30 US firms at military fair
The US said it felt honoured to be part of the massive Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition (AAD2018), which kicked off in Pretoria yesterday with several American companies showcasing their military products, capabilities and weaponry.
“It is such an honour to be here to open what I understand is the largest of the national pavilions this year. The USA pavilion, I don’t doubt, will be one of the main attractions for the many trade professionals visiting the AAD this week,” said Chargé d’Affaires of the US mission to South Africa, Jessye Lapenn.
“The US has been a leader in aerospace development, literally from the beginning of man’s flight and a leader in developing military and defence products for even longer.”
Lapenn said the aerospace sector represents “one of America’s proudest areas of achievement”. She recounted pioneer aviators, including the Wright brothers – Orville and Wilbur – and Neil Armstrong, the US astronaut and engineer who was the first person to walk on the moon.
“I am quite certain, the Wright brothers could never have imagined the kind of advances and technology our US aerospace industry now sees. I am very proud of America’s innovation and strength in aerospace as evidenced in the state-of-the-art products and services offered here today,” she said.
More than 30 US-based companies will exhibit in the USA Partnership Pavilion during the fiveday military extravaganza.
They are using it to deepen connections with private sector and government representatives from South Africa and other countries taking part this year.
“We recognise that in addition to showcasing our products, events like these provide an opportunity to exchange ideas, to create connections, build partnerships with local, regional and international counterparts. These partnerships advance business, and they also advance technology, innovation [and] knowledge,” said Lapenn.
“[Exhibitions like the AAD] also create a platform to address significant multinational challenges – whether it’s illicit fishing, with maritime patrol solutions, reducing wildlife poaching through border surveillance or better logistical operations to spread peacekeeping operations.”
Fourteen new US exhibitors are joining the show this year, “reflecting America’s continued investment in creating new partnerships that contribute to increased mutual prosperity for both South Africa and the US”.
The AAD 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