New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is showcasing a range of advanced weapons systems and indigenous defence technologies at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 Exhibition in Tshwane, South Africa.
The biennial exhibition is being held from September 16 to 20, 2026, with DRDO participating at Hangar 2, Stall 2W 15. The participation highlights India’s indigenous defence capabilities and its focus on strengthening international defence cooperation.
DRDO Displays Advanced Defence Systems at AAD 2026
In a post on X on Wednesday, DRDO said its participation in the exhibition highlights India’s indigenous defence capabilities and commitment to strengthening international defence cooperation.
According to the video shared by DRDO, several advanced systems and technologies are being showcased, including:
- Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR)
- Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C)
- Wheeled CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicle
- PDDS-X (Portable Diver Detection Sonar)
- Astra Mk 1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile
- Akash-NG Surface-to-Air Missile
- Low Frequency Variable Depth Sonar (LFVDS)
- Active Protection System technologies
The display provides international visitors with an overview of India’s capabilities in air defence, surveillance, maritime security, missile systems and battlefield protection.
AAD 2026 Brings Air, Land and Sea Defence Technologies Together
The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo is a biennial event held in the City of Tshwane, South Africa’s administrative capital.
According to the official AAD website, it is the only aerospace and defence exhibition in Africa that combines a trade exhibition with an air show. The event brings together technologies and capabilities covering air, land and sea domains.
DRDO’s participation provides an opportunity to showcase India’s defence research and development capabilities to an international audience while supporting wider defence-industry engagement.
DRDO Unveils New Industry-Focused Initiatives in India
DRDO’s participation in AAD 2026 comes shortly after several industry-focused initiatives were announced during VIMARSH, a DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet, in New Delhi.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled policy initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration between DRDO, Indian industry, MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups.
The initiatives include a comprehensive framework aimed at reducing technical and financial entry barriers for MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups. The framework provides for:
- Direct funding support
- Incubation support
- Dedicated access to DRDO testing facilities
A standardised and secure framework for sharing DRDO-developed software source codes with licensed industries was also launched. The initiative is aimed at accelerating software-defined defence capabilities and addressing technology obsolescence.
Nine Technology Transfer Agreements Handed Over to Manufacturing Partners
During the DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet, nine Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOTs) were handed over to 13 manufacturing partners.
The agreements are intended to enable the commercial production of advanced defence systems and further strengthen the participation of domestic industry in defence manufacturing.
Strategic MoUs were also exchanged with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) to expand industry outreach and encourage wider grassroots participation.
DRDO Signs Contract for SAMAR 2.0 Manufacturing Assessment System
DRDO also signed a contract with the Quality Council of India (QCI) for System for Advanced Manufacturing Assessment and Rating (SAMAR) version 2.0.
The system is designed to benchmark the manufacturing maturity of domestic defence enterprises and support the development of stronger manufacturing capabilities within India’s defence industrial ecosystem.
Rajnath Singh Calls for Wider DRDO-Industry Collaboration
Addressing the event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said DRDO-industry collaboration should extend beyond production and cover the entire defence technology value chain.
This includes:
- Research
- Design
- Testing
- Certification
- Manufacturing
He said greater integration across these areas would support India’s objective of becoming a global hub for defence manufacturing.
Focus on Defence Self-Reliance by 2047
The Defence Minister also outlined India’s broader objective of achieving greater self-reliance in critical defence technologies by 2047.
The goals highlighted during the event include:
- Achieving Aatmanirbharta in critical technologies
- Increasing indigenous content in defence systems
- Expanding defence exports
- Strengthening India’s presence in global supply chains
DRDO’s participation at AAD 2026 therefore comes amid a wider push to strengthen India’s domestic defence technology and manufacturing ecosystem while expanding international engagement.
About DRDO
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is India’s premier defence research and development organisation. It works on developing advanced technologies and systems for the country’s armed forces across areas including missiles, electronics, aeronautics, naval systems, surveillance, electronic warfare and other defence applications.
