Military Aircraft Shows

Paris, Berlin, Farnborough, Moscow, Singapore, are the air shows where the latest military aircraft can be seen to fly through exciting demonstrations, including aerobatic manoeuvres to exhibit dog fighting skills.

Get the inside scoop on all of the best military airshows on this page, from the Farnborough International Airshow, the Salon du Bourget in Paris, the Royal International Air Tattoo, Singapore Airshow, Dubai Airshow, ILA Berlin airshow, RAF Cosford airshow, Russia’s MAKS International Aviation and Space Salon and other airshows of growing importance like the China International Aviation and Aeropace Exhibition in Zuhai, West of Hong Kong.

These airshows are the closest any non-military personnel will get to these powerful machines. From the static displays where pilots and crew can be asked about their aircraft’s performance to seeing the flying displays, the agility of the modern fighter and transport aircraft impresses all that see them.

Australia moves forward with vital EA-18G Growler upgrade

In a bid to strengthen Australia’s electronic attack capabilities, the RAAF’s 11-strong fleet of Boeing EA-18G Growlers will receive vital equipment/sensor upgrades – a move which aims to enhance commonality with examples of the type that are operated by the US Navy

Ex-RAF chief condemns US-hosted ENJJPT pilot training programme

Training British fast-jet pilots in the US is a waste of taxpayers’ money and does not meet the needs of the RAF, a former senior commander has said

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Countering China - Australia and New Zealand ponder future forces

As China’s influence expands across the Indo-Pacific region and its military forces are modernised at an ever-increasing rate, Australia and New Zealand have tough decisions to make about the future force structure of their military, writes Tim Fish

Australia now fields almost 60 F-35As in-country

A further five Royal Australian Air Force-operated Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs have arrived at RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales, bringing the total number in operational service to 59 aircraft out of 72 on order

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IN PICTURES: Why Antalya is a planespotters paradise

Ton Jochems returns to Antalya on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast to capture some of the rare and diverse operators on display at the booming tourist gateway.

Australia completes first major international F-35A deployment

The RAAF has marked a major milestone in its operation of the F-35A Lightning II after aircraft from No 75 Squadron departed RAAF Base Tindal in Australia’s Northern Territory to Malaysia, where it completed the type's first international deployment (outside the US) in Australian service

Australia moves to expand airlift capacity with new C-130J-30s

Australia is set to acquire a 24-strong fleet of new-build C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical transports as the nation’s looks to replace the older C-130Js in RAAF service and expand its current fleet of medium-lift air mobility assets under the first phase of Project AIR 7404

USAF to expand Australian base for B-52s

The US plans to create facilities to base six B-52s in Australia in a move that experts say is linked to increased tensions with China over Taiwan

More than 50 F-35As now in Australian service

A further four Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighters have been delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force, bringing the total number in service to 54 aircraft out of 72 on order

Northrop Grumman unveils first MQ-4C Triton for Australia

Northrop Grumman revealed Australia’s maiden MQ-4C Triton autonomous aircraft, serial number A57-001, during a ceremony at its high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft production site in Palmdale, California, on September 14

Get the latest news from the best Military Air Shows

We bring you the latest news on Western military aircraft from key airshows such as Farnborough International Airshow and the Salon du Bourget in Paris. It is at these events that the first public flights of the latest military aircraft can be seen and details of their capabilities, radars, countermeasures and missiles publicised.

For all the developments from China, it is the Zuhai airshow, where the growing superpower shows off its own advanced aircraft such as the stealthy fighter, the Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon. The Russians also use their own domestic show, MAKS, to market their military aircraft for export, such as the fifth generation Sukhoi Su-57 or the latest transport plane, the Ilyushin Il-112VE.

Latest reports on military technology & advancements

Whether it is Zuhai, Moscow or Paris, we bring you the latest reports, reviews, news and updates from the best international military shows where the world’s airforces announce their future fighters, bombers, air-to-air refuelling tankers and transport and pilot training platforms and technology programmes. You’ll learn about progress on airforce fleet or missile procurement and potential export deals, with meetings at the shows between high ranking officials, analysed.

Beyond the aircraft themselves, the equipment that makes the news includes new targeting pods, helmets with head-up displays, training simulators or chaff dispensers. What is on display is to be traded and deals done, from simple components and complex aerostructures, to consumable supplies and maintenance, which keeps the defence aviation industry going. Technologies that are revealed at these shows include enhanced flight vision systems, augmented reality for reduced visibility, data link avionics, via-satellite aircraft networking with army and naval platforms, avionics for optionally piloted cockpits, manned, unmanned teaming between piloted aircraft and drones; and many more.

Find out more about Military Aircraft

Interested in more news about military aviation? Check our articles on Airforce News, Military Fighter Aircraft, Military Transport Aircraft and Military Aircraft Technology.

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