AAD 2026: ASELSAN Presents Multi-Domain Defence Portfolio in South Africa

At AAD 2026, running 16-20 September at Waterkloof Air Force Base near Pretoria, South Africa, ASELSAN presented a broad portfolio spanning air and counter-drone defence, precision-guided munitions, electro-optics, electronic warfare, communications, and land and naval systems.

The centerpiece of the stand was a layered counter-UAS setup. İHTAR handled detection, tracking and electronic countermeasures, while GÖKBERK added a laser-based hard-kill option, EJDERHA used high-power electromagnetic energy to disrupt drone electronics, and KORKUT 25 supplied a kinetic layer through airburst ammunition. Displayed together, the four systems were framed as complementary answers to different classes of unmanned aerial threats.

ASELSAN also highlighted its TOLUN family of air-launched precision-guided munitions in three variants: TOLUN-P with a penetration warhead for hardened targets, laser-guided TOLUN-L, and TOLUN-F with a fragmentation warhead and proximity fuse. The three variants build a single weapon concept into a broader family with different warhead and guidance options. The next-generation ASELFLIR 500 electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting system rounded out the stand.

The company is not entering a new market. Through its regional subsidiary, ASELSAN already has systems in service with a number of African countries, including Nigeria, Angola, Algeria, Morocco, Chad and Burkina Faso.

According to AAD 2026’s official exhibitor list, ASELSAN was not the only Turkish company on the show floor. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), the Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE), Sarsılmaz, STM and Archon Defense also exhibited. This year’s AAD agenda is built around unmanned systems, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, areas that align closely with Turkish industry’s strengths.

Now in its 13th edition, AAD is held every two years by South Africa’s Department of Defence, Armscor and industry associations. This year’s show has drawn 287 companies from 33 countries. The full programme and other defence trade shows can be tracked on envantermedya.com’s fair calendar.