EIAS 2026 asserts stature as venue for aviation high-tech
EL ALAMEIN — Spectators in New El Alamein City were treated to a breathtaking aerial display during the second edition of the El Alamein International Aviation and Space Exhibition, as aerobatic teams painted the coastal sky with striking formations of military and civilian aircraft.
Thousands of attendees watched in awe as elite international display teams demonstrated exceptional skill and precision in the air. The Egyptian Air Force’s aerobatics team, the Silver Stars, led the spectacle alongside flying displays from Spanish, Russian, Turkish, Indian, French, Saudi, and Emirati units, among others.
Beyond the aerial displays, visitors had the opportunity to inspect static aircraft on the tarmac up close, including several that had taken part in the flying demonstrations.
The event drew strong participation from senior military leaders, international officials, and representatives of local, regional, and global firms seeking to showcase the latest innovations in aviation, defence, and advanced technology.
At the Egyptian Air Force pavilion, officials highlighted locally developed flight-simulation software. The Egyptian Air Force is among the first entities in the Middle East to develop such technology. The pavilion featured four primary home-grown simulators — covering the Grob, the K-8, and the upgraded F-16, alongside navigation and guidance systems. These platforms are used to train cadets and professional pilots to handle emergencies with high efficiency. During the exhibition, Egyptian officers also exchanged expertise with international delegations, including representatives from South Korea and Italy’s Leonardo, to explore future partnerships.
Major General Engineer Ahmed Shafik, Chairman of Heliopolis Company for Chemical Industries (Military Factory 99), told The Egyptian Gazette that the defence sector’s presence at El Alamein reflects the wide range of military and civilian products manufactured by the factory. He noted that the exhibition serves as a vital platform to showcase national capabilities to global delegations while staying abreast of international industrial trends.
Maj. Gen. Shafik added that modernisation within military production units is an ongoing process aimed at meeting the needs of the armed forces as a top priority. He also stressed the value of Arab industrial integration, pointing to promising opportunities for joint manufacturing, research, and design between Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
Major General Charles Hooper, Senior Counsellor at the Washington-based Cohen Group (founded by former US Secretary of Defense William Cohen), emphasised that the El Alamein Airshow plays a crucial role in strengthening ties between Egypt and the wider world, particularly the long-standing partnership between Egypt and the United States.
Gen. Hooper explained that the participation of major American companies reinforces this relationship, while highlighting Egypt’s progress and its key regional and global role in the space and defence sectors.
A representative from Turkey’s Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) stated that the company is the primary supplier of ammunition, weapons, and missiles to the Turkish Armed Forces. The firm operates 11 factories producing more than 500 product lines exported to over 100 countries.
Meanwhile, Engineer Rahaf Al-Araj, representing Petra Aerospace, said the Jordan-headquartered company’s second appearance at the show underscores Egypt’s status as its “second home”. The firm also maintains offices and logistics hubs in the US and Dubai.
A project director at Russia’s Zala Aero stated that the exhibition offered an ideal venue to spotlight the “Lancet E” reconnaissance and strike system in Egypt, providing a key platform to present its technical capabilities for future operational use.
