ILA Berlin 2026 begins today under the motto Pioneering Aerospace. Over the next five days, the airport in Berlin will once again become an international hub for the aerospace industry. More than 750 exhibitors from 37 countries will present innovations and future-oriented technologies from the aviation, space, and defense sectors. Around 100,000 participants and approximately 330 delegations from more than 60 countries are expected. In this way, ILA underscores its role as Europe’s leading trade show for aviation, space, security, and technological innovation. The opening ceremony was chaired by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Around 100 aircraft presentations on the ground and in the air are expected, including the German Heron TP unmanned aircraft, the Airbus Beluga transport aircraft, an Emirates A380 passenger aircraft, and the Leonardo AW249 attack helicopter.
Photos: ILA Berlin
ILA Berlin 2026 places particular emphasis on the links between technological capability, industrial competitiveness, and Europe’s strategic autonomy. Covering areas from sustainable aviation and space technologies to defense and security, the exhibition brings together representatives of industry, government, the armed forces, academia, and the startup sector to discuss the major challenges shaping the future of aerospace.
The exhibition was officially opened at 10:00 by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The ceremony was attended by a number of senior political figures, including Brandenburg’s Minister-President Dr. Dietmar Woidke, Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner, and other high-ranking guests. Also present were state premiers, including members of the Conference of Eastern State Premiers: Michael Kretschmer of Saxony, Mario Voigt of Thuringia, and Sven Schulze of Saxony-Anhalt. Baden-Württemberg’s Minister-President Cem Özdemir and Hamburg’s First Mayor Peter Tschentscher also took part.
Members of the federal government were also among the guests, including Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche, Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder, and Federal Minister of Research, Technology, and Space Dorothee Bär.
The strong political presence reflects the growing strategic importance of the aerospace sector amid geopolitical uncertainty, technological transformation, and increasing requirements in the areas of security, resilience, and competitiveness.
Dr. Michael Schöllhorn, President of the German Aerospace Industries Association, BDLI, said:
“This ILA comes at just the right time: a time when Germany and Europe need economic growth, sustainable mobility, access to space, as well as security and sovereignty more urgently than ever. The aerospace industry stands for all of these things and is presenting a strategic vision for the future at the ILA.”
Dirk Hoffmann, COO of Messe Berlin, added:
“ILA Berlin continues to grow and underscores its role as Europe’s leading innovation platform for aerospace. With exhibitors from around the world, high-level delegations, and a unique program, ILA brings the international aerospace community together at BER. Here, partnerships are forged, new technologies are unveiled, and the issues shaping the industry today are discussed.”
International Platform for Exchange and Cooperation
ILA Berlin is one of the industry’s most important platforms for dialogue. Across three stages, senior representatives of politics, industry, academia, and the armed forces will discuss the future of aviation, space, and defense. The focus will be on topics such as climate-friendly aviation, defense capabilities, space technologies, digitalization, securing a skilled workforce, and Europe’s technological competitiveness.
Speakers will include European Space Agency (ESA) Director General Dr. Josef Aschbacher; astronauts Matthias Maurer, Alexander Gerst, and Rabea Rogge; Chair of the Executive Board of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Prof. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla; and the Chief of the German Air Force, Lieutenant General Holger Neumann. Particular attention will also be paid to a discussion on security policy and the transatlantic bridge with Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Alexus G. Grynkewich, and the Chief of Defence of the Bundeswehr, General Carsten Breuer, on the current situation in Europe.
Around 100 Aircraft: Highlights on the Ground and in the Air
ILA Berlin brings aerospace technologies closer to the public. Around 100 aircraft will be on display, both on the ground and in the air. The German Armed Forces’ Heron TP will make its ILA debut as part of the flying display. During flybys, the unmanned aircraft will transmit live high-resolution aerial imagery to large screens at the exhibition site. Also making its ILA debut will be the AW249 Fenice attack helicopter, also known as the AH-249A NEES, or Nuovo Elicottero da Esplorazione e Scorta, from the Italian company Leonardo.
Other highlights will include the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft from U.S. company Boeing, as well as the Do228 NXT from U.S.-owned General Atomics AeroTec Systems (GA-ATS).
The static display will feature the Airbus Beluga transport aircraft, the Airbus A380 wide-body airliner operated by Emirates, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, and the smaller Airbus A320neo in a special “100 Years of Lufthansa” livery from June 10 to 12.
Drones, Startups, and Talent in Focus
Unmanned systems and their applications in civil aviation, security, and the military are a key theme of ILA Berlin 2026. For the first time, ILA is presenting a Drone Pavilion featuring a drone cage where unmanned aircraft are demonstrated live in action.
With the new Startup Center, ILA is strengthening links between young technology companies and industry, investors, and public-sector customers. Innovative founders will present technologies for the aerospace industry of the future, from autonomous systems and artificial intelligence applications to new space solutions.
On Friday, ILA will also focus on careers, recruitment, and training. At the Talent Hub, companies will meet skilled workers and promising talent, from high-school pupils and university students to young professionals, engineers, and specialists in production, maintenance, and development. New at ILA 2026, for the first time, there will be a dedicated program for future pilots.
Opening Hours and Tickets
ILA Berlin 2026 will take place at Berlin Brandenburg Airport from June 10 to 14. The exhibition will be open to trade visitors from June 10 to 12, and will also be open to the general public on June 13 and 14. Tickets for the public weekend have already sold out.
Press release