DRDO showcases indigenous defence technologies at Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo in South Africa

Tshwane, South Africa: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has begun showcasing its indigenous defence systems and advanced technologies at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 Exhibition in Tshwane, South Africa, from September 16 to 20, highlighting India’s growing defence-technology capabilities and its push for deeper international defence cooperation.

DRDO’s display includes the Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) system, Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, Wheeled CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicle and Portable Diver Detection Sonar (PDDS-X). The systems cover maritime surveillance, airborne early warning, chemical-biological-radiological-nuclear reconnaissance and underwater security.

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The participation gives India an opportunity to present technologies developed within its defence R&D ecosystem to African armed forces, governments and international defence companies. AAD is Africa’s major aerospace and defence exhibition combining a trade exhibition with an air show and covering air, land and maritime technologies.

The AEW&C capability is particularly significant for modern air operations, providing airborne surveillance and command-and-control functions that can extend situational awareness beyond the limitations of ground-based sensors. Similarly, maritime reconnaissance and diver-detection technologies address the growing importance of monitoring coastal waters, ports and critical maritime infrastructure.

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The CBRN reconnaissance vehicle adds another dimension to the portfolio, providing specialised capabilities for detecting and assessing hazardous environments. Together, the systems demonstrate that India’s indigenous defence push extends beyond conventional weapons into sensors, surveillance, command-and-control and specialised battlefield support technologies.

The exhibition also carries an important industrial dimension. India is increasingly seeking to move from being a major defence importer towards becoming a developer and exporter of complete defence systems. Showcasing DRDO-developed technologies internationally can help create opportunities for technology transfer, industrial partnerships and exports, although no specific export deal or agreement should be inferred from DRDO’s participation unless separately announced.

For India, Africa represents a growing area of defence engagement, with cooperation extending across military training, maritime security, equipment, capacity building and defence-industry partnerships. Presenting indigenous systems at a major African exhibition therefore complements New Delhi’s broader effort to expand its defence relationships across the continent.

DRDO’s AAD 2026 participation consequently serves two parallel objectives: demonstrating the maturity of India’s indigenous defence technologies and positioning the country’s defence-industrial ecosystem for greater international cooperation and potential export opportunities.

As India expands defence production under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat framework, such international platforms are becoming increasingly important for taking Indian-developed technologies beyond the domestic market and building India’s presence in the global defence supply chain.

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