•    Approximately 100,000 attendees are expected
•    More than 750 exhibitors from 37 countries
•    Opening ceremony by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz
•    High-ranking political guests from Germany, Europe, and around the world
•    Around 100 aircraft on the ground and in the air – including the German Heron TP, Airbus Beluga, Emirates A380, and AW249
•    Competitiveness, technology, and sovereignty are the focus of the stage program

ILA Berlin 2026 kicks off today under the theme “Pioneering Aerospace.” Over the next five days, Berlin Airport (BER) will once again serve as an international hub for the aerospace industry. More than 750 exhibitors from 37 countries will present innovations and future technologies from the aviation, space, and defense sectors. Approximately 100,000 attendees and around 330 delegations from more than 60 countries are expected. In doing so, the ILA underscores its role as Europe’s leading trade fair for aerospace, security, and technological innovation.

ILA Berlin 2026 highlights the close interconnection between technological strength, industrial competitiveness, and societal autonomy today. From climate-friendly aviation and new space technologies to defense and security, ILA brings together industry, government, the armed forces, academia, and startups, creating a space for dialogue on the industry’s key future challenges.

Chancellor Merz Opens ILA – High-Level Political Turnout

The ILA Berlin 2026 will be officially opened by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The opening tour will be attended by, among others, the Minister-President of the State of Brandenburg, Dr. Dietmar Woidke; the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner, and other high-ranking guests. Numerous state premiers are also expected to attend the ILA, including members of the Conference of Eastern State Premiers: Michael Kretschmer (Saxony), Mario Voigt (Thuringia) and Sven Schulze (Saxony-Anhalt). In addition, Baden-Württemberg’s Minister-President Cem Özdemir and the First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Peter Tschentscher, will be in attendance.

Among those expected to attend the ILA are 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 high level of political attention underscores the strategic importance of the aerospace industry in times of geopolitical change, technological transformation, and growing demands for security, resilience, and competitiveness.

Dr. Michael Schöllhorn, President of the BDLI: 

“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:

“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. On three stages, high-ranking representatives from 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.

High-profile speakers include ESA Director General Dr. Josef Aschbacher, astronauts Matthias Maurer, Alexander Gerst, and Rabea Rogge, the Chairwoman of the Executive Board of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Prof. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, and the Inspector General of the German Air Force, Lieutenant General Holger Neumann. Special attention will also be given to the Transatlantic Bridge’s security policy discussion with NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Alexus G. Grynkewich and the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, General Carsten Breuer, on the current situation in Europe.

Around 100 aircraft: Highlights on the Ground and in the Air

The ILA Berlin brings aerospace technologies to life. Around 100 aircraft will be on display, both on the ground and in the air. The German Heron TP, operated by the German Armed Forces, will make its ILA debut in the Flying Display. During its flyovers, the unmanned aerial vehicle will transmit high-resolution aerial images live to large screens at the exhibition grounds. Also making its debut at the ILA is Leonardo’s AW249 combat helicopter. Other highlights include the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from Boeing and the Do228 NXT from General Atomics.

The static display will feature the Airbus Beluga, the Emirates Airbus A380 – the world’s largest passenger aircraft and an Airbus A320neo with the special “100 Years of Lufthansa” livery from June 10–12.

Focus on Drones, Startups, and Talent

A key focus of ILA Berlin 2026 is on unmanned systems and their applications in civil aviation, security, and defense. For the first time, ILA is presenting the Drone Pavilion, which features a Drone Cage where drones are demonstrated live in action.

With the new Start-up Hub, ILA is specifically strengthening the networking of young technology companies with industry, investors, and public sector clients. Here, innovative founders will present technologies for the aerospace industry of tomorrow –from autonomous systems and AI applications to new space solutions.

On Friday, ILA will also be all about careers, recruiting, and training: At the Talent Hub, companies meet skilled workers and up-and-coming talent – from high school students and college students to young professionals, engineers, and specialists in production, maintenance, and development. New at ILA 2026: For the first time, a dedicated program focus is specifically aimed at aspiring pilots.

Opening Hours and Tickets

ILA Berlin 2026 will take place at BER from June 10 to 14. ILA will be open to trade visitors from June 10 to 12, and on June 13 and 14, it will also open its doors to the general public. The public weekend is already sold out.
 

About ILA Berlin  

ILA Berlin is one of the world’s leading aerospace trade shows. It covers the aviation, space and defence sectors. Every two years, it brings together leading figures from industry, politics, research and the armed forces to exchange ideas and network. On its public days, it offers the general public the opportunity to experience the latest trends in aerospace. The next edition will take place from 10 to 14 June 2026 at BER Airport. ILA Berlin is organized by the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) in cooperation with Messe Berlin GmbH. At the last edition in 2024, the ILA attracted around 95,000 participants from 60 countries, 600 exhibitors from 31 nations, 350 speakers and 200 international delegations. Its partners are the State of Brandenburg, the State of Berlin and Berlin-Brandenburg Airport.  

More details can be found at: www.ila-berlin.com

Press photos and videos can be found in our media database.

Press contacts:
BDLI
Florian von Hennet
ILA Spokesperson
Head of Politics & Communications
+49 30 206140 - 14
Von.hennet@bdli.de

Messe Berlin GmbH
Britta Wolters
ILA Spokesperson
Head of Brand Communication
+49 30 3038-2279
britta.wolters@messe-berlin.de

Emanuel Höger
Senior Vice President Communication
Messe Berlin Group
www.messe-berlin.de

Management Board: Dr. Mario Tobias (CEO), Dirk Hoffmann (COO)
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Dr. Eric Schweitzer
Companies register: Amtsgericht Charlottenburg, HRB 5484 B

Additional information:
www.ila-berlin.de 
www.bdli.de 
www.messe-berlin.de

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