Farnborough International Airshow 2026 unveils new features

Image courtesy FIL / ADS 

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.

The Farnborough International Airshow 2024 welcomed over 100,000 visitors, 1,500 exhibitors from over 60 countries and over 420 civil, military and space delegations.

This year’s edition of the long established biennial event introduces major new features designed to influence and accelerate financial innovation across the sector, strengthen global industry ecosystems and empower SMEs:

Defence SME Zone
Designed to support 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. 

The Babcock supported 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
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 21st–23rd 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.

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 24th 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.

The Farnborough International Airshow is held at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Hampshire, UK. Trade visitor ticket sales for Farnborough International Airshow 2026 are officially open.