From fighter jets to transporter giants: All the military aircraft on display at Paris Air Show 2025
June 14, 2025
Sleepy Le Bourget will next week play host to Europe’s largest gathering of aerospace professionals. Alongside commercial and business jets, helicopters, vintage aircraft and more, there will be a strong turnout of military aircraft on display at Paris Air Show 2025.
The directory of aircraft on display includes 42 military aircraft, ranging from trainers up to gigantic transporters and tankers. While there are some strong order rumours in commercial aviation, there could be some significant announcements for defence aviation too.
Here’s your complete guide to all the defence aircraft that will be on display, from huge transporters to tiny trainers, and everything in between. Please note, this listing is based on the official SIAE release, and aircraft on display may change last minute.
The fighter jets on display at the Paris Air Show 2025
It wouldn’t be an airshow without the roar of jet fighters overhead, and Le Bourget doesn’t disappoint. Among the military aircraft on display at Paris Air Show are several advanced fighter jets, showcasing the best in the industry.
As you’d expect, there’s a strong turnout from the Dassault stable, with what appears to be four different Rafales in the lineup.
Dassault will bring the Rafale B, a two-seat version of the capable fighter jet, while a single seat version will be shown by the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace.
Two F5 standard Rafale aircraft will be on display by the Ministère des Armées, both in a two seat and single seat marine version.
At least one Eurofighter Typhoon will be at the show, and potentially up to three. The 4th generation multirole fighter is listed in the directory as being displayed by Airbus, SIAE and by Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug.
Whether it’s one or three, you can be certain that the Typhoon will feature in the daily flying displays. As the backbone of air forces in the UK, Germany, France and Spain, it’s a crucial asset in European defence.
As the premier western fighter jet, it’s no surprise that the F-35 will be putting in an appearance. Lockheed Martin’s 5th generation aircraft has been described as a ‘flying computer,’ with advanced data fusion and cutting edge sensors.
Lockheed is also represented by the F-16V, the most advanced variant of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The Viper features an electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, cockpit improvements and other upgrades to keep it competitive with 5th generation fighters.
The directory lists a McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle as on display. However, Boeing also said it was bringing an F-15, which could only be the F-15EX Eagle II. Perhaps we’ll see both.
The big boys: Tankers, transports and special mission
While the fighter jets often command the most attention, it’s really impressive to get up close to the biggest aircraft in military aviation. Included in the military aircraft on display at Paris Air Show are some of the biggest and most advanced brutes in defence aviation.
Airbus, naturally, is bringing its A400M Atlas, a rugged and versatile military transport. Capable of both tactical and strategic missions, it carries up to 116 troops or 37 tonnes of cargo, and can even transport helicopters.
The show directory lists three A400Ms on display over the course of the week, one by Airbus itself, and the other two by Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace.
Alongside the Atlas, Airbus is also bringing the C295, a rugged transporter capable of moving 71 troops or 9 tonnes of cargo.
Although smaller than the Atlas, the C295 is designed for versatility, capable of landing on short and unpaved runways and in the most extreme conditions.
Lockheed Martin is showing its C-130J, the most modern iteration of the legendary Hercules transport aircraft. The Super Hercules has had a comprehensive update from its elder sibling, with new engines, flight deck and other systems.
Embraer will showcase its multirole transport and refueling aircraft, the C-390 Millennium. Already in operation with Brazil, Hungary and Portugal, it has secured plenty of NATO customers for the platform, and will be hoping for a few more at the show.
Joining the giants is Boeing’s C-17 Globemaster III. Capable of carrying around 77 tonnes of cargo or 119 troops, it’s one of the largest transporters in the world, eclipsed only by the immense Lockheed C-5 Galaxy.
Excitingly, Boeing is also bringing the KC-46 Pegasus, its 737-based aerial refueling tanker. Türkiye is reported to be eyeing the KC-46, but the jury’s out on whether an order will be announced.
It will also showcase the P-9 Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, which is also based on the successful 737.
One of the highlights of the larger military aircraft attending will undoubtedly be the Saab GlobalEye. It’s an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system based on the Bombardier Global 6000 private jet.
Light attack jets and trainers
Small can be beautiful too, as is exemplified by the list of beautiful smaller aircraft attending Paris Air Show this year.
The Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace will be bringing their iconic AlphaJet, a two-seat trainer aircraft. Since 1981, it has been used by the world renowned Patrouille de France for their aerial acrobatic displays.
The Aero L-39 Albatros, a high performance jet trainer developed by Aero Vodochody in the 1960s, is being displayed rather unusually by British defence engineering firm Babcock.
The company acquired a fleet of 11 L-39s from Breitling Jet Team to set up its air force training academy in Dijon, France. The team had been the only civilian display team to operate jets, but lost their sponsorship in 2019 and became inactive.
Alongside the two jet trainers, there are two iconic turboprop trainers on display at the Paris Air Show.
Embraer will bring its A-29 Super Tucano, a light attack and advanced training aircraft. It’s recently been ordered by Portugal, its first NATO customer, and could see plenty of interest from other allied nations.
From Swiss manufacturer Pilatus, the PC-7 Turbo Trainer will be on display. The type has recently undergone an upgrade to the new PC-7 MKX standard, with new avionics, cockpit displays and an integrated ground-based training system.
Almost certainly one of the highlights of the Paris Air Show will be seeing ALIA’s CX300 take flight. The all-electric, battery powered aircraft is designed for conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL), but a VTOL version is expected soon.
While the type isn’t specifically targeted at military applications, the CX300 offers a versatile platform for a range of activities from defence to passenger and even cargo. For those who have never seen an electric aircraft fly, the CX300’s participation in the flying display will be quite an experience.
Visit our Paris Air Show aviation news page for rolling updates from the AGN team at the show!
