyber security solutions are implemented to protect the critical information infrastructure. During AAD2018 a work session is planned to specifically address cyber security and all exhibitors operating inn this environment are invited to be part of and share best practices and innovations.
In context of the above, AAD is not only a national and continental assets AAD is also the means and the platform for sourcing the latest technologies, equipment, services and solutions whilst availing and exposing the to our partners. This ensures we are collectively enabled and empowered to co-operate and complement each otter’s efforts in addressing the challenges as and when the arise. It is for this reason that we will continue to support and host this exhibition and to grow it into a bigger and better show well into the future.
Another important element to this years edition is the transformational part of AAD which has partnered with tow small travel agencies as part of the development of Small Micro-Medium Enterprises. Wayam Travel and Seesa Destination Network are now the official travel partners to AAD 2018.
It is therefore, my honour to officiate at this countdown to AAD 2018. I invite all of you, in your various capacities to engage with the relevant nodal points within the AAD partnership and defence establishment.
I look forward to meeting you all of you at AAD 2018 and make tie to explore and experience our beautiful City of Tshwane as you enjoy this renowned premier defence exhibition
I Thank you and see you at AAD 2018!
Just before the end of the media Launch, The Gen. Msimang mentioned that many foreign International aircraft have been confirmed already for the show, we will announce the aircraft as soon as we know. AAD 2018 will showcase Africa’s largest Airshow, static display and live demonstrations. We were then treated to refreshments before departing AFB Waterkloof, keep your eyes on Aviation Central for more updates on AAD 2018.
