Farnborough has once again shown the world what our towns can do.
The 2026 Farnborough International Airshow was an extraordinary success. For five days, global aerospace, aviation and defence leaders came to Farnborough to showcase new technology, build partnerships and do business. For local people, it was also a chance to enjoy the flying displays, meet world-leading aerospace and defence companies – including many local ones – and see at first hand the innovation that has made our area famous around the world.
The show’s importance was reflected in the senior Government figures who visited, including the new Defence Secretary, Wes Streeting, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and AI Minister Kanishka Narayan. Their presence demonstrated that Farnborough is not simply hosting an international event: it is helping to shape the Government’s plans for growth, innovation and national security.
The scale of business done was remarkable. Nearly £63 billion in deals were announced during the first four days alone, supporting supply chains and skilled jobs across the United Kingdom. Among the most significant local announcements was QinetiQ’s £20 million investment in its new HELENA laser technology, strengthening its development and manufacturing capability, including here in Farnborough.
These figures matter, but the real test of the Airshow’s success is what it delivers for people who live here.
Farnborough International and businesses across our area have shown a real commitment to creating jobs and prosperity in our community. It was particularly encouraging to see so many young people at the show meeting the engineers, scientists and innovators behind the technology that will shape our future and help keep our country safe.
So, I was also proud to bring together local partners through the Aldershot and Farnborough Growth Partnership. We used the opportunity to promote our area, the advantages it offers businesses and our shared determination to ensure that growth delivers jobs, skills and opportunities for people across our community.
We now need to turn that inspiration into clear routes into good local careers. That means Government, industry, Farnborough International, our councils, schools and colleges working together to expand apprenticeships, strengthen technical education and ensure local people know about the opportunities on their doorstep.
I want children growing up in Aldershot and Farnborough to see these industries not as something happening behind the Airshow gates, but as a future they can be part of. I also want established local firms and smaller businesses to have every opportunity to join the supply chains created by the deals agreed here.
The Airshow gives Farnborough and Aldershot an international profile few communities can match. It showcases Farnborough’s aviation heritage while reinforcing Aldershot’s proud role as the Home of the British Army. Above all, it underlines the enormous contribution our two great towns make to the prosperity of the United Kingdom and the defence of our nation.
