Pic: The Heron TP UAV will be one of the highlights at the ILA 2026 airshowOpening today, the
ILA 2026 airshow is set to place the future of aerospace firmly in the spotlight as around 750 exhibitors from 37 countries gather in Berlin from 10 - 14 June.
The event will bring together a broad spectrum of civil and military aviation technology, with cutting-edge aircraft and drone systems demonstrated both on the ground and in flight.
Among the headline attractions will be the German premiere of the Heron TP drone alongside the AW249 combat helicopter and Airbus Racer high-speed demonstrator. Visitors will also see established platforms such as the Airbus A350 long-haul aircraft and the Do228 NXT, underlining the event’s mix of next-generation development and proven capability.
A defining feature of ILA remains its integration with live airport operations at Berlin Brandenburg Airport, allowing flight demonstrations to take place in real-world conditions. This provides a practical showcase of performance and operational capability, rather than purely staged displays.
One of the most anticipated aerial demonstrations will feature the German Armed Forces’ Heron TP unmanned aerial vehicle. Designed for long-range reconnaissance, the system is capable of extended loiter times over operational areas. During the event, it will conduct flyovers while capturing high-resolution aerial images, which will be broadcast live to visitors on large screens, offering a direct demonstration of its surveillance capabilities.
The Leonardo AW249 will make its debut in an air show programme, marking the first appearance of the new-generation combat helicopter in such a setting. Developed entirely from scratch, it has been engineered for future combat scenarios, combining advanced sensor systems with networked mission capabilities and a design suited to multi-domain operations.
Airbus will also feature prominently, with the A350 illustrating advances in long-haul efficiency. Constructed with more than 70% advanced materials, including composites, the aircraft delivers reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions. The Airbus Racer, a high-speed helicopter demonstrator, will highlight efforts to balance speed, efficiency and mission performance, targeting a significant reduction in fuel use compared with current platforms in its class.
The flying programme will include contributions from international operators, including the Spanish Air Force with its Eurofighter, alongside aircraft such as the Panavia Tornado, Airbus A400M and EC665 Tiger helicopter. An air parade and skydiving display are also planned during the public weekend.
On the ground, the static display will allow visitors close access to a wide range of aircraft. These include the NATO E-3A Sentry AWACS and the Bundeswehr’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Commercial aviation is represented by aircraft such as the Emirates A380 and a Lufthansa A320neo in a special anniversary livery.
Further highlights include the Airbus Beluga transport aircraft and the DLR A310 ZeroG research platform, capable of simulating weightlessness through parabolic flight. The Do228 NXT will make its trade show debut, signalling ongoing development in versatile turboprop aircraft for global operations.
As ever, organisers note that participation, particularly by military aircraft, may be subject to change due to operational demands.
Pic credit: Zachi Evenor