ILA Berlin 2026 is strengthening its position as the foremost political platform for the aerospace, security and defence industries. With significant participation from European and national institutions, the event is set to become a key forum for discussing the future of industrial competitiveness, technological sovereignty and security in Europe. 

ILA Berlin will be Europe's largest and most important aerospace trade fair in 2026. From 10 to 14 June 2026, the global aerospace industry will come together in the heart of Europe, in Berlin, under the motto "Pioneering Aerospace", to present the future of the industry. 

Political signal at the highest level 

Chancellor Friedrich Merz will open ILA Berlin in person, sending a a clear message about the importance of ILA as the leading trade fair for aerospace, security and future technologies, for both Berlin as a location and for Germany and Europe as a whole. Several federal ministries will be actively present as exhibitors or programme partners, including the Federal Ministry of Defence, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the Federal Ministry of Transport and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. 

Marie-Christine von Hahn, Chief Executive of the BDLI: "Europe is facing increasingly complex and rapidly evolving challenges. At the same time, the demands for economic stability, security, climate protection and the maintenance of a stable world order are growing. Close and reliable cooperation between all players in the aerospace, security and defence sectors is essential right now. In 2026 more than ever, ILA is the place where research, industry, politics and the armed forces come together to prepare strategic decisions. Strong political support reinforces our responsibility and our goal: to secure Europe's ability to act and its sovereignty, and to actively shape its future." 

European Commission reaffirms strategic role at ILA Berlin 

The Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) and the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) will once again be prominently represented at the ILA. This highlights the European Commission's dedication to promoting European technological leadership and sustainable aviation in Europe.

Largest single exhibitor and security policy anchor 

The Federal Ministry of Defence and the German Armed Forces are once again the largest single exhibitor at ILA Berlin. They will be showcasing cutting-edge capabilities, technologies and developments in security and defence, and will be providing a platform for military aerospace at the event. To mark the 70th anniversary of the German Air Force, the Air and Space Chief Meeting will also be taking place in conjunction with the trade fair. 

European space innovations in the ILA Space Pavilion 

Under this year's slogan "Space4Future", the ILA Space Pavilion focuses on the growing importance of space travel for the future of our society. By taking on the patronage of the Space Pavilion, Federal Minister Dorothee Bär reaffirms the significant political and economic value of German space travel. Spanning around 1,500 square metres, the exhibition showcases pivotal European space themes for the future, ranging from security and resilience to exploration, Earth observation, and climate protection. 

Berlin Aviation Summit – The Future of Sustainable Aviation 

The 5th Berlin Aviation Summit (BAS) is taking place on 9 June, one day before the start of ILA Berlin. The event is sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the Federal Ministry of Transport. High-ranking stakeholders and decision-makers from politics, business, aviation and finance will meet to discuss the transformation of aviation as well as concrete measures and political framework conditions required for climate-neutral aviation.

Once again this year, key political decision-makers have announced their visit to the ILA Berlin. Image: Messe Berlin. This photo can be found here.

About ILA Berlin:

ILA Berlin is one of the world's leading aerospace trade fairs. It covers the aviation, space, and defence sectors. Every two years, ILA Berlin brings together industry leaders, politicians, researchers, and armed forces personnel to exchange ideas and network. During public days, the event offers the general public the opportunity to experience the latest aerospace trends up close. The next edition will take place from June 10 to 14, 2026, at BER Airport. It is organized by the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) in cooperation with Messe Berlin GmbH. The last edition, held in 2024, attracted around 95,000 participants from approximately 60 countries, 600 exhibitors from 31 nations, 350 speakers, and 200 international delegations. Partners include the states of Brandenburg and Berlin, as well as 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
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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