Even before the official opening, Brandenburg’s Minister President Dr. Dietmar Woidke and Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner got a first look at the highlights of ILA Berlin 2026 during the “ILA Backstage” tour.Bereits vor der offiziellen Eröffnung haben Brandenburgs Ministerpräsident Dr. Dietmar Woidke und Berlins Regierender Bürgermeister Kai Wegner beim Rundgang „ILA Backstage“ einen ersten Einblick in die Highlights der ILA Berlin 2026 erhalten.
From June 10 to 14, ILA Berlin will showcase the full spectrum of the aerospace industry and serve as a meeting place for industry, politics, the armed forces, science, and research. 750 exhibitors from 37 countries will present their innovations at BER Airport. Approximately 100,000 attendees are expected, along with about 100 aircraft on the ground and in the air.
Berlin-Brandenburg as a Hub for the Aerospace Industry
It is no coincidence that the ILA is based in the capital region: Berlin-Brandenburg is one of Germany’s leading centers of excellence for the aerospace industry. Globally active corporations, highly specialized small and medium-sized enterprises, innovative startups, and renowned research institutions and universities are developing cutting-edge technologies for aviation, space, and defence here.
Dr. Dietmar Woidke, Minister President of the State of Brandenburg:
“Aviation creates jobs, prosperity, and safety – and Brandenburg is right at the heart of it. With investments from major aviation companies, technology firms, and research institutions, we are propelling the future of flight forward. The ILA is ‘made in Berlin-Brandenburg’ and is achieving record numbers of visitors, exhibitors, and exhibition space. It belongs to our capital region just as much as the Brandenburg eagle and the Berlin bear belong on our state coats of arms. I thank the Federal Chancellor for the federal government’s clear commitment to this location.”
Kai Wegner, Regierender Bürgermeister von Berlin:
“Once again, the ILA is becoming the hub of the European aerospace industry. In the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region, we are demonstrating that aerospace is a truly forward-looking industry, and at the ILA we are bringing together cutting-edge research, deep tech companies, and a rapidly growing security sector with government partners. Anyone who wants to secure Europe’s future must invest in aerospace—and that is exactly what this trade show is impressively demonstrating once again this year.”
A Preview of Innovations in Aviation, Space, and Defence
Ahead of all other visitors, the tour took guests through the key thematic areas of ILA 2026 and showcased the industry’s technological breadth. In the Aviation sector, guests visited Boeing, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, MTU Aero Engines, and the booth of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, among others. The focus was on new technologies for more efficient and sustainable aviation – including a model of the world’s largest aircraft engine.
In the Space segment, exhibitors showcased the latest space technologies “Made in Berlin-Brandenburg” – including companies and research institutions such as Astro- und Feinwerktechnik Adlershof, X2E, the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, and the Berlin Brandenburg Aerospace Alliance (BBAA). A highlight was the Space Pavilion, organized jointly by ESA, DLR, and BDLI.
The Defence segment focused on modern security and defence technologies. Guests visited the new Drone Pavilion, which featured the Drone Cage, as well as companies such as Hensoldt, Diehl Defence, MBDA, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Onberg, and Autoflug. A key focus was on drones and drone defence. The German Armed Forces presented the German Heron TP, which was on display at the ILA for the first time, both on the ground and as part of the flight program. Companies such as IAI and Boeing showcased systems directly connected to the region, including the Arrow 3 missile defence system and the CH-47 Chinook helicopter, both of which are stationed at the German Armed Forces base in Holzdorf.
ILA Berlin 2026 kicks off on June 10
From June 10 to 14, ILA Berlin at BER Airport will once again serve as an international hub and is increasingly establishing itself as a key forum for aerospace, security, and technological sovereignty in Europe. During the trade visitor days, the focus will be on the latest developments in aviation, space, and defence. Over the weekend, ILA will also open its doors to the general public, bringing the fascination of aerospace to life.
