Airbus Defence Summit 2026

 Manching, Germany#AirbusDefenceSummit

Shaping the future of European defence

Airbus Defence Summit

We are at a historic turning point for global security. As Europe strengthens its strategic autonomy, the first Airbus Defence Summit in Manching, Germany, is setting out a plan for a safer future. Given the transformation of warfare, Europe will require the full range of its air defence capabilities, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, uncrewed aerial systems, cyber technology and satellites. 

The Airbus Defence Summit will bring together political representatives, academics, journalists and content creators to explore how defence is evolving through groundbreaking technology, scale and cooperation. The event will include live demonstrations of state-of-the-art connectivity, showcasing Eurofighters collaborating with autonomous systems, as well as helicopters and drones uniting in a counter-terrorism operation. 

Watch live on 20 May at 09:05 CET

Join our digital broadcast on 20 May to hear from Guillaume Faury (Airbus CEO), Mike Schoellhorn (CEO of Airbus Defence and Space) and Matthieu Louvot (CEO of Airbus Helicopters), as well as other industry experts, to learn how Airbus is driving innovation to provide armed forces with a superior portfolio defined by speed and excellence.

The speakers

FROM AIRBUS

Topics in focus

  • Spanish A400M flying display at FIDAE 2026

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    FIDAE 2026 - Spanish A400M Flight Display

  • Airbus H160M

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    Airbus H160M

  • A330 MRTT Spanish Air Force refuelling Eurofighters

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    A330 MRTT Spanish Air Force refuelling Eurofighters

  • German Eurofighter during Ocean Sky 2025

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    German Eurofighter during Ocean Sky 2025

  • Digital rendering of Airbus' Aliaca vertical uncrewed aerial system

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    Digital rendering of Airbus' Aliaca vertical uncrewed aerial system

  • interceptor autonomously engages kamikaze drone with Frankenburg missile

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    Bird of Prey Demo Flight - Releases Mark I missile

  • Capa-X

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    Capa-X

  • Ariane 6

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    Ariane 6

  • Flexrotor flight demo

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    Flexrotor flight demo

Discover more

See also:

Valkyrie, Bird of prey, Ariane 6, A320 DLR 

Frequently asked questions

When and where is the Airbus Defence Summit taking place?

The Airbus Defence Summit is taking place on 20 May 2026 in Manching, Germany.

Is the Defence Summit open to the public?

While the physical event in Manching is a specialised summit for invited guests, industry experts, and media, we are bringing the experience to everyone through our digital platforms. 

You can join us via two exclusive live broadcasts featuring Airbus CEOs, industrial representatives and the experts shaping the defence industry of tomorrow. These sessions will provide deep insights into the evolving value of Defence and how groundbreaking technology is shaping a safer, more autonomous future for Europe.

Which Airbus products will be displayed during the event?

Attendees will have the opportunity to get an up-close look at a wide range of Airbus’ most advanced aerial defence and space technologies. The display will feature a selection of aircraft, helicopters, uncrewed systems and next-generation mock-ups, including: A400M, H160M, Eurofighter, Tiger, A330 MRTT, NH90, Valkyrie mock up, A320 DLR, H145M, Ariane 6, Eurodrone, Heron TP mock up, Flexrotor, Aliaca, Capa X and Bird of Prey mock up.

Where and how can I watch the live stream of the Summit?

You can watch the live stream directly on this webpage and follow the coverage on the Airbus Defence and Space and Airbus Helicopters social media channels. We will be broadcasting two key sessions live on the day of the event:

  • 09:05 (CET): Opening session with a keynote by Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO.
  • 09:25 (CET): From blueprint to battlefield: Making Europe’s defence a reality, a panel discussion featuring Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, and Mike Schoelhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space.
  • 15:45 (CET): Closing session: The next generation of deterrence Deterrence: Europe’s inter-generational responsibility to protect what matters.

Please bookmark this page and tune in at the scheduled times to join the conversation. No prior registration is required to view the stream.

What topics will be discussed during the Summit?

The Defence Summit will explore how modern security impacts our daily lives, to show how a strong defence actually helps prevent the emergence of new conflicts and protects our way of life. The event will showcase tangible examples of the everyday missions that keep citizens safe, alongside insights into how Europe can remain independent and resilient. We will also look at how the defence industry supports a stable economy and fosters innovation across borders. The event will conclude with the European Defence Dialogue (ED2), to hear from the next generation of enthusiasts as an essential actor in the conversation.

What is the role of Airbus in shaping European Defence capabilities?

Airbus plays a critical role in European security by pioneering cutting-edge technologies, ranging from military aircraft and helicopters to satellites and cybersecurity, that protect sovereign airspace and support life-saving emergency missions. 

Beyond the battlefield, Airbus also drives cross-border innovation, pioneering the air power and rotorcraft capabilities of tomorrow as part of NATO’s NGRC or the European Union’s ENGRT projects. With its strong industrial presence and sites in an array of locations, the Company also contributes to strengthening the economy, providing the vital tools necessary to protect our freedom and stability.