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As Farnborough International Airshow has come to a close, The Aviationist brings you some of the highlights, from the unveiling of BAE System’s Brontanax to the USAF F-35A that interrupted many media briefings throughout the week.

With the cancellation of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) due to the ongoing war between the United States and Iran, the Farnborough International Airshow took on more importance for aviation fans than it usually would have been. Taking place from July 20 to 24, 2026, the Farnborough International Airshow brought together thousands of attendees from around the world to celebrate the world of aviation, show off the newest aviation technologies and to trade their many aviation wares.

On the air display front, Farnborough is considerably smaller in its scale than RIAT, with a greater focus on showcasing new and novel technologies over air displays from active air forces. Also unlike RIAT, its air displays go on for the entire week, with a larger display taking place on the Friday and open to members of the public, with this year’s theme Pioneers of Tomorrow.

The Vertical Aerospace VA-1X displayed at Farnborough showcasing the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of the aircraft intended to operate as an air taxi across London. The display showcased the aircraft’s transition from vertical flight to horizontal and back again, whilst also demonstrating just how quiet the aircraft is. | Source: Kai Greet

To this end, the public was greeted with displays from rather novel aircraft, including the Vertical Aerospace VA-1X, which aims to pioneer vertical take off and landing technology to be used for intra-city travel in the form of a flying taxi.

This aircraft is extremely quiet in comparison to other contemporary VTOL aircraft such as the F-35B Lightning II, making it perfectly suitable for city use, if it is able to pass the appropriate certifications. The flying prototype uses all electric propulsion whilst service aircraft are expected to use a hybrid-electric propulsion.

General Electric Aerospace’s Saab 340B testbed, nicknamed “Gertrude,” flew at Farnborough equipped with a hybrid-electric engine on the starboard side. Developed in collaboration with Boeing and Beta Technologies, this aircraft completed its first hybrid-electric flight above 30,000 feet on May 20. | Source: James Gray

The VA-1X was also joined by General Electric Aerospace’s Saab 340B flying testbed, nicknamed “Gertrude,” which is testing a megawatt-class hybrid-electric propulsion system in a modified engine nacelle, replacing the GE CT7 turboprop on the left side. The aim here is to help pioneer new efficient technologies to bring down the prices of air travel, and to decrease the reliance on expensive fossil fuels which have taken a hit due to the U.S.-Iranian war. The SAAB 340 aircraft was used by the Swedish Air Force as the basis of their Erieye airborne early warning radar, highlighting the extreme versatility of the base aircraft.

The engine that Gertrude uses is being developed through NASA Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project in collaboration with General Electric, Boeing and Beta Technologies. Parts are also integrated from companies Avio Aero, Dowty propellers and BAE Systems, highlighting the international supply chain behind the project.

Always cool to watch widebodies in airshow displays… Here’s a short clip of the Airbus A350-1041 performing at #fia2026 today. pic.twitter.com/RY3C95OIAb

— The Aviationist (@TheAviationist) July 22, 2026

Civilian aircraft are often what separates Farnborough from RIAT and the Cosford Airshow in their displays, and this year was no exception. Whilst military aircraft are often seen using their manoeuvrability in flight for combat and training purposes, wide bodied civil aircraft have no such requirement.

As such, it is a rare treat to see aircraft such as the Airbus A350-1000 taking to the skies for an air display. The A350 was the largest aircraft to perform during the air show and it pushed the airframe to its limits as the aircraft flew repeatedly up and down the runway.

The Airbus A350-1000 on display at Farnborough comfortably accommodates from 375 to 400 passengers and was the largest aircraft to display during the week. Riyadh Air made an order for six aircraft whilst attending the trade show. | Source: James Gray

The A350 was joined by the smaller Bombardier Global 8000, which represented the future of business jets. This aircraft is the world’s fastest and longest-range purpose-built business jet, featuring a top speed of Mach 0.95, and an 8,000 nautical mile range.

The aircraft has been tested going supersonic at times, becoming the first business jet to do so. Whilst its civil applications in the business world are straightforward, its high speed and long range have an interesting possible future application to military special mission aircraft, which have often been rather slow and vulnerable to hostile surface-to-air missile fire.

Bombardier Global 8000 is the world’s fastest and longest-range purpose-built business jet, featuring a top speed of Mach 0.95, and an 8,000 nautical mile range. Currently, Germany is exploring options to militarise the aircraft as a standoff jammer in what is likely to be the first special-mission version of the aircraft. | Source: Kai Greet

The speed and range open up a world of possibilities for any military looking to adapt this aircraft. It was certainly lightning quick as it flew down the runway and was one of our highlights from the whole show.

N100BD (MSN 70234), demonstrator for the Bombardier Global 8000, during its display at #FIA2026. The demo was very impressive. It is certified to Mach 0.95 but during testing it reached Mach 1.2. Would not be surprised if some forces pick it up. pic.twitter.com/C9ZoU7IpUI

— The Aviationist (@TheAviationist) July 21, 2026

Fast Jet Display

In stark comparison to these hybrid electric aircraft and the civilian aircraft, the air show saw the presence of the USAF F-35A Lightning II, which displayed throughout the week, showcasing the great power of its Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan engine.

It remains an extremely dynamic aircraft that, despite its large shape, can still rip across the sky in extremely tight manoeuvres. Its powerful engine disrupted many media briefings that The Aviationist’s crew were attending that week, with the aircraft felt and heard even if not seen.

The two opposite ends of the aircraft noise spectrum at #FIA2026: the @LockheedMartin F-35 and the @VerticalAero VX4. pic.twitter.com/B8fCllKZqh

— The Aviationist (@TheAviationist) July 23, 2026

Joining the F-35A in the fighter demonstrations was the Eurofighter Typhoon (F-2000A in Italian service), flown by the Aeronautica Militare. Italy sent a number of aircraft to the air show for both the static display and the flying display, with the T-346A Master and the C-27J Spartan joining a second Typhoon on the static. The Typhoon too provided a fantastic flying display, sticking around all week to show off the distinctive tail art of their aircraft.

The art depicts the visage of Amedeo d’Aosta, the namesake of the Aeronautica Militare’s 4th Fighter Wing, to which this specific aircraft is assigned. Amedeo served in the Regia Aeronautica (the Italian Royal Air Force) during the Second Italo-Senussi War in Libya, taking place in the 1930s during Italy’s colonial period. He later went on to command Italian forces during the East African Campaign of the Second World War, where he was captured by the British before dying in a prison camp. The Typhoon was on loan to the Reparto Sperimentale Volo (Experimental Flight Unit) for the air displays at Farnborough.

One of two Aeronautica Militare Eurofighter Typhoons sent to Farnborough for both the static and air displays. The Typhoon performed a fantastic display, showcasing the raw power of the EJ200 engines as it shot down the flightline. The Italians never disappoint in their displays. | Source: Kai Greet

It is of note that, whilst at Farnborough, Leonardo made a sale of its M-346F Block 20 Light Fighters to Indonesia, who is now buying 12 aircraft to help replace their older Hawk light fighter with deliveries to start from 2030.

Also joining the air displays was the Royal Air Force, who greeted the crowd with a two ship flypast of Typhoon FGR4s from No. 29 Squadron based at RAF Coningsby. No. 29 Squadron is the RAF’s Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit which trains pilots onto the Typhoon platform. The squadron also houses the RAF Typhoon display team, with current pilot Flight Lieutenant Tom Nation taking part in the flypast.

Whilst the RAF Typhoon couldn’t stay, the Eurofighter consortium did set up a mock-up of the Typhoon on the ground, celebrating the aircraft achieving one million flying hours across all its variants and all the air forces that use it.

The Eurofighter Typhoon mock-up on display at Farnborough celebrated the aircraft reaching one million flying hours across the platform’s long lifespan. The display model showcased the many weapons that the aircraft can carry in combat including the newly integrated advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS) used to shoot down drones at a lower cost. | Source: James Gray

With the RAF Red Arrows over in the United States to celebrate the American’s 250th year of independence from the UK, it was up to the United Arab Emirates aerobatic team, the Fursan Al Emarat, to make up for the absence. They brought with them a number of Hongdu L-15 advanced flying trainers, with this aircraft making its UK debut.

Whilst similar in design to the M-346 Master and the Yak-130, due to Yakovlev’s involvement in designing the aircraft, it sounds drastically different with the engines possessing a distinctive howl as they fly past.

The Fursan Al Emarat is the United Arab Emirates national aerobatics team and were seen displaying all week at Farnborough. They currently fly the Chinese built Hongdu L-15, which made its UK display debut at the air show. Their display helped to make the week as entertaining as it was. | Source: Kai Greet

The team displayed throughout the week to great fanfare, showing off their abilities to fly in formation, at high speed, during some difficult manoeuvres whilst also displaying the colours of the Emirati national flag behind them in their coloured smoke. This team was initially trained by pilots from the Frecce Tricolori (the Italian aerobatic team) in 2010, with both teams flying the same Aermacchi MB-339 aircraft.

Another clip of the Al Fursan display team performing with their Chinese L-15 jets over Farnborough just to give you an idea of the POV from the #fia2026 sign. pic.twitter.com/lcJa41gVFE

— The Aviationist (@TheAviationist) July 24, 2026

Rotary Winged Displays

The RAF’s Joint Aviation Command Chinook helicopter took to the skies repeatedly this week, showcasing its unique ability to carry heavy underslung loads across a battlefield. This helicopter is always a fan favourite, being far faster and more manoeuvrable than its size would give it the impression.

The RAF will be losing 29 of its older Chinook HC6A helicopters due to their age, only to be replaced by 14 new Chinook Block IIs called the H-47 (ER), which have an extended range and the ability to refuel in the air, as well as the ability to carry 4,000 extra lb of cargo. This aircraft shows that only a Chinook can replace a Chinook in its current role.

Two Apache AH-64E helicopters and a Wildcat AH1 from the British Army Air Corps displayed on the final day at Farnborough. The three aircraft performed dynamic manoeuvres showing how these aircraft work together during combat operations. The Wildcat AH1 will retire from next year, to be replaced by autonomous reconnaissance drones. | Source: James Gray

The Army Air Corps filled in for the public display, bringing along two AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and a Wildcat AH1 to display their roles during operations, with the Wildcat acting as a scout, used to direct the fire of the two attackers. The Wildcat will be supplanted in this role by an as of yet unselected helicopter UAS as a result of defence cuts in the Defence Investment Plan released a few weeks ago.

The Wildcat is a fantastic aircraft that has not been in Army Air Corps service for many years. It is hoped that surplus aircraft will be handed to the Navy, who have multiple uses for such aircraft across their fleet, with cross decking a common feature.

The Chinook was joined by the Apaches and the Wildcat at the end of its display with all four aircraft flying off together at the close of the show.

Leonardo’s AW-149 was selected by the UK for its New Medium Helicopter requirement, replacing the Puma which had served for decades. The AW-149 can seat 16 fully equipped troops providing a potent transport capability. | Source: James Gray

For the static display Farnborough had a small number of helicopters, showing off U.S. Army Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters as well as Leonardo’s latest offering, the AW-149. The AW-149 has been selected by the RAF to fulfil the new medium helicopter requirement that was lost following the retirement of the Puma helicopter last year.

Originally the requirement was to replace 23 Puma HC2, three Bell 412 Griffins based in Cyprus, the British Army’s three Bell 212 based in Brunei and six Airbus AS365 Dauphins used by British special forces in the UK. Instead the 23 AW-149s will replace the Puma, while six Airbus H145M helicopters, to be known as the Jupiter HC2, will work out of Cyprus and Brunei, and the Dauphins will be retained for the foreseeable future.

The presence of the AW-149 did not go without fanfare as it was used for the backdrop of Leonardo and Indonesia signing a letter of intent for the acquisition of AW-149 for Indonesia’s naval helicopter program. If a contract is born from this, the program would see AW149 helicopters delivered for both land-based and shore-based operations.

Our first look at the @LDO_Aeronautics chalet at #fia2026 with AW149, Proteus, special colored M-345 and LBA “Astore Levante” (TB3) pic.twitter.com/DvO95t9GTg

— The Aviationist (@TheAviationist) July 20, 2026

Parked near to the Leonardo chalet was one of very few leftover flying Sea King helicopters in the UK, owned and flown by HeliOperations for crew training on what was the German Navy’s Sea King fleet. Heli Operations used to operate five aircraft, but three were gifted to Ukraine for search and rescue as well as utility operations.

The German Navy has since followed this up with the transfer of six Sea Kings to Ukraine, with HeliOperations involved in the overhaul, modification and transfer of Sea Kings to the Ukrainian Navy.

Heli Operations showing off a Sea King with drone interceptors on it. pic.twitter.com/fi36fxMRPq

— The Aviationist (@TheAviationist) July 20, 2026

The Sea King on display was notable for its carriage of several interceptor drones from a fuselage mounted rail, allowing the helicopter to hypothetically shoot down Shahed drones in Ukraine. The higher altitude of the Sea King over ground launched interceptors would increase the interceptors speed and range, giving them a greater chance of success. It is possible that Sea Kings are performing this role in Ukraine, but that is currently speculation.

Brontanax and the CCAs

Unmanned aircraft were however the clear stars of the trade show, with the public unveiling of the Brontanax CCA from BAE Systems and the Thunder unmanned multirole helicopter shown off by Anduril.

Up close and personal with Brontanax, UK’s first Collaborative Combat Aircraft, unveiled by BAE Systems at #fia2026. Its name is derived from Ancient Greek and means ‘Thunder King’. It is set to fly alongside a Typhoon by the end of 2027.
Full story: https://t.co/C5lRoeLKUf pic.twitter.com/w6FfY1HAKj

— The Aviationist (@TheAviationist) July 23, 2026

Both highlight the vision of unmanned systems operating in conjunction with aircraft, with the Brontanax CCA shown operating alongside 4th generation RAF Typhoon aircraft, whilst the Thunder was shown operating alongside AH-64E Apaches in an Animated short produced by Anduril.

Unveiled by newly appointed Defence Secretary Wes Streeting at Farnborough, the Brontanax collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) is what will be used to add mass to the RAF’s existing fighter fleet, helping to make the service the Europe’s first sixth generation air force. The prototype is currently in build at Warton to be test flown next year. | Source: James Gray

Brontanax was unveiled by the newly appointed UK Defence Secretary, Wes Streeting, and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth, with the aircraft said to be leading the way into making the RAF Europe’s first 6th generation air force. The CCA was revealed at the BAE Systems chalet on Wednesday with a large crowd of reporters and industry officials present for the “BAE Systems Combat Air Announcement.”

We at The Aviationist were equally as surprised when it was revealed that Brontanax was already in construction, with images of the prototype also shown to those present.

“The Royal Air Force will become Europe’s first sixth generation air force” – Wes Streeting, new UK Secretary of State for Defence pic.twitter.com/mP78N8wSte

— The Aviationist (@TheAviationist) July 22, 2026

The prototype is being prepared at BAE System’s site at Warton, with the engineering, manufacture, and full prototype integration of flight-ready wings, fins, and control surfaces already completed, with work done by GKN Aerospace. The prototype is hoping to have its first flight in 2027, with production models aiming to operate alongside the RAF Typhoon and eventually the manned fighter element of GCAP.

The Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) display mock up shows the vast size that the eventual fighter will have when it enters service. There is still much work to be done on the Tempest demonstrator, which will be smaller than the eventual GCAP fighter, with hopes that it will fly in 2028. | Source: James Gray

The development of GCAP too is moving surprisingly quickly, with the Excalibur flying testbed ready to receive its testing equipment, allowing it to conduct proper test and evaluation trials of the systems that will go into GCAP. The Tempest prototype, also being built at Warton, is expected to test fly in 2028 using EJ200 engines borrowed from a Eurofighter Typhoon.

Its developmental engine will come from the Rolls Royce Orpheus test bed which may itself be selected for use in the operational Brontanax CCA. The Brontanax testbed flying next year will use a U.S.-designed Williams International turbofan engine to ensure rapid delivery of the prototype.

This surprising development comes four years after the UK government cancelled the UK’s then highly publicised CCA development programme, Project Mosquito, which was being put together by Spirit AeroSystems in Belfast. Brontanax is far further along than Mosquito ever was and is an excellent sign of things to come for the UK’s aviation industry.

Up close and personal with @anduriltech Thunder and Fury at Farnborough International Airshow. #FIA2026

You can read more about Thunder here: https://t.co/vRIBNr8mDb pic.twitter.com/L0zih0Nk2F

— The Aviationist (@TheAviationist) July 21, 2026

Anduril’s Thunder, on the other hand, represents something entirely new for helicopters, acting as a loyal wingman to a manned helicopter which can act as a linebacker for the unmanned element. Thunder is able to operate as an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) node as well as a fully fledged combat asset boasting air to surface missiles, tube-launched drones, counter-drone effectors, or up to 76 70 mm rockets.

It is designed to be transportable inside a standard shipping container, allowing fast deployments around the world by a variety of methods. Its tiltrotor design as well allows for high speed operations and the ability to scout ahead of the manned element.

Anduril’s newly unveiled multi-mission rotorcraft designed to fight alongside crewed aircraft, as part of an autonomous formation. It can carry a large number of missiles in an internal weapons bay, and appears to be partly inspired in its design by the Hunter Killer drone from the Terminator franchise. | Source: James Gray

The design of the Thunder appears distinctly like the hunter killer drones from the Terminator franchise. Whether this is by design or not is purely speculation, but it was certainly a surprise to see it in person.

Alongside these new aircraft, Boeing, GA-ASI and Airbus all displayed their premier CCA concepts alongside a CCA also produced by Anduril. Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghostbat was one of the far more mature designs of CCA on display, with its prototypes having seen multiple flights over in Australia since 2021.

The Boeing MQ-28 Ghostbat on display at Farnborough was used to highlight new partnerships between Boeing,  Hensoldt, Eaton and Leonardo to advance the Ghostbat in the European market. This and other CCA mock ups were shown with MBDA weaponry, highlighting the company’s push to integrate its weapons on the new era of aircraft. | Source: James Gray

The aircraft is being developed primarily for the Royal Australian Air Force with it being the first military combat aircraft to be designed, engineered and built in Australia for more than 50 years. Boeing announced at Farnborough that the MQ-28 programme was seeking entry into the European market, and so the company has allied with Leonardo, Eton, and Hensoldt to enable this.

GA-ASI’s Gambit CCA and Airbus’ U760 Ravenstorm were both notable for being displayed alongside MBDA SPEAR 3 weapon system, highlighting the requirement for these CCAs to fulfil the SEAD/DEAD role in whatever air force buys them. On the other hand, Anduril’s FQ-44 “Fury” is designed more for the air dominance role and so SEAD weapons were not included in their display.

Antonov An-196 Liutyi is a Ukrainian one-way attack drone (OWA-UAV) developed by Ukroboronprom to strike deep into Russian territory. This variant is a two way system, carrying four small UAV-191 turbojet-powered loitering munitions. This makes the Liutyi analogous to the Baykar Bayraktar TB2 in its cost and use case. | Source: James Gray

The Trade Show

Small scale drones and UAS were aplenty within the exhibition halls, with these being a huge new focus for the world’s defence industry owing to their use in Ukraine by both sides. As a result of this, Ukraine had a large presence at Farnborough, showcasing its flagship Liuyti one way attack munition that has seen extensive use in hitting Russia’s most secure military and industrial sites.

Produced by Ukroboronprom, the variant at Farnborough was shown carrying four small UAV-191 turbojet-powered loitering munitions, making it more of a drone mothership. The lack of explosives in the nose allows for an extended range owing to a larger fuel tank, maximising the effectiveness of its carried weapons.

Here’s a quick look at the Liutyi long-range kamikaze UAV on display at #FIA2026.

Ukroboronprom unveiled a new configuration of the drone capable of carrying four UAV-191 turbojet-powered loitering munitions. pic.twitter.com/V8wkdpqZmf

— The Aviationist (@TheAviationist) July 24, 2026

Alongside this Ukrainian drone company, Skyfall also attended, displaying its variety of interceptor, bomber and FPV strike drones. Amongst these is the Vampire bomber drone that has gone on to earn the nickname Baba Yaga in Ukraine, thanks to its ability to strike in the quiet of the night.

Of special note however were the P1-SUN Jetkillers which are used to shoot down large numbers of Shahed kamikaze drones midflight. These interceptors are far cheaper than conventional missiles and have already been reported to have shot down countless Russian attack drones.

Ukrainian drone manufacturer SkyFall unveiled the P1-SUN Jetkiller at Farnborough, which is an upgraded interceptor designed to shoot down Russia’s jet-powered Shahed attack drones. Ukraine’s baseline P1-SUN interceptor has downed 5,000 drones during the ongoing war. | Source: James Gray

Anglo-Portuguese company Tekever showed off its AR3 and AR5 UAS which have both seen military service in Ukraine, with lessons learned overseas reflecting back on decisions in the UK. The AR3 now acts as the carriage of the StormShroud electronic warfare package used by the RAF, whilst the AR5 has been selected to replace the Watchkeeper drone in the artillery spotting role for the British Army.

Leonardo’s chalet highlighted its developments in unmanned flight, displaying its Proteus developmental helicopter which recently had its funding extended, hopefully enabling further test flights of the system. They also had on display their joint project with Turkish company Baykar, the Astore Levante, which utilises Leonardo software and internal systems, whilst utilising the Bayraktar TB3’s external body.

This relationship between the two companies has evolved and now sees Leonardo working with Baykar in the testing and evaluation of the Kizilelma CCA.

The Leonardo/Baykar Astore Levante medium altitude long endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial system (UAS). This aircraft is based on the Bayraktar TB3 but utilises a large number of Leonardo internal systems, from radars to electronic warfare systems. It is representative of the growing relationship between the two companies as they work on autonomous systems together. | Source: James Gray

Overall, the trade show saw 1,636 exhibitors attend, with an increase of an extra 213 exhibits from the 2024 edition of the event. Of these exhibitors, 63% were from outside the UK, highlighting the country’s role in the centre of global aviation trade.

According to ADS, the trade organisation representing the aerospace, defence, security and space industries in the UK, there were 353 firm aircraft orders, 904 firm engine orders and 10 firm helicopter orders. In total these sales amounted to £62.9 billion GBP in announced aircraft, engine and helicopter deals during its four trade days, contributing around £10 billion to the British economy. Alongside the exhibitors, the show welcomed 141,580 trade and public visitors, a show-on-show increase of 41%, and nearly double 2022’s attendance.

For The Aviationist’s crew, this week was more than just an air and trade show. It was a key opportunity for us to collaborate on a single project, together and in person for the very first time. With our team coming from across the globe, it meant a lot to be able to see each other in person and collaborate to work on many exciting stories.

Even if it was only a small part of our vital team that was able to meet, it was an opportunity for us to explore our shared interests in aviation. It was a fantastic week and we cannot wait for the next opportunity.

The Aviationist team says hello from #FIA2026! pic.twitter.com/EUgmiBegXZ

— The Aviationist (@TheAviationist) July 22, 2026