On Tuesday 19 September 2006 the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition opened its doors with an exclusive media day for accredited media personnel. The SAAB Gripen test and evaluation team based at TFDC near Bredarsdorp made use of the opportunity to unveil South Africa’s latest fighter aircraft, Gripen to the attending media.
 

Swedish Gripens at Ysterplaat prior to the departure to AAD 2000	Named Gripen SA01 and piloted by SAAB test pilot, Magnus Ollson, South Africans were finally treated to the first public unveiling of what our money had bought. Under brilliant blue skies the two-tone double seater performed a short display as an exclusive first for the show. As the aircraft was fitted with advanced test instrumentation and currently employed in a test program to prove the avionics, the displays over the next few days, were kept short without very high g manoeuvres.
Gripen SA01	Somewhat disappointing, this aspect did very little damage to the image of the Gripen in South African markings as it was subsequently judged the star of the show. SAAB attended in full force at the show as it sees South Africa as its second home market outside Sweden. The SAAF was the first export customer for the type. Gripen SA01 on the Tuesday very much set the essence of AAD 2006 which will be remembered for the very large number of first time unveilings of new aircraft and equipment. The Cape Town backdrop provided a setting of quality and splendour to the show.
Painting presented to the SAAB test team based in SA	Gipen test flight
India Defense industry display stand	During 2006, the largest exhibition of land, sea and air vehicles and associated equipment on the African continent was presented for the first time in Cape Town, South Africa. Visitors to this year’s exhibition which take the form of three trade days and two public days (including an airshow) experienced the latest in high technology not only as static exhibits but also as a fully fledged airshow on the weekend of 23-24 September 2006.  No less than 400 exhibits span 11 display halls. Apart from the military equipment, the largest number of civilian aircraft to feature at AAD was on display. In addition to representatives from South Africa’s high technology industry, more than 25 countries took part. This year, the line-up of international participation also included China and India. Unique to AAD 2006 in Cape Town was a large exhibition of naval equipment.

This year’s show supports the South African Governments’ strategy for strengthening, growing and forging worldwide alliances for its domestic aerospace, air transport, maritime, land systems, security and space industries. In all the key focus is job creation.

Opening ceremony

Flags representing the international visitors

It was officially opened on Wednesday morning by the South African Defence Minister, Mosiua Lekota and in his address highlighted the changing role of the South African National Defence Force from mainly offensive to defensive operations. This role change let to South Africa’s involvement on an increasing basis in peacekeeping operations. This is a steep learning curve and also highlighted the change needed in specific equipment and policies. For this reason the Defence Force will provide clear information on its capabilities, systems equipment and services required in future. This will enable the relevant industry to work in partnership with the Defence Force to develop the required technology.