WATCH: Team Zimbabwe puts K-8 through its paces at AAD2026

TEAM Zimbabwe is putting the Karakorum-8 (K-8) through its paces ahead of taking to the skies against some of the continent’s finest military and display pilots at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 exhibition in Pretoria, South Africa.

The prestigious biennial aerospace and defence showcase officially opened yesterday at Air Force Base Waterkloof, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa joining industry leaders, exhibitors and partners for the official opening ceremony.

Zimbabwe’s four-member flying team is expected to showcase the country’s aviation capability aboard the K-8, flying the Zimbabwean flag at one of Africa’s biggest aerospace and defence gatherings.

The team is led by Group Captain Joseph Mavengere and includes Wing Commander Norman Taurai Marodza, Squadron Leader Shepherd Vangani and Flight Lieutenant Bradley Keith Munyambiri.

The pilots are undertaking final preparations and flying exercises as they fine-tune their routines ahead of the highly anticipated aviation displays.

For the Zimbabwean contingent, the K-8 is more than an aircraft; it is the platform through which the team will demonstrate discipline, precision, teamwork and flying skills on an international stage.

The AAD exhibition, which runs until September 20, brings together aerospace and defence companies, military representatives, aviation specialists and exhibitors from across Africa and beyond.

Held biennially at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria, AAD is Africa’s only aerospace and defence exhibition that combines a trade exhibition with an air show.

The event provides a platform for countries and industry players to showcase aviation technology, defence capabilities and innovations while creating opportunities for business and professional engagement.

Team Zimbabwe’s participation adds an important national dimension to the showcase, with the pilots carrying the country’s colours into the South African skies aboard the K-8.

As the aircraft is put through its paces ahead of the main displays, attention will now turn to the Zimbabwean team’s performance when the flying programme gets into full swing.

Together, Group Captain Mavengere, Wing Commander Marodza, Squadron Leader Vangani and Flight Lieutenant Munyambiri will take Zimbabwe’s aviation story to the prestigious continental showcase, where precision flying and aerial displays will share the stage with the wider aerospace and defence industry.