Farnborough International Airshow 2026 Highlights Shift to Defense Technology

Farnborough Airshow defence technology AI drones aerospace industry military investment

The Farnborough International Airshow opens on Monday, 20 July 2026 in the United Kingdom and runs through 24 July, featuring over 1,500 exhibitors from around 100 countries. Held biennially, the show is a key platform for the aerospace and defence sectors.

Amid heightened global military spending driven by the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the 2026 edition places defence, autonomous systems, artificial‑intelligence and space technologies at the centre of its programme. Analysts expect fewer commercial jet orders from Airbus and Boeing, citing supply‑chain constraints and already‑filled order books, while roughly half of the exhibitors are defence firms showcasing drones, AI‑enabled combat systems and sustainable‑aviation solutions.

Regional participants such as Italy’s Campania region (Aerospazio) are attending, and industry leaders including Airbus chief Tom Enders have warned that the AI‑drone revolution could match the impact of SpaceX on the sector. The airshow thus serves as a strategic venue for manufacturers, governments and investors to shape future trends in aerospace and defence.