All the military aircraft attending Farnborough International Airshow 2026

Military aviation will once again be one of the main attractions at the Farnborough International Airshow, with this year’s line-up bringing together some of the world’s most capable frontline aircraft alongside emerging military platforms and historic warbirds.

The United States, United Kingdom, Czech Republic and Turkiye are among the nations represented, with aircraft ranging from the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II and the Royal Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoon to Embraer’s C-390 Millennium tactical transport and Turkish Aerospace’s HURJET advanced jet trainer. 

Visitors will also have the opportunity to see military helicopters, parachute display teams and one of the rarest flying Spitfires.

While commercial aircraft often dominate Farnborough’s business announcements, the military participation provides an equally important snapshot of how air forces are evolving. 

Several of the aircraft appearing this year reflect broader trends in defence aviation, from fifth-generation combat operations and modern tactical airlift to next-generation pilot training and multinational procurement programmes.

Here’s a guide to every confirmed military aircraft and display team attending Farnborough International Airshow 2026.

At-a-glance: The military aircraft at Farnborough International Airshow 2026

Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team

• Display: Flying
• Flying dates: Monday 20 July to Friday 24 July

The F-35A is expected to be one of the biggest attractions of this year’s flying programme. 

Operated by the US Air Force Demonstration Team, the aircraft will perform throughout the week, giving visitors an opportunity to see the fifth-generation fighter’s agility and high-angle-of-attack manoeuvres in a full aerial display. 

According to the organisers, Farnborough will be the team’s only public European display appearance this year. 

Beyond the display itself, the F-35 remains the benchmark for Western fifth-generation combat aviation. More than a dozen European nations have now selected the aircraft, making it a cornerstone of NATO’s future air combat capability.

Its combination of stealth, sensor fusion and network-enabled operations has reshaped the way allied air forces approach combat missions, and its appearance at Farnborough reflects the aircraft’s growing role across Europe.

Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4

• Display: Flypast
• Flying date: Friday 24 July

The Royal Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoon returns to Farnborough in a flypast role, representing the RAF’s principal air defence fighter and one of Europe’s most successful multinational combat aircraft programmes.

Although visitors will not see a full aerobatic routine, the Typhoon remains one of the show’s headline military aircraft. 

The platform continues to receive capability upgrades, including new radar technology, electronic warfare enhancements and expanded weapons integration, ensuring it remains central to UK and NATO air operations while work continues on the future Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

The aircraft’s appearance also underlines the RAF’s continued commitment to showcasing frontline capability at the UK’s largest aerospace event.

Hongdu L-15 – Fursan Al Emarat

• Display: Flying
• Flying dates: TBC

Fursan Al Emarat, the national aerobatic team of the United Arab Emirates, will bring one of the most distinctive military displays to Farnborough this year.

Operated by pilots from the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, the team performs with seven aircraft, representing the seven emirates of the UAE. Its routines combine close formation flying with smoke trails inspired by the colours of the UAE flag.

Farnborough will also provide European audiences with a rare opportunity to see the team’s new Hongdu L-15 advanced jet trainers, which replaced its long-serving Aermacchi MB-339 aircraft in 2025.

Turkish Aerospace HURJET

• Display: Static
• Static dates: Monday 20 July to Friday 24 July

One of the newest military aircraft attending Farnborough this year is Turkish Aerospace’s HURJET, which will be on static display.

Designed as an advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft, HURJET represents Turkiye’s effort to develop an indigenous successor to ageing trainer fleets while supporting future fighter pilot training. 

The aircraft is also being marketed internationally for lead-in fighter training, light attack and aggressor missions.

Its appearance comes as the programme continues to attract export interest and forms part of Turkiye’s broader ambition to expand its domestic aerospace industry. Farnborough provides one of the largest international stages yet for the aircraft as Turkish Aerospace seeks additional overseas customers.

Embraer C-390 Millennium

• Display: Flying and Static
• Flying dates: Monday 20 July

The C-390 Millennium has become one of the most closely watched military transport aircraft programmes of the past decade, and visitors to Farnborough will have the opportunity to see it both on the ground and in the air.

Originally developed for the Brazilian Air Force, the twin-jet transport has rapidly established itself with an expanding group of international operators, including several NATO members.

Designed for tactical airlift, humanitarian assistance, medical evacuation, aerial delivery and air-to-air refuelling, the C-390 offers higher cruise speeds than traditional turboprop transports while retaining the ability to operate from austere airfields.

Its growing success in Europe has made it one of the most significant military transport programmes currently on the market, with several countries selecting the aircraft as they replace ageing tactical airlift fleets.

Czech Air Force C-390 Millennium

• Display: Static
• Static dates: Monday 20 July to Friday 24 July

Alongside Embraer’s own aircraft, the Czech Air Force will also bring its recently acquired C-390 Millennium to Farnborough.

The aircraft reflects the Czech Republic’s ongoing modernisation of its air mobility capability following its decision to replace legacy Soviet-era transport aircraft with the Brazilian-built platform.

For visitors, the presence of both manufacturer and operational aircraft offers a useful opportunity to compare the type in service while highlighting the programme’s growing acceptance among European air forces.

The Czech Air Force has emerged as one of several NATO operators helping establish the C-390 as a major player in the tactical airlift market.

Saab JAS 39 Gripen

• Display: Static
• Static dates: Monday 20 July to Friday 24 July

The Czech Air Force will also exhibit its Saab JAS 39 Gripen, giving visitors a chance to examine one of Europe’s best-known multirole fighters at close quarters.

Compact, highly agile and designed for dispersed operations, the Gripen has earned a reputation for combining relatively low operating costs with advanced multirole capability. 

The aircraft remains in frontline service with several European and international operators, while Saab continues to promote the latest Gripen E variant to export customers.

Although it will not fly during the show, the aircraft’s presence reflects its continuing importance within Europe’s fighter aircraft landscape, particularly as nations evaluate future force structures alongside fifth-generation platforms.

Aero L-159

• Display: Flypast and Static
• Flying dates: Monday 20 and Friday 24 July

One of the rarer military aircraft appearing at Farnborough this year is the Czech Air Force’s Aero L-159 ALCA, which will take part in the flying programme. Although overshadowed by larger multirole fighters, the L-159 continues to provide the Czech Air Force with a flexible platform for light attack, reconnaissance and advanced pilot training.

Derived from the well-known L-39 Albatros, the L-159 was developed to bridge the gap between advanced jet training and frontline combat operations. 

Equipped with modern avionics, radar and precision weapons capability, it has served with the Czech Air Force for more than two decades and has also found export success. Its appearance at Farnborough offers visitors a relatively rare opportunity to see the aircraft in the UK, where it is seldom displayed.

Joint Aviation Command Chinook Role Demo

• Display: Flying
• Flying dates: Monday 20 July to Friday 24 July

The Royal Air Force’s Chinook remains one of the world’s most capable heavy-lift helicopters, and the Joint Aviation Command’s role demonstration promises to be one of the most dynamic military displays of the week.

Rather than simply showcasing the aircraft’s flying qualities, the role demonstration recreates operational scenarios that highlight the Chinook’s ability to move troops, equipment and supplies into contested environments. 

The tandem-rotor helicopter has supported almost every major British military operation over the past four decades, from the Falklands and the Balkans to Iraq, Afghanistan and humanitarian relief missions worldwide. Despite entering RAF service in 1980, the Chinook continues to evolve through capability upgrades and remains indispensable to UK military operations.

Joint Aviation Command Apache and Wildcat display team

• Display: Flying
• Flying dates: Monday 20 July to Friday 24 July

Visitors interested in military helicopter operations will also be able to watch the British Army Air Corps Display Team, which demonstrates the agility, precision and versatility of Army Aviation.

The display showcases the demanding flying skills required for low-level battlefield operations and highlights the Army Air Corps’ role in reconnaissance, attack aviation and battlefield support. Although designed to entertain airshow audiences, the routine also reflects the operational tasks routinely undertaken by Army helicopter crews, including close manoeuvring, tactical formations and rapid response missions.

HeliOperations Sea King Mk5

• Display: Static
• Static dates: Monday 20 July to Friday 24 July

A familiar sight in British skies for decades, the HeliOperations Sea King Mk5 will provide visitors with an opportunity to get up close to one of the UK’s most recognisable military helicopters.

Originally developed as a naval anti-submarine warfare helicopter, the Sea King went on to serve in a wide range of roles, including search and rescue, airborne surveillance, troop transport and special operations support. 

Although retired from frontline Royal Navy and Royal Air Force service, the type remains an enduring symbol of British military aviation. 

Operated today by HeliOperations, the aircraft continues to support military training and specialist contractor services, demonstrating how proven legacy platforms can continue contributing long after leaving frontline service.

Bell MV-75 Cheyenne II

• Display: Static
• Static dates: Monday 20 July to Friday 24 July

One of the newest aircraft on the Farnborough static display is Bell’s MV-75 Cheyenne II, the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and the eventual successor to the UH-60 Black Hawk.

The MV-75 is based on Bell’s V-280 Valor tiltrotor and has been selected by the US Army to deliver significantly greater speed, range and endurance than conventional helicopters. 

Designed for assault, medical evacuation and multi-mission operations, the aircraft combines vertical take-off and landing with fixed-wing cruise performance, allowing troops to deploy faster and over much greater distances. 

The Army officially designated the aircraft the MV-75 Cheyenne II earlier this year, making its Farnborough appearance one of the first opportunities for international audiences to see the programme represented at a major aerospace exhibition.

Bell 505

• Display: Static
• Static dates: Monday 20 July to Friday 24 July

Bell will also showcase its Bell 505, the company’s light single-engine helicopter that has become a popular platform for military and government pilot training as well as utility operations.

Although best known in the civil market, the Bell 505 has been adopted by several military and public-sector operators for basic flight training, surveillance and light utility missions. 

Its modern glass cockpit, low operating costs and straightforward maintenance requirements have made it an attractive replacement for ageing training helicopters. 

At Farnborough, the aircraft highlights Bell’s presence across the full spectrum of vertical lift, from entry-level rotorcraft to the next-generation MV-75 tiltrotor that is set to transform US Army aviation.

Bell 407

• Display: Static
• Static dates: Monday 20 July to Friday 24 July

Bell will display its 407 light single-engine helicopter at Farnborough, highlighting a versatile aircraft family used across military, government and civil operations.

The Bell 407 combines a configurable cabin with modern avionics and responsive handling, allowing it to support roles including training, surveillance, reconnaissance, utility transport and public safety operations.

Its Farnborough appearance sits between the training-focused Bell 505 and the much larger MV-75 programme, demonstrating the breadth of Bell’s offering across military and special-mission vertical lift.

Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk XIX

• Display: Flying
• Flying dates: Thursday 23 July and Friday 24 July

Not every military aircraft at Farnborough represents the future. Among the most anticipated participants is the Rolls-Royce-operated Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk XIX, one of the rarest airworthy Spitfire variants in existence.

Unlike the better-known fighter versions that defended Britain during the Second World War, the PR Mk XIX was designed for photographic reconnaissance. It carried cameras instead of machine guns, relying on altitude, speed and endurance to complete missions deep inside hostile territory. 

Powered by the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine, it became the final operational Spitfire variant and remained in Royal Air Force service until 1954. Its appearance provides a reminder that Farnborough has always celebrated aviation heritage alongside cutting-edge aerospace technology. 

Ultimate Warbird Flights P-51D Mustang

• Display: Flying
• Flying dates: Friday 24 July

Completing the military participation is the P-51D Mustang operated by Ultimate Warbird Flights, one of the most recognisable Allied fighters of the Second World War.

Designed as a long-range escort fighter, the Mustang helped transform the Allied air campaign over Europe by enabling bomber formations to reach deep into occupied territory under fighter protection. Its combination of speed, range and manoeuvrability made it one of the most successful piston-engined fighters ever built. 

Today, only a small number remain airworthy, making every public appearance an opportunity to experience one of aviation history’s most iconic combat aircraft.

RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team

• Display: Parachute display
• Display dates: Friday 24 July

The RAF Falcons will once again bring military parachuting to Farnborough, combining precision freefall displays with colourful canopy formations.

As the Royal Air Force’s official parachute display team, the Falcons represent the professionalism and precision expected of military parachutists. 

Their demonstrations involve high-altitude exits, complex freefall manoeuvres and pinpoint landings in front of spectators, making them one of the longest-running attractions at British airshows.

British Army Red Devils

• Display: Parachute display
• Display dates: Monday 20 July and Friday 24 July

The British Army’s Red Devils parachute display team also returns to Farnborough, providing visitors with a second opportunity to experience military freefall demonstrations.

Drawn from the Parachute Regiment and Army Air Corps, the Red Devils have represented the British Army at airshows and public events for more than six decades. 

Their displays combine formation skydiving, smoke trails and precision landings while demonstrating the skills required of military parachutists operating in demanding environments.

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 will be a military showcase spanning generations of air power

This year’s military participation at Farnborough reflects the breadth of modern military aviation. 

Fifth-generation fighters, advanced trainers, tactical transports and battlefield helicopters will share the flightline with historic aircraft whose operational careers helped shape military aviation.

For visitors, the military programme offers more than an aerial spectacle. It provides a snapshot of today’s operational capability, tomorrow’s emerging technologies and the heritage that continues to inspire aerospace innovation. 

With aircraft and teams from across NATO and beyond, Farnborough International Airshow 2026 once again promises one of the most diverse military displays on the international airshow calendar.