24 April 2026
The nature of modern warfare is evolving at an unprecedented pace. From the widespread use of low-cost drones and the resurgence of electronic warfare to the growing influence of artificial intelligence and cyber operations, recent conflicts are reshaping how militaries operate and prepare for the future.
These developments will take centre stage on day one of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 Conference, held alongside the continent’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition at Air Force Base Waterkloof from 16–18 September 2026.
Under the theme “The Future of Warfare”, the opening day (16 September) will bring together senior military leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and analysts to unpack the key trends, technologies, and operational shifts shaping modern conflict.
As the character of warfare continues to evolve, it is critical that African defence stakeholders are not only aware of these changes, but actively engaging with them,” said Nakedi Phasha, Exhibition Director for AAD. “The conference provides a unique opportunity to bring together the right voices to unpack these challenges and explore practical, forward-looking solutions.”
Drawing heavily on lessons from the Russo-Ukraine war, as well as conflicts in the Middle East and the Sahel, discussions will explore how advanced systems — including missile defence, satellite-enabled targeting, and real-time data fusion — are increasingly being combined with low-cost, asymmetric technologies to create complex and unpredictable battle environments.
Key sessions on Day One will examine:
Together, these discussions aim to provide African defence stakeholders with practical insights into how to adapt, respond, and build resilience in an increasingly contested operational environment.
While Day One sets the strategic tone, the AAD 2026 Conference will continue with two additional focused programme days:
Day Two – 17 September 2026: African Defence Industry Showcase Day
Highlighting the capabilities, innovation, and growth potential of Africa’s defence sector, with a strong emphasis on local industry development and collaboration.
Day Three – 18 September 2026: Commercial and Military Aviation
Exploring developments across both sectors, including emerging technologies, operational challenges, and opportunities for integration and growth.
Together, the three days provide a comprehensive platform that bridges strategic insight, industry capability, and technological advancement — reinforcing the conference’s role as a key gathering for decision-makers across the defence and aerospace ecosystem.
DefenceWeb has partnered with the AAD organisers to run the three-issue Show Daily magazine and three-day AAD Conference. For more information contact Robert Mace (sales), Guy Martin (editorial), or Ros Hinchcliffe (conference).
Further details on the AAD 2026 Conference programme and participation will be released in due course.
Article Source: Defence Web
These developments will take centre stage on day one of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 Conference, held alongside the continent’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition at Air Force Base Waterkloof from 16–18 September 2026.
Under the theme “The Future of Warfare”, the opening day (16 September) will bring together senior military leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and analysts to unpack the key trends, technologies, and operational shifts shaping modern conflict.
As the character of warfare continues to evolve, it is critical that African defence stakeholders are not only aware of these changes, but actively engaging with them,” said Nakedi Phasha, Exhibition Director for AAD. “The conference provides a unique opportunity to bring together the right voices to unpack these challenges and explore practical, forward-looking solutions.”
Drawing heavily on lessons from the Russo-Ukraine war, as well as conflicts in the Middle East and the Sahel, discussions will explore how advanced systems — including missile defence, satellite-enabled targeting, and real-time data fusion — are increasingly being combined with low-cost, asymmetric technologies to create complex and unpredictable battle environments.
Key sessions on Day One will examine:
- The rapid evolution of drone warfare, from FPV systems to swarming tactics
- Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) in practice
- The resurgence of electromagnetic warfare and spectrum dominance
- AI-enabled command, control, and decision-making
- The growing importance — and vulnerability — of space-based capabilities
Together, these discussions aim to provide African defence stakeholders with practical insights into how to adapt, respond, and build resilience in an increasingly contested operational environment.
While Day One sets the strategic tone, the AAD 2026 Conference will continue with two additional focused programme days:
Day Two – 17 September 2026: African Defence Industry Showcase Day
Highlighting the capabilities, innovation, and growth potential of Africa’s defence sector, with a strong emphasis on local industry development and collaboration.
Day Three – 18 September 2026: Commercial and Military Aviation
Exploring developments across both sectors, including emerging technologies, operational challenges, and opportunities for integration and growth.
Together, the three days provide a comprehensive platform that bridges strategic insight, industry capability, and technological advancement — reinforcing the conference’s role as a key gathering for decision-makers across the defence and aerospace ecosystem.
DefenceWeb has partnered with the AAD organisers to run the three-issue Show Daily magazine and three-day AAD Conference. For more information contact Robert Mace (sales), Guy Martin (editorial), or Ros Hinchcliffe (conference).
Further details on the AAD 2026 Conference programme and participation will be released in due course.
Article Source: Defence Web
