Israeli Defense Firms Plan Major Showcase at Farnborough 2026 After Paris Ban

Following a controversial ban at the Paris Air Show where Israeli companies were restricted to displaying only defensive systems and some booths were blocked by senior officials, Israeli defense firms are preparing a significant presence at the Farnborough 2026 Airshow in the UK. Unlike in Paris, the Farnborough exhibition will allow Israeli companies to showcase both defensive and offensive systems, including those proven in recent conflicts.

The Farnborough Airshow, opening on July 20, 2026, and running for five days, is one of the most prestigious global events in aerospace, space, and defense. This year’s event is expected to break records with around 1,600 exhibitors, with defense products comprising about 50% of the display, reflecting rising global tensions.

Israel’s participation comes amid a record year for its defense exports, which surpassed $19 billion in 2025 according to the Ministry of Defense. The Israeli delegation includes major companies such as Rafael, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Elbit Systems, and smaller firms like IAI’s Euromaz and Uvision. These companies will present a wide array of battlefield-oriented solutions, including offensive weapons banned in Paris.

Rafael will showcase several combat systems, including the Space bombs and the fifth-generation Ice Breaker cruise missile with a 300 km range capable of penetrating GPS-jammed environments. Other highlights include the AI-enabled long-range air-to-ground ROCKS missile and the L-SPIKE 4X loitering missile with a 40 km strike range. IAI will display the Arrow 3 missile and the LORA long-range precision ground-to-ground missile, alongside the HARPY and HAROP loitering munitions designed for autonomous target detection and destruction deep in enemy territory.

Elbit Systems will unveil the advanced X-Sight helmet, enhancing helicopter pilots’ situational awareness with real-time tactical data. Euromaz will present ruggedized human-machine interface solutions, including AI-based smart cockpits designed to improve operator performance under stress. The strong Israeli presence at Farnborough underscores the strategic and economic importance of Israel’s defense industry as a global innovation and security leader, as well as its international reputation.