Pretoria - The Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition - AAD 2010 - has attracted some of the world's biggest names in the industry.
Turkey, China and the United States are taking part in AAD, which gives companies a chance to market their products and services to the world, for the first time this year.
The expo which opens in Ysterplaat, Cape Town, is billed as the biggest of its kind in Africa.
Speaking at an AAD 2010 dinner last night ahead of the opening, Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, commended the aviation sector for their dedication to promoting South Africa's aerospace industry and capabilities.
Sisulu said the exposure to cutting edge technology helped with the country's development.
South Africa will continue to pursue international partnerships that would ensure the defence industry's future sustainability and success. "We will continue to prioritise technologies that enable us to make choices within the context of our socio-economic realities," the minister said.
The South African government supports the Africa Aerospace and Defence through the national Departments of Trade and Industry, Defence, Transport and Science and Technology.
AAD 2010 ends on Saturday.
