Young South Africans are being encouraged to consider careers in the defence and aerospace industries as the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition showcases aviation, military technology and manufacturing at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria.
The exhibition is giving learners and families an opportunity to see modern aerospace and defence equipment at close range and speak directly to people working in the industries. Public activities are set to continue through Sunday, with an air show scheduled for the weekend.
Navy spokesperson Captain Greyling van den Berg said the event was intended in part to spark young people’s interest in defence-related careers by exposing them to technologies they may previously have encountered only through films or television.
He encouraged parents with teenagers and younger children to bring them to the exhibition, where visitors can interact with manufacturers and industry professionals and learn more about the technology on display.
The Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition is one of the continent’s major showcases for aerospace, defence innovation and advanced aviation technology. The event brings together industry participants while also giving the public a closer look at equipment and career opportunities in the sector.
The weekend air show is expected to be one of the major public attractions as the exhibition concludes.
Source: SABC News, 16 September 2026.
