Turkey Participated with Broad Representation at the AAD 2026 Defense Exhibition
Turkey achieved the third-largest participation at the aerospace and defense exhibition held in Pretoria, conducting significant engagements.
Turkey participated in the AAD 2026 defense and aerospace exhibition held in Pretoria, South Africa, with a strong delegation and numerous defense industry companies.
AAD 2026 Defense Exhibition
Organized at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria, AAD 2026 brings together representatives of the global defense and aerospace sector between September 16 and 20.
Turkey succeeded in becoming among the countries drawing attention at the exhibition with both its high-level official delegation and leading defense industry companies.
Turkey's Broad Participation
While Deputy Minister of National Defense Salih Ayhan headed Turkey's delegation at the exhibition, important institutions took part under the coordination of the Presidency of Defense Industries.
In addition to critical companies such as ASELSAN, STM, MKE, TUSAŞ, SARSILMAZ, BMC, and HAVELSAN, the Defense and Aerospace Industry Exporters' Association also opened booths.
Cooperation and Partnership Opportunities
Turkey's Ambassador to Pretoria, Kezban Nilvana Darama Yıldırımgeç, stated that the participation of Turkish firms was the third-largest after South Africa and China.
It was stated that South Africa offers significant cooperation opportunities for Turkish companies with its industrial infrastructure and qualified human resources.
Joint Production and Technology Target
Ambassador Yıldırımgeç emphasized that relations between the two countries should not remain limited to trade but focus on areas of joint production, localization, and technology development.
It was conveyed that Turkish and South African companies could open up to new markets by producing together and that there is a strong mutual interest.