Tag Archives: SAAF
ICAD Heidelberg Airshow 2022
The International Civil Aviation Day was celebrated with an airshow at Heidelberg Airfield just to the south of Johannesburg on the 3rd December 2022.
The airshow was supported by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, Department of Transport, Airshow South Africa, South African Police Airwing, South African Airforce and Civilian Airshow Participants.
Capital sounds provided sound equipment and utilized Keith Fryer as commentator during the duration of the displays as the show started at 1pm and around 4pm the show came to a close with a Highveld afternoon thunderstorm.
There were over 500 learners from the surrounding Sedibeng communities, alongside the Deputy Minister of Transport Hon Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Gauteng Premier Honourable Panyaza Lesufi, Director of Civil Ms Poppy Khoza as well as other key aviation dignitaries that were present at the show.
Before some of the dignitaries commenced with their speeches. The South African Police Airwing Airbus Helicopters H125 “Squirrel” dropped a handful of Police task force skydivers.
The airshow started with a Bell UH-1 Huey in its striking colour scheme known as the “Tiger Huey” flown by Menno Parsons. Menno also flew South Africa’s only flying P51D “Mustang Sally”.
The Puma Flying Lions were next flying a three ship Harvard display led by Scully Levine. Scully also led the Hired Gun Pitts Specials flying their three ship Pitts S2Bs and a single S2C.
Dennis Spence, Gareth Gill and Jason Beamish flew the high energy aerobatic display sequence with the Goodyear Eagles Pitts Specials S2Bs. This was Gareth Gills first airshow display as a new member to the team!
The Police Squirrel once again dropped skydivers during two more slots on the day. They also provided a small task force demonstration during their display.
Jeandre van der Schaar flew his RC Extra 300 aerobatic display. The young man is definitely following his fathers footsteps as his father Ivan van der Schaar now flies Boeings in the middle east.
Andre van Zyl flew his Magni Gyrocopter display. One of the best Gyrocopter displays one can see in the world.
Dave Mandel brought his Plettenberg bay based Aero L39 ZU-JET to Heidelberg. Unfortunately he didn’t get to fly in the show due to the weather at the end of the program. We did see him give a pass or two before overnighting at Rand Airport on Saturday before departing back to his home base on Sunday.
The South African Airforce was present with a number of static displays including a Fire truck asset, a 44 Squadron Casa 212 and a Agusta A109LUH from AFB Bloemspruit.
Once again Rikus Erasmus as the display director and Francois Hanekom as safety director made the show a safe and successful ending of ICAD 2022.
Thank you to Louise Hofmeyr for handling the media accreditation. This was the final South African Air Show for 2022.What a great airshow season it was!
SANDF Exercise VUK’UHLOME 2022
With Exercise VUK’UHLOME already been on the way for the last month at Combat Training Centre Lohatla in the Northern Cape of South Africa, the exercise concluded with a visitors day showing the might of the South African National Defence Force with a total of 13 000+ troops being involved in the exercise!
Many distinguished guests attended the visitors day including the media, local municipal members, military attaché from a number of Countries, military veterans members of the defence industries, Chiefs of Navy, Air Force, South African Military Health Service and Army from the South African National Defence Arms of Service. The event was also attended by Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise
This years live firing and capability demonstration took place on Mount Huxley Hills a different range and view point from where the 2021 exercise was closer to the central surroundings of Lohatla.
The visitors got to see different phases of the demonstration, a township unrest, counter insurgency, a demolition from the SANDF Army Engineer Formation.
It was time for some fast movers that were operating out of Air Force Base Overburg in the Western Cape with two 85 Combat Flying School BAE Hawk MK120 jet aircraft dropping MK81 bombs onto certain targets on the range.
A demonstration of a vehicle carrying armed individuals showing force of harm to innocent passengers onboard, with members of the military police and Special forces bringing the assailants to a stop.
With a Agusta A109LUH providing top cover that scenario.
A closing contact was then in effect with Ratel 90 and Rooikat armoured vehicles with the assistance of Olifant Tanks.
Behind the simulated enemy battle ground 23mm and 35mm anti-aircraft guns kept the skies sterile with no enemy aircraft coming into the airspace, while mortar, howitzers and the 127mm Bateleur echo’s into the hills beyond.
Rotary assets with a 19 Squadron Agusta A109LUH, 87 Helicopter Flying School Oryx Helicopter and a 16 Squadron Rooivalk Combat Support Helicopter provided top cover and delivering troops into the battleground.
44 Squadron with the form of a Casa 212 and a 41 Squadron Cessna C208A Caravan dropped a number of parachute members from different airborne battalions.
The exercise concluded with the Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha declaring the division combat ready.
Africa Aerospace and Defence 2022
The Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition Trade show and Airshow made a welcome return to Air Force Base Waterkloof in the City of Tshwane from 21-25 September 2022. The show hosted three trade days and two airshow days where the public could witness Africa’s biggest airshow.
With the obvious pandemic that we should all be aware of. Africa Aerospace and Defence was not allowed to take place during 2020, as it also formed part of the South African Airforce centenary year.
The first trade show was opened by the minister of defence Thandi Modise. She mentioned
“This eleventh edition of AAD will bring together the largest gathering of aerospace and defence industry decision makers and buyers from around the world, including many from Africa.”
“The defence industry plays a key role in assisting the SANDF to discharge its
constitutional mandate of defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of
South Africa and to secure our nation. By ensuring security and stability, the
SANDF, in turn, helps to create an enabling environment for economic growth
and development. “
” Through our peacekeeping missions, we are similarly contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity on our continent.”
Before we move on the show, the show would not have happened without the Department of Defence, stakeholders and sponsors, the AAD team, and especially the Airboss Colonel Keith Fryer, Colonel Keith Andrews, and Colonel Keith Wilkinson, Airforce Base Waterkloof for putting such a great show together with your team of ramp controllers, ATCs, pilots and ground crew.
As most of the hangar space was used up by local and foreign exhibitors. The apron had a number of static aircraft from both the South African Air Force and the United States Airforce and Civilian aircraft both fixed wing and helicopters.
Capital Sounds and Brian Emmenis proved a kilometer and more of the audio cable to provide commentary to this year’s AAD.
The sound of Mr airshow brings back all the memories of big airshows at Waterkloof during our youth.
The airshow featured a cavalcade of emergency vehicles that were lucky not needed during the duration of the two airshow days.
Hangar 51 provided a flying display from their Aero L29 Delphin flown by Grant Timms, this was Grant’s first L29 display on the highveld. The L39 Albatross was also displayed as part of the civilian jet contingent by Pierre Gouws.
Andrew Blackwood-Murray flew a solo aerobatic display in his Nashua Extra 300L.
Pierre Gouws also flew the first FlySafair Boeing 737-800 display together with SAFAIRs outgoing Lockheed L100-30.
The Raptor RVs were also led by Pierre Gouws as there provided tight formation aerobatics in form of the kit-built aircraft.
The South African Airforce provided a number of assets to this year’s Africa Aerospace and Defence. 2 Squadron had three Gripens with a flying display by Colonel Musa “Midnite” Mbhokota. Six Hawks, a solo display by Major Rehan “Kaine” Venter.
The Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team with a four-ship route with team 84 flying their first display led by new team leader Major Lucky Malloks. A solo display from Central Flying School Langebaanweg by Falcon 5 Major Diaan Grobbelaar. Major Grobbelaar used to be the Agusta A109LUH display pilot before moving on to Central Flying School to become an instructor.
41 Squadron with the “Pointer formation” consisting of four Cesena C208A Caravans flew a diamond formation before breaking off for singleton flypasts during their show.
A skydive drop made up of members from the Pretoria Military Skydiving club and other units in the SANDF used a 44 Squadron Casa 212 “8011” as their jumpship for their skydive drop.
From the rotary assets, we had 15 Squadron Charlie Flight BK117 display flown by Major Corrie Oberholzer with flight engineer Sargent VD van Dalen, together with Major Paul “Raccoon” Kempthorn in the 16 Squadron Rooivalk.
The highlight of any AAD airshow is the mini-war, in which you get to see a number of helicopters, Transport aircraft, Jets, and armored vehicles.
Three Oryx Helicopters, Two Agusta A109s, Two BK117s, One Rooivalk from various helicopter squadrons from across South Africa, Casa 212-300, C130BZ, and four Hawk MK120 made up of the aerial assets in that slot of the program.
The South African Police Airwing also put on a threat-type scenario of a hijacked Cessna Sovereign that got escorted by two 85 Combat Flying School Hawk MK120s. Once on the ground SAPS task force and bomb squad members were brought in by SAPS Airwing Airbus H125 and 15 Squadron BK117s helicopters.
The United States Airforce brought two Boeing C17 Globemasters, a KC46 Pegasus Tanker, HC130 Combat King Hercules, and an HH-60 Pavehawk Helicopter. The HC130 and Pavehawk provided a flying display of aerial refueling.
The Airforce of Zimbabwe was present with a Casa 212 and two K8s. The K8 display was flown by display pilots wing commander Lizwe Mahlangu and squadron leader Norman Taurai Marodza.
The South African Airforce Museum flew most of its flying exhibits, two Alouette IIs, two Alouette IIIs, Aerospatiale Puma, and two Cessna C185s, and a solo display included. Solo Aerobatics from Harvard “Nelson” 7111 display by Martin “Marlow” Louw. A Kudu was also a jump ship for a few Pretoria Military Skydive members.
Juba Joubert flew an Alouette II display and Andre van Zyl flew the Magni Gyrocopter display. Henley Air also displayed two of their Bell 222s.
Menno Parsons was welcomed back at AAD with the only flying type of its kind on African soil the P51D “Mustang Sally”.
High-energy aerobatics were performed by the Iveco Extra 330s flown by Nigel Hopkins and Jason Beamish. The two also flew in the Goodyear Eagles Pitts Specials team joined by Johan von Solms and Trevor Warner.
Ivan and Jeandre van der Schaar performed their first display at AAD with the Classic radial Boeing Stearman and RC Extra aircraft duo or better known as the father and son duo.
Excujet provided a display of their Challenger business jet that was seen flying on Saturday and a brief appearance of a Learjet 45 on Friday’s validations.
The Hired Gun Pitts specials also flew their four Pitts specials on the afternoon slot of the show on Saturday.
Flare drops were probably the highlight for any camera user from 28 Squadron on their Lockheed C130BZ, 85 Combat Flying School Hawk MK120, and 16 Squadron Rooivalk during the later part of the program of the show on both days.
The Puma Flying Lions Harvards led by Scully Levin performed a sunset show on both Saturday and Sunday bringing a fittingly spectacular end to AAD 2022.
Well done to everyone involved. We were proud to be the official media partner during the duration of the trade and Airshow and build up to the event
We look forward to the ninth edition of AAD in 2024. Join the #AAD2024 event page by clicking on the banner below!
Please Browse Through Our Pictures Below
Airshow 2022 Program Final
The Airboss for #AAD2022 released the Final Air display program to us.
Saturday and Sunday program is almost similar for the two days.
Note although this is labeled as the final program, this can still change due to Aircraft or Pilot availability.
Also, Read
Do’s and Don’ts attending an Airshow
About Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2022)
AAD 2022 is Ready!
See USAF Tanking HC130/HH60 Demo at 15:15
Airshow 2022 Program
| Slot Time | Slot End | Air Display Item (SATURDAY) | Air Display Item (SUNDAY) | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Show Opening | Show Opening | |||
| 09:00 | 09:10 | Hawk Display (SAAF) | Hawk Display (SAAF) | BAE Hawk 120 (SAAF) |
| 09:10 | 09:20 | Museum Harvard (SAAFM) | Museum Harvard (SAAFM) | Harvard (SAAFM) |
| 09:20 | 09:30 | Pointer Formation | Pointer Formation | C208s (SAAF) |
| 09:30 | 09:40 | Extra Advanced Aerobatics | Extra Advanced Aerobatics | Extra 300LP (Nashua) |
| 09:40 | 09:50 | Gyrocopoter | Gyrocopoter | Magni Gyro |
| 09:50 | 10:00 | Raptors | Raptors | 4 x RV7/8s |
| 10:00 | 10:10 | Golden Eagles Paradrop (SAAFM) | Golden Eagles Paradrop (SAAFM) | Kudu (all SAAFM Aircraft) |
| 10:10 | 10:20 | Chopper Display (SAAFM) | Chopper Display (SAAFM) | Puma, Alo-III, Alo-II |
| 10:20 | 10:30 | Fixed Wing Formo (SAAFM) | Fixed Wing Formo (SAAFM) | Bosbok/Kudu/C185 |
| 10:30 | 10:40 | L-29 Display | L-29 Display | L-29 (Hangar 51) |
| 10:40 | 10:45 | Hawk Scramble/Intercept | Hawk Scramble/Intercept | Sovereign (SAPS)/Hawks (SAAF) |
| 10:45 | 11:00 | Silver Falcons (SAAF) | Hired Gun Pitts Team | Falcons (SAAF)/4 x Pitts 2B |
| 11:00 | 11:40 | SAPS Hijacking | SAPS Hijacking | Cessna Sovereign (SAPS) |
| Hawks Intercept (SAAF) | ||||
| H125 (SAPS) | ||||
| BK117s (SAAF) | ||||
| 11:40 | 11:50 | Zimbabwe (AFZ) | Zimbabwe (AFZ) | Karakorum K-8 (AFZ) |
| 11:50 | 12:00 | BK117 Display (SAAF) | BK117 Display (SAAF) | BK-117 (SAAF) |
| 12:00 | 12:10 | SAFAIR B737/C130 | SAFAIR B737/C130 | C-130/B737 (SAFAIR) |
| 12:10 | 12:20 | SAFAIR C130 | Silver Falcons (SAAF) | 4 x PC-7 MkII (SAAF) |
| 12:20 | 12:30 | SANDF Paradrop | SANDF Paradrop | Casa 212/C208s (SAAF) |
| 12:30 | 12:40 | Good Year Team | Good Year Team | 4 x Pitts Specials (Good Year) |
| 12:40 | 12:50 | CFS Solo Display (SAAF) | CFS Solo Display (SAAF) | PC-7 MkII (SAAF) |
| 12:50 | 13:00 | Alo-II Helicopter Display | Alo-II Helicopter Display | Alo II (Pvt) |
| 13:00 | 13:15 | Puma Flying Lions | Puma Flying Lions | 4 x Harvards (PUMA) |
| 13:15 | 13:30 | IVECO Extras | IVECO Extras | 2 x Extra 330SC (IVECO) |
| 13:30 | 14:00 | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | |
| C130/Casa212 | ||||
| Mini War - Aircraft Airborne | Mini War - Aircraft Airborne | Gripen/Hawk | ||
| Oryx/A109s/BK117s | ||||
| 14:00 | 14:45 | Mini War - C130/Casa 212 (SAAF) | Mini War - C130/Casa 212 (SAAF) | C130/Casa212 |
| Mini War Fighters (SAAF) | Gripen/Hawk (SAAF) | Gripen/Hawk | ||
| Mini War - Choppers (SAAF) | Mini War - Choppers (SAAF) | Oryx/A109s/BK117s | ||
| 14:45 | 15:00 | L-39 | L-39 | L-39 (Pvt) |
| 15:00 | 15:15 | Silver Falcons (SAAF) | Silver Falcons (SAAF) | 4 x PC-7 MkII (SAAF) |
| 15:15 | 15:30 | USAF Tanking | BK117 Display (SAAF) | HC130 & HH60 (USAF) |
| 15:30 | 15:45 | USAF Pave Hawk | Stearman/RC (Sunday) | Boeing Stearman/RC |
| 15:45 | 16:00 | Hawk Display (SAAF) | Hawk Display (SAAF) | BAE Hawk Mk120 |
| 16:00 | 16:15 | Mustang Sally | Mustang Sally | P51D Mustang |
| 16:15 | 16:25 | Henley/Rocket HEMS Bell 222 | Henley/Rocket HEMS Bell 222 | Bell 222/Rescue |
| 16:25 | 16:40 | Henley Air 222 | Henley Air 222 | Bell 222 |
| 16:40 | 16:50 | Extra Advanced Aerobatics | Extra Advanced Aerobatics | Extra 300LP (Nashua) |
| 16:50 | 17:00 | Mass Para Drop C130 (SAAF) | Mass Para Drop C130 (SAAF) | C130 (Flares) |
| 17:00 | 17:15 | Attack Helicopter Duo (SAAF) | Attack Helicopter Duo (SAAF) | Rooivalk/BK117 (Flares) |
| 17:15 | 17:20 | Fighter Flypast (SAAF) | Fighter Flypast (SAAF) | 4 x Hawks |
| 17:20 | 17:30 | Gripen Sunset (SAAF) | Gripen Sunset (SAAF) | SAAB Gripen (Flares) |
| 17:30 | 17:45 | Puma Lions Flat Display | Puma Lions Flat Display | 4 x Harvards |
AAD 2022 is Ready!
With Africa’s Largest Trade Exhibition and Airshow around the corner that will be taking place at Air force base Waterkloof in the city of Tshwane, South Africa.Its officially show time!
Aviation Enthusiasts will be treated to a world class airshow after the last AAD that was due to take place in 2020,but got cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic which obviously put a hold to many other events not just AAD.
This year’s show will include a number of favorites with the recently returned to airworthy status, 2 Squadron Gripens that’s will definitely ensure pure air power growl to the general public flown by veteran Gripen display pilots.
85 Combat Flying School will be flying a singleton Hawk MK120 display. 15 Squadron “Charlie” Flight will also be a welcome return to the display scene after a few years absence in their BK117s,based at Air Force Station Gqeberha.
The cockpit ambassadors of the South African Airforce will fly a four ship display of Pilatus PC-7MKIIs, based at the Central Flying School, Langebaanweg on the Capes West coast.
Always a great crowd pleaser will see 16 Squadron in the form of a Rooivalk Attack helicopter will also put through its paces.
A few more surprises and assests will also be on display especially in the SANDF mini war.
The South African Airforce Museum will also give a number of aircraft to be put on display including, Harvards, Cessna C185s, Alouette II, Alouette III and the Aerospatiale Puma and much more.
From the civilian side it will be the first airshow appearance of Flysafair’s Boeing 737-800 and joining in will be a SAFAIR Lockheed L100-30 (known as the civilian C130 Hercules)
Hangar 51 also doing their first show on the Highveld with the Aero L29 Delphin and YAK 52. Coming all the way from Port Elizabeth.
The United States Air Force (USAF) will have a large contingent of aircraft flying in. Two C17 Globemasters, KC135R, KC46 Pegasus, C130J, MQ-9 Reaper drone and a UH-60 Blackhawk which will fly in the show.
From our neighbouring countries we will welcome back AAD past performers that being the Airforce of Zimbabwe with a K-8 jet trainer in a display and a Casa 212 as static.
More civilian acts that are expected will be Menno Parsons in his P51D “Mustang Sally”, a privately owned L39 Albatross, Two different Pitts Special Teams, Puma Flying Lions, Extra 330s and much more. There will be surprises so make sure you buy your tickets and get to AAD2022!
Aviation Central will bring your live coverage from the event. Days leading up from arrivals to updates ect.
The Africa Aerospace and Defence Trade exhibition and Airshow will run as follows
21-23 September (Trade Days)
24-25th September (Airshow Days)
AFB Waterkloof, City of Tshwane
South Africa
Tickets available at Computicket!
SAAF Chopper Reunion 2022
The 27th August 2022, hovering into Airforce Base Swartkop, home to 104 Squadron, 17 Squadron, Airspace Control Unit, and the South African Airforce Museum Historic Flight.After a couple years absence due to Covid 19.
The chopper boys were welcomed back to the base to reminisce about their helicopter flying tasks from days gone by and present during their time in the South African Air Force.
A chopper reunion wouldn’t be the same with out the sounds of helicopter blades twirling through the crisp August day with a 17 Squadron Flypast and the Museum Puma flown by General (Ret) John Church and Piet Burger. And not to forget their flight engineers and ground crew that keep these helicopters serviceable.
Memrobilla of all sorts were on sale during the course of the day from 17 Squadron, Air Force Museum Swartkop and a number of others.
The SAAF Museum ground crew also placed some of the museum static exhibits including Alouette IIs, Alouette IIIs, Puma, Prototype Rooivalk and a Super Frelon.
With many friends meeting up with one another after the absence and sharing their flying stories as if they were back in their once flying office together again. And not forgetting the famous chopper boys song being sung jutting out loud.
We look forward to attending next year’s event.
USAF Aircraft Coming to AAD
Also, see About Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2022)
With this year’s Africa Aerospace and Defence Trade and Airshow around the corner. The anticipation is now here!
A number of United States Aircraft will be coming to Airforce Base Waterkloof from the 21-25th of September 2022.
First on the list is the Boeing C17 Globemaster, the McDonnell Douglas/Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft that was developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas. There will be two C17s at this year’s AAD.
Click here to View the full Aircraft list
The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an American military aerial refueling aircraft that was developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype, alongside the Boeing 707 airliner. It is the predominant variant of the C-135 Stratolifter family of transport aircraft.
The C-130J is the newest version of the C-130 Hercules and the only model in production. As of March 2022, 500 C-130J aircraft were delivered to 26 operators in 22 countries.
The Boeing KC-46 Pegasus is an American military aerial refueling and strategic military transport aircraft developed by Boeing from its 767 jet airliner. In February 2011, the tanker was selected by the United States Air Force (USAF) as the winner in the KC-X tanker competition to replace older Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers. The US Air Force intends to procure 179 Pegasus aircraft by 2027.
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility military helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. Sikorsky submitted the S-70 design for the United States Army’s Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System competition in 1972. The UH-60 will also provide an air display.
More aircraft will be added to the aircraft list soon including a number of South African Airforce Favourites.
Africa Aerospace and Defence trade show will be on 21-23 September and the two airshow days are 24th & 25th September 2022 at Airforce Base Waterkloof, City of Tshwane, South Africa.
Sea Rescue in Stilbaai 20th August 2022
A South African Air Force 22 Squadron Oryx was activated for a Air Sea Rescue mission locating the yacht, panacea that has been missing at sea. The yacht has been overdue to reach his destination. The Squadron received initial coordinates from a passing tanker ship where the yacht was last seen.
The tanker, has tried to confirm the presence of life onboard the yacht, but due to heavy sea condtitions and vessel size it could not be established with certainty.
The crew with the the help from the NSRI then flew a SAR pattern and managed to locate the yacht approximately 28 nautical miles South South West of Stilbaai on the South Coast.
An NSRI Airborne rescue swimmer was deployed from the helicopter into the sea, he swam to and boarded the yacht where he found the sailor deceased below decks.
With limited fuel remaining the rescue swimmer placed a signalling beacon on the yacht before being recovered into the helicopter. The yacht with the deceased sailor had been recovered and towed back to shore by the NSRI rescue vessel.
Special thanks to the ground crew that works behind the scenes for always ensuring safe serviceable helicopters.
The effort by all involved, for their tireless contributions that helped to bring closure in this tragedy, is commended.
Credit to NSRI, MRCC and SAAF.
Photos were taken by Frank Boekkooi
Exercise Shared Accord 2022
Exercise Shared Accord 2022 is a Joint and Multinational Peace Support Operation and
Humanitarian Relief Exercise with the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa
(SETAF-AF) of the United States (US) Armed Forces, took place over a period 05 -30 July
2022 in and around Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. This came about as a result of bilateral
Defence Force Committee discussions that originated in 2009, and was approved by the
Military Command Council (MCC) in 2010.
The exercise was followed by a capability demonstrations including High Altitude
Low Opening (HALO) techniques by paratroopers, US and RSA Medivac, Chemical Spillage
procedures by SANDF and the disaster management, and demonstrations.
Exercise Shared Accord was the fourth exercise of this
nature to be planned and executed in South Africa, with previous exercises that took place in
2011, 2013 and 2017. The last exercise was conducted in Northern Cape at the SA Army
Combat Training Centre (CTC) Lohatlha, and the following scheduled exercise was to be
executed in 2020, but due to outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, all exercises were
suspended in March of that year.
The Aim of Exercise Shared Accord 2022 was to improve bilateral military inter-operability in Air
Support Operations and Peace Support Operations (PSO) for landward forces, and to
exercise the provision of medical assistance and humanitarian relief to own forces and the
local population. The South African Medical Heath Service (SAMHS) together with the New
York Army National Guard personnel from US Armed Forces have been in the forefront with
the community outreach programme in providing medical services, like primary health care,
dental, veterinary and ophthalmic services to residents in a number of local rural clinics
around uMhlathuze Local Municipality and uMfolozi local Municipality to name a few.
Pictures by Hein Beukes
About Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2022)
The 14th Edition of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2022) is set to take place in September 2022. AAD2022 will consist of two parts, 21st to 23rd of September is the Trade days and are aimed at the Aviation and Defence specialists, The Weekend, 24th, and 25th of September are the Public days and consist of Africa’s largest Airshow. The Show is held biannually at Waterkloof Air Force Base in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. AAD is also know by many as Waterkloof Airshow
THE PREMIER EXHIBITION OF AIR, SEA AND LAND TECHNOLOGIES ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT
The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) is Africa’s only aerospace and defence expo that combines both a trade exhibition and an air show. Held biennially in the City of Tshwane – South Africa’s administrative capital, the AAD Expo is one of South Africa’s largest contributors to the country’s GDP in show years, and is regarded as a national asset.
ABOUT THE AIR SHOW AND EXHIBITION
Africa Aerospace and Defence Air show and Defence Exhibition are open to the public.
The air show comprise of a world class air demonstration, mobility track demonstrations, parachute drops, aerobatic displays and many other static displays from some of the biggest names in the aviation and defence industry who will demonstrate their latest and greatest aircraft.
There will also be organised children’s activities and attractions including a Youth Development Programme will be staged in a dedicated Pavilion with a fun fly park where the youth will have interactive activities, such as plastic model building, virtual aviation, simulator, target shooting, first-aid and crime scene investigation.
Also, read USAF Aircraft Coming to AAD
Also, read AAD 2022 Aircraft list
Public Visitor Information
Also, read Do’s and Don’ts attending an Airshow
Ticket Information
Get your Tickets now!
From Computicket in advance
Adult R200.00
Children (5 to 12) and pensioners: R100.00
At the Gate
Adult R250.00
Children (5 to 12) and pensioners: R120.00
Children under 5 are admitted free
Click the Link below to get your Tickets
Click here to get your tickets today
#AAD2022 Tickets
AAD2022 SITE MAP
DIRECTIONS TO AAD
From OR Tambo International Airport
From OR Tambo International Airport take exit 46 for R21 N towards Kempton Park / Pretoria.
Merge onto R21.
Take exit 12 for M31 / Nellmapius Drive towards Centurion.
Turn left onto Nellmapius Dr / M31.
Turn right onto Van Ryneveld Ave / M28.
From Midrand (N1)
Head northwest toward Old Pretoria Main Rd.
Turn right onto Old Pretoria Main Rd.
Take the 3rd left to stay on Old Pretoria Main Rd.
Take the 1st left onto New Rd.
Slight right to merge onto N1 towards Pretoria. Partial toll road.
Continue onto Ben Schoeman Fwy.
Take the exit towards M10.
Turn left onto M10.
The destination will be on the left.
Map
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
- No gazebos, laser devices, firearms, knives, glass bottles, drugs, pets, braais or umbrellas may be brought onto the AFB Waterkloof’s premises
- Visitors are not permitted to bring their own alcohol to the show
- Members of the public are requested to remain within the demarcated public viewing areas
- Ear Plugs will be sold at the Waterkloof Base
- Radios capable of tuning (Scanners), will also not be allowed on the base. If radios or Scanners are found on the day it will be confiscated by ICASA.
- The flying of Drones during the event will also not be allowed.
- Visitors are welcome to bring their cameras to photograph events.
- Visitors should bring their own camping chairs and sunscreen.
- Food stalls and a beer garden will be available, but PICNIC BASKETS are welcome
- ATMs are available throughout for your convenience
- Medical/first aid facility, access for the disabled, lost child centre
- Sufficient toilets will be available.
- Come early and enjoy a full day of wonderful entertainment
- Tips for parents: Place a name and mobile number on a piece of paper and put in your child’s pocket or write your mobile number on your child’s arm.
FAQ PUBLIC VISITORS
Will public transport be available?
Yes. There Will public transport be available?
Yes. There will be limited public transport buses (Tshwane Buses) and Gautrain Buses departing from the Centurion Railway Station to the AFB Waterkloof. The buses will depart from these locations to AFB Waterkloof in the morning and will return again in the afternoon.
Can I visit the air show in the week?
No. The trade days are strictly open to trade visitors and professionals only.
Is the show the same on both days?
The format of the show is the same on both days. The only difference between Saturday and Sunday is in the flying displays.
Parking
There is ample parking for visitors and parking is free at the Base.
Can I smoke at the air show?
AAD is a no-smoking area, no smoking is permitted in any of the halls or chalets, or restaurants.
Can I bring alcohol to the Show?
No. For the safety of everyone, alcohol cannot be brought onto the Air Show grounds.
Can I bring my dog?
No pets are allowed, for safety reasons. Registered Guide Dogs, as permitted by law, are allowed.
Is there a pharmacy on site?
There are medics on-site and medical services are provided throughout. In the event of an injury or illness, please locate the Medical Centre or contact any of the Organisers or Security Staff who will arrange assistance.
What should I do if I become separated from my child?
Any lost children are taken to the Lost Children Centre (see map for location). In the event of a lost child, the adult should report it to the Lost Children Centre or Organisers Office, or locate any of the show organisers or police at the show for assistance.
Also, read Do’s and Don’ts attending an Airshow
Aircraft list & Program
The Aircraft list will only be available in September with the Flying Program will be made available Friday 23rd September
Below are Photos from AAD2018
