Defence showcased

More than 300 exhibitors are set to showcase their military products and hi-tech capabilities at the five-day 2018 Africa Aerospace and Defence [AAD2018] exhibition, which kicks off in Pretoria this week.

Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula told journalists at Air Force Base Waterkloof: “We are expecting over 300 exhibitors representing 37 countries.

“I am pleased that the organisers have invited 175 official delegations from 47 different countries, of which 90 are expected to attend.

“These include invitations to ministers, deputy ministers and chiefs of defence, as well as significant numbers of chiefs of air force, navy and army. Some of you present include the large numbers of local and international media partners from countries such as the UK [United Kingdom], Europe, America, Asia and the Middle East.”

She said, this year the organisers expect 35 000 trade visitors and 80 000 general-public visitors on the open days.

“It is my wish that AAD2018 will unlock opportunities for the South African defence industry and the aerospace sector in general,” she said.

“This is cutting-edge technology developed and manufactured in South Africa and elsewhere in the world.”

The AAD2018 is described by the South African National Defence Force as “the largest defence and aerospace exhibition in Africa and the only one of its kind, boasting the successful format of a combined exhibition of air, sea and land technologies, a static aircraft display and an air show”. – ANA