Air capability that strengthens awareness, mobility and readiness.
The Air domain at the Africa International Defence Exhibition focuses on the capabilities that enable air forces and multi-agency partners to secure airspace, deliver mobility and mission support, improve operational awareness, and sustain aviation readiness over time. This includes fixed-wing and rotary-wing capability, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), ISR and sensing, communications and electronic systems, air defence integration, training and simulation, and lifecycle sustainment.
The Africa International Defence Exhibition is designed as a defence and security platform that connects Air capability stakeholders with industry across:
- Primes
- Tier 1 suppliers
- Tier 2 suppliers
- Tier 3 suppliers
- SMEs
- Dual-use innovators
Through a structured exhibition, Defence Summit and protocol-led engagement, the primary goal is to support measurable cooperation pathways within a high-integrity environment aligned to transparent, structured engagement.
THE IMPORTANCE FOR AIR DOMAIN EXHIBITORS
ENGAGE AIR CAPABILITY STAKEHOLDERS
Connect with air forces leadership and capability planners through structured engagement formats designed for secure, productive dialogue.
ACCESS SUPPLY CHAIN PATHWAYS ACROSS TIERS
Build visibility with primes, integrators, Tier 1–3 suppliers and African SMEs through structured supplier pathways that support industrial participation and lifecycle readiness.SUPPORT SUSTAINMENT AND LIFECYCLE READINESS
Advance pathways to MRO, spares, repair networks, training and support services that keep aviation capabilities available.
GAIN CONFERENCE-GRADE INSIGHT
Use Defence Summit and programme tracks to better understand capability priorities, training needs, safety and security considerations, and interoperability requirements shaping the Air domain.DESIGNED TO CROSS THE ENTIRE AIR ECOSYSTEM
Participation is structured and protocol-led, supporting credible engagement across government, armed forces and industry.
MINISTERS AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
Policy direction and cooperation pathways.
AIR FORCES LEADERSHIP AND CAPABILITY PLANNERS.
Operational priorities, readiness requirements and interoperability needs.
DEFENCE AND SECURITY PROCUREMENT STAKEHOLDERS
Acquisition, sustainment and programme delivery considerations.
PRIME CONTRACTORS AND OEMS
Platforms, integration and lifecycle support.
TIER 1–3 SUPPLIERS AND SMEs
Components, subsystems, software, services and supply chain pathways.
SUSTAINMENT, LOGISTICS AND MRO PROVIDERS
Availability, repair networks, spares and lifecycle readiness.
TRAINING AND SIMULATION PROVIDERS
Skills development, standards alignment and professional development.
CURRENT AIR CAPABILITIES BY AFRICAN COUNTRY
COUNTRIES
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ALGERIA
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ANGOLA
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BENIN
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BOTSWANA
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BURKINA FASO
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CAMEROON
ALGERIA
SUPPLIER COUNTRIES:
AVIC - UAVs and aircraft platforms
Boeing - limited aircraft and support services
Lockheed Martin - transport aircraft support and upgrades
ANGOLA
SUPPLIER COUNTRIES:
Embraer - Super Tucano light attack aircraft and support
AVIC - aircraft and UAV platforms
Israel Aerospace Industries - UAVs and avionics upgrades
BENIN
SUPPLIER COUNTRIES:
Airbus Defence and Space - light transport aircraft and support
Textron - light patrol aircraft and ISR platforms
BOTSWANA
SUPPLIER COUNTRIES:
Airbus Defence and Space - transport aircraft and support services
Leonardo - helicopters and aviation systems
Saab - air defence systems and radar technology
- Bell Textron - utility helicopters
- Lockheed Martin - C-130 transport aircraft support
BURKINA FASO
SUPPLIER COUNTRY:
Baykar - Bayraktar drones’ presence at defence expo
CAMEROON
SUPPLIER REGIONS:
Airbus / Dassault platforms in the air force (Alpha Jet, light helicopters historically sourced from France)
AIR EXHIBITORS
INTERNATIONAL PAVILIONS
