The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is showcasing a wide range of India’s indigenous defence technologies at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 Exhibition in Tshwane, South Africa, highlighting the country’s growing capabilities across missile systems, air defence, surveillance and maritime security.
The exhibition is being held from September 16 to 20, 2026, where DRDO is participating at Hangar 2, Stall 2W 15. According to DRDO, its participation is aimed at highlighting India’s indigenous defence capabilities while strengthening international defence cooperation.
Among the key systems being displayed is the ASTRA Mk-1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile, an indigenous missile system developed for aerial combat applications. The Akash-NG surface-to-air missile system is also part of the showcase, underlining India’s efforts to develop advanced domestic air-defence capabilities.
DRDO is also presenting technologies designed for surveillance and situational awareness across different operational environments. These include the Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) system and the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. Such platforms are intended to support the detection, monitoring and tracking of potential threats over land and maritime domains.
The exhibition further features the Wheeled CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicle, which is designed for reconnaissance in environments involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards. DRDO is also showcasing the PDDS-X Portable Diver Detection Sonar, the Low Frequency Variable Depth Sonar (LFVDS) and technologies associated with an Active Protection System.
The AAD exhibition provides DRDO with an international platform to present these systems to defence delegations, industry representatives and potential partners. The event combines a trade exhibition with an air show and features technologies covering the air, land and maritime domains.
DRDO’s international showcase comes alongside efforts to strengthen India’s domestic defence technology and manufacturing ecosystem. During the DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet VIMARSH 2026 in New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced initiatives aimed at improving participation by MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups in defence research and development.
The initiatives include funding and incubation support, access to DRDO testing facilities and a framework for secure sharing of DRDO-developed software source codes with licensed industries. Nine Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology were also handed over to 13 manufacturing partners to support commercial production of defence technologies.
DRDO’s participation at AAD 2026 therefore comes at a time when India is expanding both the international visibility of its indigenous defence systems and the domestic industrial ecosystem needed to develop and manufacture them. The showcase in South Africa brings together missile, air-defence, airborne surveillance, maritime reconnaissance and specialised protection technologies under a single international platform.