Egypt is set to reinforce its position as a leading hub for aerospace, defence, and space innovation after the Egyptian Armed Forces officially announced the second edition of the El Alamein International Airshow (EIAS 2026).
The prestigious event will take place from 8 to 10 September 2026 at El Alamein International Airport, preceded by a dedicated aerospace conference on 7 September.
Expected to be one of the largest aviation and defence events ever held in Africa and the Middle East, EIAS 2026 will bring together participants from more than 80 countries, over 250 exhibitors representing 50 nations, approximately 12,000 industry visitors, more than 100 military and civilian aircraft, and over 50 live aerial demonstrations, showcasing cutting-edge aerospace, defence, and aviation technologies.
The official launch ceremony will be attended by Commander of the Egyptian Air Force Lt. Gen. Amr Saqr, Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El Hefny, Egyptian Space Agency CEO Dr. Maged Ismail, senior Egyptian Armed Forces officials, military and commercial attachés, as well as representatives from leading global aerospace and defence companies.
Organised with the support of the Egyptian Ministry of Defence, the Egyptian Air Force, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Egyptian Space Agency, and EgyptAir, the exhibition aims to strengthen international cooperation across the defence, aerospace, commercial aviation, and space sectors while promoting innovation, technology transfer, and strategic partnerships.
Over the course of three days, the event will feature spectacular flying displays, static aircraft exhibitions, specialised aerospace showcases, business forums, and high-level industry conferences. These activities will provide government leaders, military delegations, aviation experts, manufacturers, investors, and policymakers with a unique platform to exchange expertise, present advanced technologies, discuss emerging trends, and explore new investment and commercial opportunities.
Building on the remarkable success of its inaugural edition in 2024, the El Alamein International Airshow has rapidly established itself as a premier aerospace and defence exhibition serving Africa and the Middle East.
The event is increasingly recognised as a strategic gateway for the latest developments in military aviation, commercial aviation, aerospace manufacturing, satellite technologies, and the rapidly expanding global space industry.
Beyond the exhibition itself, EIAS 2026 reflects Egypt's broader ambition to position itself as a regional leader in aerospace innovation and international defence cooperation.
By bringing together governments, global manufacturers, research institutions, and industry decision-makers under one roof, the airshow is expected to accelerate technological collaboration, attract foreign investment, and strengthen regional security partnerships.
For Africa, the exhibition represents a significant opportunity to showcase the continent's growing role in the global aerospace ecosystem.
It offers African nations access to emerging technologies, new business partnerships, and knowledge-sharing opportunities that will contribute to the future of aviation, defence modernisation, space exploration, and sustainable economic development across the region.
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