Singapore Airshow 2026: What to expect from the flying display
January 23, 2026
The debut of Australia’s F-35A Lightning II is set to headline the aerial programme at Singapore Airshow 2026, as organisers unveil a flying display line-up that blends fifth-generation combat power, crowd-favourite aerobatics and next-generation commercial aviation.
Held at the Changi Exhibition Centre from 3 to 8 February, the biennial airshow will feature eight flying displays by six air forces and two commercial manufacturers, reinforcing Singapore’s position as the Asia-Pacific region’s most important stage for both aerospace diplomacy and aviation spectacle.
Australia’s F-35 is a highlight of Singapore Airshow’s flying display
Leading the line-up is the Royal Australian Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II, which will make its first appearance in the skies over Changi.
The deployment marks the first time Australia’s frontline stealth fighter has featured in the Singapore Airshow flying programme, offering regional audiences a rare opportunity to see the aircraft’s performance at close quarters.
The F-35A represents Australia’s first fifth-generation air combat capability and sits at the core of the Australian Defence Force’s future airpower plans.
Designed around stealth, sensor fusion and networked warfare, the aircraft combines low observability with supersonic performance, high agility and 9G manoeuvrability. Advanced radar, electro-optical and infrared sensors allow it to gather and share battlefield data at unprecedented speed, significantly enhancing pilot survivability and combat effectiveness.
Australia has committed to 72 F-35As across three operational squadrons and a training unit, with the type entering service in 2018 and achieving initial operational capability in 2021. Its Singapore Airshow debut is therefore as much a statement of regional presence as it is a flying display.
Singapore Airshow flying display will have a familiar mix of military aerobatic teams
Alongside the F-35A, Singapore Airshow 2026 will see the return of several well-known military display teams that have become fixtures of the event over the years.
The Indian Air Force’s Sarang helicopter display team returns with its distinctive close-formation routines flown on HAL Dhruv helicopters, combining precision handling with crowd-pleasing manoeuvres rarely seen in rotary-wing displays.
Indonesia’s Jupiter aerobatic team will once again showcase tight formation flying and dynamic transitions, while the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s Bayi aerobatic team returns with its high-energy jet display, underlining China’s continued participation in the airshow’s flying programme.
The Jupiter Aerobatic Team is made up of Indonesian Air Force flight instructors and flies six KAI KT-1B Woongbi aircraft from the service’s training fleet, while the Bayi team operates the J-10 aerobatic aircraft.
Also making a comeback is the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKM, a heavyweight fighter that last appeared at the show in 2016 and 2018. Its return adds a dose of raw power and noise to the display line-up, offering a sharp contrast to the stealth-focused F-35A at the other end of the combat aircraft spectrum.
Republic of Singapore Air Force takes the spotlight in the flying display
Representing the host nation, the Republic of Singapore Air Force will field its Integrated Display Team, featuring the F-16C fighter and the AH-64D Apache attack helicopter.
The integrated display is designed to highlight coordinated operations between fast jets and rotary-wing platforms, demonstrating precision flying, tactical manoeuvring and the close cooperation between aircrew and ground teams that keep the aircraft mission-ready.
For local audiences, it remains one of the most anticipated segments of the flying programme.
Commercial aircraft join Singapore Airshow 2026 flying displays
Military aviation will not have the skies to itself.
Commercial aviation enthusiasts can expect two high-profile displays, beginning with the Airbus A350-1000, which returns to Changi with a demonstration of its size, agility and refined handling. The widebody has become a familiar crowd-pleaser at major airshows, combining smooth, sweeping turns with impressive climb performance.
China’s commercial ambitions will also be on display, with the COMAC C919 set to fly at the show. Its appearance reflects the rapid progress being made in China’s civil aviation sector and adds a note of geopolitical as well as industrial interest to the flying programme.
Flying displays remain the public draw at Singapore Airshow 2026
Organisers say the breadth of the 2026 flying line-up reflects strong international backing for the event.
“The flying displays are always among the most anticipated highlights of the Singapore Airshow and the 2026 line-up reflects the strong international support for the event,” said Leck Chet Lam, managing director of Experia Events. He added that the programme was designed to showcase both cutting-edge technology and the skill of aircrew from around the world.
Flying displays will take place once daily during the trade days and twice daily over the public weekend, with schedules subject to change depending on operational and weather considerations.
Beyond the flying displays: Static aircraft and exhibitors
Beyond the display box, Singapore Airshow 2026 will feature an extensive static line-up of more than 35 aircraft, spanning commercial, business, military and unmanned platforms.
Exhibits are expected from major manufacturers including Airbus, Bombardier, COMAC, Dassault, Embraer, Gulfstream, Pilatus and Textron Aviation, alongside military assets from the Republic of Singapore Air Force, the German Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force and the United States Air Force.
Singapore Airshow 2026 will take place at the Changi Exhibition Centre from 3 to 8 February, with trade days followed by a public weekend featuring daily flying displays.
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Featured image: Singapore Airshow
