Farnborough 2026: Drones, Fighter Jets and European Sovereignty Dominate Airshow
The Farnborough Airshow, opening Monday in England, is set to feature a near-equal split between defense and civil sectors, reflecting Europe's accelerated focus on sovereignty and rearmament amid the war in Ukraine and US unpredictability under Donald Trump. Ukraine will have a large presence, showcasing battle-tested drone solutions that are attracting significant industrial interest. The GCAP fighter jet programme, developed by Britain, Italy, and Japan, gains momentum with £4.6 billion in funding, aiming for service by 2035. Boeing will display its MQ-28 Ghost Bat autonomous combat drone, a potential partner for GCAP, and has partnered with Rheinmetall for German Air Force integration by 2029. On the commercial side, Boeing faces scrutiny over certification delays for three new aircraft. The event highlights the growing role of drones in modern conflicts and the debate over European defense sovereignty.
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