The El Alamein International Airshow 2026 was officially inaugurated by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, underlining the strategic importance of the event to Egypt’s aerospace, defence and industrial ambitions. The airshow brought together aerospace and defence companies, military delegations, government representatives, industry leaders and technology specialists for three days of exhibitions, aircraft displays, business meetings and professional exchanges at El Alamein International Airport. The scale of this year’s event was reflected in the participation of more than 200 exhibiting companies from over 50 countries, the presence of more than 90 aircraft on display and the attendance of over 120 official VIP delegations. The event highlighted Egypt’s growing position as a strategic aerospace and defence centre connecting Africa, the Middle East and the wider international market, while providing participating companies with an important platform to present their latest aircraft, defence systems, technologies and operational capabilities. Source

The exhibition featured a broad range of military and civilian aviation solutions, including combat aircraft, transport and special-mission platforms, helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, air-defence technologies, counter-UAS solutions, surveillance systems, precision-guided weapons and aerospace-support services. Static aircraft displays and flying demonstrations enabled visitors to examine different platforms and capabilities, while the exhibition halls provided companies with opportunities to introduce new products, demonstrate advanced technologies and meet potential customers, partners and government representatives from across the region.

A central theme throughout the event was the rapid transformation of modern airpower. Discussions and presentations focused on the increasing importance of artificial intelligence, autonomy, unmanned systems, multi-domain operations, space capabilities and aerospace innovation. The growing integration of crewed and uncrewed platforms, advanced sensors, secure communications and data-driven command-and-control systems demonstrated how air forces are adapting to increasingly complex operational environments and emerging battlefield threats.

DBDC International Defence Publications & Events participated in the El Alamein International Airshow 2026 as an official media partner and exhibitor, providing live editorial coverage of the event and its participating companies through its three international defence magazines: EUROATLANTIC Defence News, AFRICAN SECURITY and GREEK DEFENCE NEWS. Through these publications and their digital platforms, DBDC reported on new products, technological developments, company announcements and operational capabilities presented during the exhibition, reaching specialised defence audiences across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the wider international market. DBDC’s participation also provided opportunities for meetings, interviews and direct engagement with senior representatives of the international aerospace and defence industries.

The success of the 2026 edition, established a strong foundation for the continued development of the El Alamein International Airshow ahead of its next edition in 2028. As regional requirements for advanced aircraft, unmanned systems, air-defence solutions, surveillance technologies and integrated aerospace capabilities continue to grow, the exhibition is well positioned to attract even wider international participation and support new industrial partnerships, technological cooperation and business opportunities.

From the exhibition halls and aircraft displays to the meetings and conversations that took place throughout the week, this year’s event demonstrated the growing role of the El Alamein International Airshow as an international meeting point for aerospace excellence across Africa, the Middle East and beyond.