India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased a wide range of indigenous military technologies at the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026 Expo in South Africa. The event demonstrates India’s growing strength in defence innovation and its ambition to become a leading global defence exporter.
The exhibition is being held from September 16 to 20 at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Tshwane, South Africa. DRDO’s participation highlights India’s advanced capabilities across air, land, naval, missile, and electronic warfare systems.
Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026 Expo: DRDO Presents Advanced Indigenous Defence Systems
At Hangar 2, Stall 2W15, DRDO has displayed several cutting-edge defence platforms developed in India. The exhibition includes technologies that have already been inducted into India’s armed forces and are attracting international attention from military delegations and defence industry leaders.
Key Systems Displayed By DRDO
Some of the major systems showcased at the expo include:
- Airborne Early Warning And Control System (AEW&C)
- Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) System
- Wheeled CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicle
- Nuclear, Biological, Chemical And Radiological Detection Systems
- Advanced Electronic Surveillance Technologies
These systems demonstrate India’s ability to develop sophisticated defence solutions for modern warfare requirements.
Focus On Maritime And Naval Security
DRDO has also highlighted several technologies designed for maritime and underwater security operations.
Underwater Detection Systems On Display
The organization is exhibiting:
- Portable Diver Detection Sonar (PDDS-X)
- Low Frequency Variable Depth Sonar (LFVDS)
These systems are designed to improve maritime surveillance and protect naval assets from underwater threats. The technologies can help detect divers, underwater vehicles, and other suspicious activities in sensitive maritime zones.
Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026 Expo: Advanced Missile Systems Draw Global Attention
One of the biggest attractions at the DRDO pavilion is India’s missile technology portfolio. Visitors are getting an opportunity to learn about several advanced missile systems currently serving India’s defence forces.
Missile Technologies Featured At The Expo
Key missile systems include:
- Astra Mk 1 Beyond Visual Range Air-To-Air Missile
- Akash-NG Surface-To-Air Missile
- Advanced Active Protection Systems
These systems showcase India’s progress in indigenous missile development and modern air defence technologies.
Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026 Expo Provides Global Platform For Indian Defence Exports
The Africa Aerospace And Defence Expo is considered the largest aerospace and defence exhibition on the African continent.
The event brings together military officials, government representatives, aerospace companies, and defence manufacturers from across the world.
For India, the exhibition serves as an important platform to promote defence exports and strengthen strategic partnerships with African nations.
India’s Growing Defence Export Ambitions
In recent years, India has significantly expanded its defence export footprint. The government’s focus on self-reliance, innovation, and indigenous manufacturing has helped Indian defence products gain international recognition.
DRDO’s participation at AAD 2026 aligns with India’s broader objective of increasing defence exports and strengthening its position in global defence markets.
Read also: What Are The 9 Defence Technologies DRDO Just Transferred To Indian Companies?
FAQs
DRDO is showcasing AEW&C systems, MRMR systems, Wheeled CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicles, PDDS-X sonar, LFVDS sonar, Astra Mk 1 missiles, Akash-NG missiles, and Active Protection Systems.
The Africa Aerospace And Defence (AAD) Expo 2026 is Africa’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, held in Tshwane, South Africa, bringing together military and defence industry stakeholders from around the world.
The VIMARSH programme introduced measures to support defence MSMEs, improve access to DRDO technologies, launch a software source-code access framework, and facilitate technology transfer agreements with manufacturing partners.
