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The UK Government has confirmed its largest commitment to the Farnborough International Airshow to date.

The engagement reaffirms the event’s role as a central platform for the UK Government to further strengthen its international relationships with allies and partners to support defence and wider foreign policy. The announcement follows the Defence Diplomacy Strategy naming the airshow as one of the key cultural events in leveraging the UK’s culture, history and excellence to make defence diplomacy a ‘whole-of-society effort’.

After its successful 2024 launch, the UK Government Hub will again bring together departments and agencies to highlight UK expertise, policy leadership, investment, and support for aerospace, defence, and space organisations.

The 2026 Hub will bring together officials across the UK Government, from:

The UK Government Hub continues to serve as a focal point for strategic dialogue, partnership building, and the promotion of UK innovation and trade on a global stage. Its return in 2026 reflects the continued commitment to supporting industry growth, advancing future technologies, and strengthening the UK’s position as a leader in defence, aerospace and space.

The National Armaments Director Group, part of the UK Ministry of Defence, develops, delivers and sustains the UK’s national arsenal and defence infrastructure. Its mission is to maximise the ability of UK war-fighters to deter, operate, fight and win. Discussing the group’s presence, including commercial, international, export, digital, procurement and support specialists, Rupert Pearce, the UK’s National Armaments Director (NAD) and a member of the Defence Board said:

“In today’s environment, the UK can only deliver the pace, resilience and efficiency we need by building stronger partnerships between government, industry and our allies.

“This underscores the significant strategic contribution the Farnborough International Airshow makes, as a platform that brings together the UK defence base, towards ensuring the nation remains secure and resilient at home and abroad. Our dedicated presence in the UK Government Hub is an important opportunity for the National Armaments Director Group. Our teams will be convening the investors, innovators and manufacturers of all sizes who underpin our national arsenal, and sharing how our new operating model will help us deliver the capabilities our military partners need, when and where they need them.

“The Hub also gives us a space to welcome the national and international delegations and organisations who shape our collaborative capability programmes and can be our key partners in investment and export opportunities.

“I look forward to meeting many of our current and future defence enterprise partners at the Farnborough International Airshow, and to reinforcing the UK’s role as a trusted, leading defence partner on the global stage.”

Following the launch of the inaugural Aerospace Global Forum: Finance Summit, British Business Bank and the National Wealth Fund have confirmed their role as ‘Supporting Partners’ of the summit, offering businesses a vital opportunity to explore available financing options and access the long-term support that can help them to scale and thrive in the evolving global market.

In addition, the UK Space Agency (part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) will be present in the Space Zone, located within Hall 4.

With the largest-ever international industry and UK government presence, the 2026 edition underscores the demand from the world’s most influential organisations to do business at one of the most trusted airshows in the world, and Farnborough’s unmatched ability to convene the global industry.

The 2026 iteration of the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) will feature its first ever finance event, hosted by Baroness Patience Wheatcroft, ex-editor of the Wall Street Journal Europe and The Sunday Telegraph.

The announcement follows the signing of multinational financial institution Barclays as a Farnborough International Airshow 2026 Strategic Partner.

The Aerospace Global Forum: Finance Summit will unite top-tier financial institutions with global aerospace industry leaders to explore opportunities for unlocking the capital required to accelerate growth, R&D, product development and scaling.

Aerospace Global Forum: Finance Summit

Bridging the gap between capital and capability, the event will explore how investment fuels innovation and strengthens resilience across aerospace, defence and space, spanning new technologies, expanded production capacity, and more robust, future-ready supply chains.

The Aerospace Global Forum: Finance Summit will coalesce the international aerospace and defence industries with primary constituents of the finance and investment communities, including sovereign funds, institutional investors and banks. The programme will also provide SMEs and start-ups with direct pathways to funding, through high-level keynotes, panels, closed-door roundtables, and premium networking opportunities.

A new strategic partnership

A major British universal bank headquartered in London, operating in over 40 countries with over 80,000 employees, Barclays PLC supports a broad range of defence and security firms – from innovative SMEs to some of the world’s largest defence companies.

Barclays is actively engaged with Government to support policy development, alongside industry, to advise and provide insights to its clients in the sector, ahead of the forthcoming Defence Finance and Investment Strategy.

In addition to its start-up and SME support, Barclays will be utilising the airshow to showcase its range of financial products and services to UK, US and European aerospace and defence companies that supply NATO and its allies.

This includes supporting defence tech and dual use start-ups pivoting into defence, as well as working with UK defence innovation bodies to help ensure companies engage with the Ministry of Defence at the appropriate stage of their development to accelerate sector growth.

Barclays Business Prosperity Index research in Q4 revealed 74 per cent of UK business leaders support the Government’s plan to raise defence spending to five per cent of GDP by 2035.

Over half (51 per cent) expect increased defence spending to have a positive impact on their business, 40 per cent expect it to support SME growth and 56 per cent anticipate benefits for their region.

Commenting on the announcement, Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “The launch of the Aerospace Global Forum: Finance Summit marks an important evolution for Farnborough International Airshow. As the aerospace, defence and space sectors continue to transform, access to capital and strategic investment has never been more critical to driving innovation, resilience and sustainable growth.

“We are excited to work alongside Barclays as a Strategic Partner for the airshow, whose global reach and expertise will play a key role in connecting businesses with the financial pathways needed to scale. Baroness Wheatcroft will be an outstanding host, and we very much look forward to her contributions”.

Matt Hammerstein, CEO, Barclays UK Corporate Bank, said: “Farnborough International Airshow brings together the global aerospace and defence ecosystem at a time when access to capital and coordination across the sector have never been more important.

“Working closely with government and UK defence innovation bodies, we are focused on improving alignment between public and private capital and helping businesses engage with defence customers at the right stage of growth.

“Farnborough 2026 reflects the expanding role of finance in the sector, and Barclays is proud to support a platform that connects capital with capability at global scale.”

First speaker announced

Baroness Wheatcroft has been announced as the host and moderator of the Aerospace Global Forum: Finance Summit, bringing extensive expertise in finance, business, and economic policy to her role.

With a distinguished career spanning senior editorial positions at leading financial publications, including The Wall Street Journal Europe, The Times, and The Sunday Telegraph, Baroness Wheatcroft is widely recognised for her authoritative insight into global markets, corporate governance, and investment trends. Her experience extends beyond journalism into the financial and automotive sectors, where she has held non-executive director roles within St. James’s Place PLC and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and was a member of the original Advisory Board for the British Business Bank. Appointed to the House of Lords in 2011, Baroness Wheatcroft has since played an active role in shaping debate on financial services, pensions, and business policy in the UK.

Baroness Wheatcroft will help drive strategic dialogue on the future of aerospace financing and investment during the opening panel of the Finance Summit, titled “Resilient Horizons: Strengthening Global Supply Chains and Financing the Future of Aerospace.” The high‑level strategic session brings together senior policymakers, industry executives, and financial leaders to explore how the aerospace sector can accelerate resilience, sustainability, and long‑term capital flows in an era of profound transformation.

Taking place 20–24 July 2026, this year’s edition of the Farnborough International Airshow reflects deliberate ecosystem expansion, integrating finance, artificial intelligence, supply chain development and adjacent sectors to create a multifaceted marketplace.

Trade tickets for the most important aerospace and defence event of the year, Farnborough International Airshow 2026, are officially on sale, marking an unparalleled edition of the global aerospace showcase. Returning from 20–24 July 2026, the airshow will be the largest and most ambitious in its 78-year history, following record-breaking demand and the addition of a brand-new sixth exhibition hall.

With exhibitor space selling out exhibition halls and chalets 12 months in advance, and a waiting list of more than 50 organisations, the 2026 airshow is set to welcome more international participation than ever before, reinforcing the airshow’s position as the premier platform for innovation, collaboration, and investment across aerospace, defence, space, and adjacent sectors.

This landmark edition introduces major new features designed to influence and accelerate financial innovation across the sector, strengthen global industry ecosystems and empower SMEs:

Defence SME Zone

Highlighting Farnborough’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and innovation in defence, the Defence SME Zone will make its debut as a dedicated showcase for high-potential international organisations specialising in defence and security technologies.

Designed exclusively for businesses with a turnover under £10 million, the zone provides an unprecedented opportunity for SMEs to engage directly with the global defence supply chain; connect with primes, investors, media, and government delegations; participate in exclusive networking events; and showcase innovations to more than 100,000 visitors.

Sponsored by FTSE 100 defence company Babcock International, the Defence SME Zone will accelerate the visibility and growth of next-generation defence suppliers. Growing businesses, including the likes of Cognitive Design by CDS, Elite EMC Ltd, Emergent, Infortecorp Solutions Limited, Inspectahire, and Needles And Pins Aerospace, will have a presence during the show.

The Enterprise Gateway: Where Knowledge Meets Opportunity

Launching at the heart of the show alongside the renowned Business Connections Exchange, The Enterprise Gateway is a three-day expert-led programme designed to drive supply chain development and unlock growth opportunities for SMEs and primes across multiple sectors. Speakers include a Partner at Mercurea, General Partner at Twin Track Ventures and Managing Director of Alatar Ltd.

Taking place 21–23 July 2026, this new feature will provide practical workshops on procurement, regulation, exports, and funding; keynotes and mentoring from industry leaders and policymakers; live pitching sessions connecting SMEs with investors and primes; and insights aligned with the UK Government’s Plan for Change.

Built to transform insight into action, The Enterprise Gateway equips businesses with the tools, connections, and confidence to scale sustainably in an evolving global market.

A Record-Breaking Airshow Ahead

With the largest-ever international industry presence, the 2026 edition underscores the demand from the world’s most influential organisation to do business at one of the most trusted airshows in the world, and Farnborough’s unmatched ability to convene the global industry. Twenty-six international pavilions, including India, Japan, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, and Switzerland, are already confirmed.

The week concludes with Pioneers of Tomorrow on Friday, 24 July, welcoming thousands of young people for a dedicated STEM day, inspiring the next generation of industry leaders. Exhibitors, known as Champions of Tomorrow, will be demonstrating the opportunities within the sector and enable businesses to engage with the future workforce throughout the day directly helping to solve the skills-gap. The day will include dedicated features and activity, including a Careers Fair and digital Job Board to advertise apprenticeships, graduate schemes and entry-level roles, as well as competitions and on-stand experiences targeted at young people. Organisations already involved include Babcock International Group, Parker Aerospace and Belcan.

Farnborough International Airshow has expanded its 2026 exhibition footprint with the addition of a new hall, following selling out of space 12 months in advance of the event, breaking the previous sell-out record.

With a brand-new, sixth hall and a boosted chalet offering, Farnborough International Airshow 2026 will be the largest event in the show’s 78-year history. It remains to be the most important international platform for the global aerospace, defence, and space industries, as well as adjacent sectors.

Building upon its sold-out success from 2024, the 2026 airshow will continue to forge international collaboration and drive new cross-sector innovation advancements on a global level. The new hall will house additional exhibitor stands for the five-day event, taking place 20-24 July 2026. To date, more than 63% of the 2026 event’s exhibitors are international, making it the most international airshow globally, with 22% of the booked organisations exhibiting at the Farnborough International Airshow for the first time.

Commenting on the airshow’s expansion, Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “The Farnborough International Airshow has always been a global stage for innovation, collaboration and progress in aerospace and defence. The expansion of our site and the opening of the new exhibition hall mark an exciting new chapter, enabling us to welcome more exhibitors and new sectors, showcase further cutting-edge technologies, and create even greater opportunities for international trade and partnership. This investment reflects our commitment to keeping Farnborough International at the forefront of the industry and supporting the growth of our primary industries.”

Strengthening the deepening relationship between the US and UK industries, the 2026 show will be the host of the largest US presence in the airshow’s history, with the likes of The US Pavilion by Kallman Worldwide, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Bell Textron, and GE Aerospace occupying tens of thousands of square meters on the site. American electric air taxi manufacturer Archer is one of the first exhibitors of the new hall.

With 26 already confirmed, the number of international pavilions exhibiting at the show has also increased, with the likes of India, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and Switzerland hosting representatives from the global industry.

The show will see the return of the UK Government Hub, Space Zone, Business Connections Exchange, and award-winning Aerospace Global Forum.

On 24 July 2026, the gates will once again open to thousands of members of the public and the next generation of STEM leaders as part of Farnborough International Airshow’s Pioneers of Tomorrow, a day dedicated to inspiring, engaging, and recruiting the industry’s future workforce.

Farnborough International Airshow has experienced unprecedented demand for its 2026 instalment with more than 85% of the show floor and chalets already reserved or sold.

Following its success in 2024 with a 33% increase in visitors, 57% increase in delegation attendance and more than $105bn in commercial deals announced by industry titans, Farnborough International Airshow has cemented its reputation as an unmissable event in the aerospace calendar. The sold-out show, which took place in July 2024, welcomed over 100,000 visitors, 1,500 exhibitors from 60 countries, featured 90 civil and military aircraft, hosted 390 delegations (civil, military and space) with the 2026 event set to exceed these numbers.

Returning to the calendar 20-24 July 2026 at Farnborough International’s Exhibition & Conference Centre, Hampshire, UK, companies including Airbus. BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Bell, Viasat and MBDA have already secured their stands at the award-winning event. Kallman Worldwide was the first international partner to sign for the event securing a record 2,500sqm pavilion space, strengthening the relationship between US and UK industries.

Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “After reaching unprecedented heights in 2024, we can see clearly that demand will once again exceed availability of exhibition space in 2026.  From dynamic UK start-ups to global industry innovators, the exhibition halls and chalets are incredibly diverse and reflective of the global aerospace, defence and space sectors today. With no sign of slowing down combined with our unrelenting focus on customer experience, we are projecting that 100% of all exhibition space will be secured before the end of this year. We look forward to welcoming the industry to the world’s best airshow in 2026.”

The premier event to engage with industry peers on a global stage, Farnborough International Airshow 2026 offers a unique opportunity for leading innovators in aerospace and defence industries to showcase their advancements and develop business opportunities through the convening power of its award-winning organising team.

Farnborough International Airshow 2024 cemented its positioning as the must-attend event in the aerospace calendar and delivered its busiest event in recent decades, with a 33% increase on visitors, 57% increase on delegation attendance and more than $105bn in commercial deals announced by industry titans. The show, which took place 22-26 July, welcomed over 100,000 visitors, 1500 exhibitors from over 60 countries, 90 civil and military aircraft, over 390 civil, military and space delegations at its sold-out 2024 instalment.

Opened by the UK’s new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, eyes from around the world were fixed on Farnborough as the airshow convened international industry titans, start-ups and pioneers from aerospace, defence and space for five days in Hampshire, UK.

The airshow saw $105.8bn in commercial aircraft and engine orders announced from the likes of Airbus, Boeing, Embraer and many more, worth £13bn to the UK economy. In addition, the UK Government used the opportunity to announce Skills England, a body that aims to provide valuable opportunities for ambitious young individuals, particularly those interested in apprenticeships.

New for 2024, the UK Government Hub provided political, industry and international stakeholders with a unique platform to elevate an incoming government’s backing for UK aerospace, defence and space sectors. Ten different government departments and agencies had a presence at the Hub which proved a highly attended feature of the show. Another first for the event was the dedicated air display live stream, in partnership with Aerospace Global News, attracting more than 178,000 views throughout the week.

The next generation of leaders were invited to experience the world of aerospace, engineering and STEM at Farnborough International Airshow’s Pioneers of Tomorrow, a day dedicated to inspiring, engaging and recruiting the industry’s future workforce. Featuring an extended flying display and a Careers Hub, it provided industry exhibitors an unrivalled opportunity to meet potential aerospace recruits; the day welcomed more than 20,000 public visitors to the 500,000sqm site.

Discussing the success of the show, Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “This week, Farnborough International Airshow has delivered for the aerospace, space and defence industries, across the show floor also achieving huge global media reach showcasing the apex of aviation. Farnborough International’s role has evolved substantially, progressing to an internationally esteemed change agent with significant influence that powers excellence and innovation. Labelled as the ‘most important event in the aerospace calendar’ by our exhibitors, the airshow is a physical manifestation of that unrelenting progress.

“It has been a joy to host the global industry to the UK once again and we look forward to welcoming them back to the 2026 airshow and to our growing events portfolio across the year.”

More than 100 companies have already rebooked for the 2026 event, taking place 20-24 July 2026 at Farnborough International’s Exhibition & Conference Centre, including the likes of Bell, Viasat, Reaction Engines, MBDA, and Northrop Grumman. Signing for 2,500sqm, the largest pavilion space in the airshow’s history, Kallman Worldwide is the first international partner to sign for the event in two years’ time, strengthening the flourishing relationship between the US and UK industries.

The United States Air Force, Navy and Army are celebrating the prosperous partnership between the USA and the UK with an increased aircraft presence at the Farnborough International Airshow, taking place 22-26 July 2024 in Hampshire, UK.

The U.S military will be showcasing 13 aircraft from its Air Force, Navy and Army as part of its participation at the world’s most international airshow, including B52, F-15, F-35, F-16M, F-35A, P-8, CH-47F, AH-64E, UH-60V, C-130J and MQ-9.

Discussing their presence, the U.S. Air Force Gen. James B. Hecker, commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, said: “Farnborough International Airshow is yet another opportunity for the U.S. military to come together with our U.K. and NATO Allies and partners to display the dynamic capabilities of our various aircraft and highlight our collective readiness. Our presence in Europe and participation in events like the Farnborough International Airshow are the reason we have such strong relationships with our Allies and partners; our strength lies in our unity – and it has never been greater than it is today.”

Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, added: “As a convener of global leaders, governments and militaries, we are proud to be providing a vital platform for international collaboration and partnership between the global aerospace and defence industries. We are thrilled to be welcoming the United States Armed Forces yet again to Farnborough International Airshow and look forward to experiencing their spectacular display of innovation.”

The 2024 trailblazing Farnborough International Airshow will see global aerospace and defence leaders and government return to the United Kingdom for unrivalled opportunities to discover the latest pioneering technology and engineering, announce historic partnerships, and collaboratively work towards the cumulative sustainable aerospace vision.

ADS Group, the UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, and Farnborough International are launching the UK Government Hub at Farnborough International Airshow 2024. The Hub provides a dedicated platform for 10 government departments and agencies to collaborate directly with UK businesses.

The Government Hub provides political, industry and international stakeholders a unique platform to elevate an incoming government’s backing for UK aerospace, defence and space, reflecting the combined convening power of ADS and Farnborough International.

The Government Hub will operate cohesively with Farnborough International Airshow’s world-renowned international delegations programme. With more than 250 official government and civil delegations in attendance at the 2022 event, Farnborough International Airshow is on track to increase national and international government attendance at the 2024 event in July.

In addition, the Government Hub will highlight the public sector support available to UK businesses and entrepreneurs. It will provide access to the support businesses need to startup, scale-up and create skilled workforces to the hundreds of British organisations in attendance.

10 different government departments and agencies will have a presence in the Hub, to ensure businesses will have access to the expertise and information they need. The Government departments and agencies with a presence in the UK Government Hub are:

Kevin Craven, Chief Executive Officer of ADS Group, said: “ADS is proud to collaborate with group colleagues in Farnborough International to introduce the first official UK Government Hub at Farnborough international Airshow, providing an unrivalled opportunity for connection between government, official and industry stakeholders. As proud convenors of the conversations that matter, the ADS Group is looking forward to the biggest and best milestone in the 75-year history of this world-renowned event.”

Gareth Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Farnborough International, added: “Since the first airshow was established in 1948, UK politicians and business leaders have assembled in Farnborough to set the agenda for future innovation for British aviation. To magnify the opportunity the airshow provides the growing UK market, we are working with our parent company ADS, UK Government and devolved administrations to design a focused platform and high-level accessibility to our exhibitors to overcome challenges and maximise business opportunities for the long-term sustainable growth for businesses across the United Kingdom.”

The apex of aviation, Farnborough International Airshow is the world’s leading and most international aerospace and defence event. Taking place 22-26 July, the 2024 trailblazing event will see global aerospace and defence leaders and government return to Hampshire, United Kingdom, for unrivalled opportunities to discover the latest pioneering technology and engineering, announce historic partnerships, and collaboratively work towards the cumulative sustainable aerospace vision.

Farnborough International Airshow, the most international aerospace event in the world, is hosting the biggest Barrie Wells Trust’s Box4Kids charity event as part of its Pioneers of Tomorrow day, on 26 July 2024.

With more than 200 guests and 30 volunteers in attendance from the charity, Farnborough International and its clients are planning money can’t buy experiences for seriously ill and disabled children and their families supported by the Barrie Wells Trust’s Box4Kids charity. Aerospace industry leaders attending the airshow, including Accenture, Embraer, Deutsche, Honeywell, Kallman, ATI, AIA and Boeing, are providing exclusive chalets, aircraft tours, meetings with pilots and activities for the guests to immerse themselves in.

Discussing the event, Barrie Wells, founder of the Barrie Wells Trust and Box4Kids, said: “Farnborough International Airshow is a fantastic event, and we are thrilled for Box4Kids to return for the fourth time this summer. The private tours of the American planes and meeting pilots are just some of the additional highlights the Airshow are able to help us create, and I am certain this year will be another incredible event.”

Joe Muir, Commercial Aerospace Director, Farnborough International, added: “Farnborough International Airshow has been a proud host of Box4Kids since 2016, and we value the opportunity to support the charity and our exhibitors in providing experiences that are cherished by the guests. Supporting the next generation is a key focus for us and we look forward to hosting the families at our Pioneers of Tomorrow day at the airshow.”

Box4Kids was established in 2010 by the Barrie Wells Trust and operates a network of over 100 hospitals and hospices across the country to nominate children for Box4Kids events, hosting over 19,000 guests at 1,900 events. The children invited have a range of life limiting conditions including leukaemia, cerebral palsy and Duchene muscular dystrophy.

For further information regarding the Barrie Wells Trust and Box4Kids, please visit: www.barriewellstrust.org.

Farnborough International Airshow is celebrating 75 years of pioneering aviation and innovation on 7 September 2023.

It was in 1948 that The Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC), chose Farnborough as its new home for its growing airshow. The first event took place between the 7th-12th of September 1948 which featured sixty-six different British aircraft, including the launch of the Cierva W.II Air Horse, across the static and flying display.

Since its launch, Farnborough has been the home of historic firsts for the aerospace industry, including the launch of the world’s first jet airliner de Havilland DH.106 Comet 1 in 1949, The Black Arrows’ record-breaking 22-aircraft formation loop in 1958, BAC-Aerospatiale Concorde’s triumphant Farnborough debut in 1970 with a low fly pass over spectators and the Airbus A380 debut in 2006.

Fast forward 75 years, the Farnborough International Airshow is a catalyst for the evolution of the aerospace industry and is the global platform for showcasing technological breakthroughs and feats of engineering. It is also where historic partnerships are made, and goals such as sustainable aviation are pursued. The iconic airshow convenes more than 74,000 global aerospace, political and military leaders plus international media, from over 100 countries, in the very same location as the first event three quarters of a century ago.

A firm date in the global calendar, the airshow continues to generate the support and interest of world-renowned organisations and groups, including Airbus, Boeing, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), Leonardo, Bell, GE, the Royal Air Force, US Air Force, as well as international governments.

To celebrate the milestone with the aerospace community, Farnborough International, organisers of the airshow, will be exploring the legacy of the event with Farnborough historian and aviation enthusiast, Peter Cooper, while looking forward to the future of the aerospace industry throughout September. In addition, Farnborough International is giving away 75 tickets to those who register their interest for the 2024 event, taking place 22-26 July 2024.