Farnborough Airshow
Coverage of Farnborough Airshow in the Nexus archive.
- We saw Beta Technologies' autonomous aircraft for the battlefield. Meet the MV250.
Beta Technologies unveiled the autonomous hybrid-electric MV250 cargo aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow. The MV250 can autonomously transport up to a ton of cargo within a 250-nautical-mile radius, taking off and landing vertically. This technology is positioned as a valuable tool for military logistics, allowing supplies to reach dangerous areas without requiring pilots aboard.
- Don’t expect supersonic flight any time soon — our new private jet is close enough, says Bombardier CEO
Bombardier's Global 8000 is the fastest civil aircraft since Concorde, flying at Mach 0.95. CEO Éric Martel and chief engineer Stephen McCullough cited high certification costs and engineering challenges as reasons for not pursuing supersonic speeds. The jet's LA-to-London flight time of 8 hours and 46 minutes is faster than typical commercial flights.
- Airlines are still willing to bet on Boeing, and the biggest aviation show of the year proves it
Boeing outperformed Airbus in order tallies at the Farnborough Airshow, signaling renewed airline confidence under CEO Kelly Ortberg. Despite ongoing challenges like the delayed 777X and order backlogs, Boeing reported increased revenue and deliveries, though it still faces financial losses and a declining stock price.
- We went inside the secret crew rest area on a DHL Boeing 777 freighter, with bunk beds and reclining seats
A DHL Boeing 777 freighter features a crew rest area with bunk beds and reclining seats for long-haul flights. The plane was originally a Delta Air Lines passenger jet converted by Mammoth Freighters and is now used by DHL for transporting cargo.
- Commerce aims to speed advocacy timelines for foreign weapon sales
Commerce aims to speed advocacy timelines for foreign weapon sales. Undersecretary William Kimmett, at the Farnborough Airshow, is developing a list of high priority potential sales.
- What we learned about GCAP at the Farnborough Airshow
The article discusses updates on the GCAP program revealed at the Farnborough Airshow, including potential new entrants and the development of a 'bridge' aircraft to connect current and future capabilities.
- Autonomous Fighter Jets Target Europe Market at Farnborough Airshow
Autonomous fighter jets are being targeted at the European market at the Farnborough Airshow. Major arms makers are competing for contracts, but the participation of US firms raises concerns about Europe's goal of achieving self-sufficiency in defense.
- Say goodbye to neck pillows. We tried out Emirates' new headrest, and it's a game changer.
Emirates introduced the U-Dream headrest for economy passengers at the Farnborough Airshow, featuring adjustable wings to support necks during sleep. The airline plans to install it on all 25 Airbus A350s by year-end and expand to A380 and 777 jets by 2027, emphasizing coach cabin improvements alongside premium offerings.
- Some final sights of the Farnborough Airshow
Breaking Defense concludes its coverage of the Farnborough Airshow by sharing some of its favorite photos from the event.
- A new, British CCA enters the fray at the Farnborough airshow
A new British Combat Command Aircraft (CCA) is entering the competition at the Farnborough airshow, as reported by Breaking Defense on Day 3 of the event.
- New British prime minister gains early defense win with Canada fighter jet tie-up
Canada joined the UK-led Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an observer, marking the first expansion of the stealth fighter jet collaboration beyond its founding members. The move aligns with new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's defense-focused government, which appointed John Healey as finance minister to advocate for higher defense spending and secured partnerships with defense companies like BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce.
- X-Bow out to tackle cost quandary with sub-$100,000 drone interceptor
X-Bow Systems unveiled Buckler, a sub-$100,000 drone interceptor designed to neutralize Group 3 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) at supersonic speeds. The system addresses the cost imbalance of using multimillion-dollar interceptors against cheaper threats like Iran’s Shahed drones, with X-Bow emphasizing in-house production to avoid supply chain bottlenecks.
- Farnborough 2026: Drones, Fighter Jets and Sovereignty
The Farnborough Airshow 2026 highlights European rearmament, next-generation fighter jets, drones, and defense autonomy. Ukraine will display battlefield-tested drone technologies, while Boeing aims to restore confidence by showcasing its MQ-28 Ghost Bat autonomous combat drone and addressing delayed commercial aircraft programs.
- Boeing expects additional cost hit on Air Force One to make 2028 delivery: Defense CEO
Boeing anticipates increased costs for the Air Force One project as final assembly and certification progress, which may impact the 2028 delivery timeline. Steve Parker, a Boeing executive, stated that cost growth is expected during wiring, structural work, and certification processes.
- For Boeing and Airbus, the future can’t come fast enough
Boeing and Airbus will showcase their successes and challenges at the Farnborough Airshow, a major sales event for the aviation industry. The event highlights the companies' current status and future prospects.