The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will be among six air forces staging aerial displays at the upcoming 2026 airshow, underscoring the growing convergence of military capability, regional diplomacy, and commercial aerospace competition at one of the world’s most closely watched aviation events.
A major highlight of the show will be the debut of the Royal Australian Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II, a fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft that represents the cutting edge of Western combat aviation. Its first appearance at the airshow reflects Australia’s expanding role in Indo-Pacific security and the increasing prominence of fifth-generation air power in regional defence planning.
The military flying programme will also feature aerobatic and tactical displays from the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indonesian Air Force, Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), offering spectators a rare side-by-side comparison of diverse air doctrines, aircraft technologies, and pilot training philosophies.
Beyond military aviation, the 2026 edition will also see commercial aircraft giants Airbus and China’s COMAC take to the skies, highlighting intensifying competition in the global civil aviation market.
The Royal Australian Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II is expected to be one of the most closely scrutinised aircraft of the show. As a fifth-generation fighter, the F-35A combines low observability, advanced sensor fusion, network-centric warfare capabilities, and multirole flexibility, making it a cornerstone of Australia’s future air combat capability.
Australia operates one of the largest F-35A fleets outside the United States, and the aircraft’s appearance signals Canberra’s deepening defence integration with regional partners, including Singapore, Japan, and India. Defence analysts note that public aerial demonstrations of fifth-generation fighters are increasingly rare, as air forces balance operational security with strategic signalling.
“The F-35’s participation is as much about deterrence and reassurance as it is about technology,” said a regional defence expert. “It demonstrates how fifth-generation platforms are becoming the new baseline for advanced air forces in the Indo-Pacific.”
As host, the RSAF will play a central role in the aerial display programme. Singapore has invested heavily in advanced air combat capabilities, including its own fleet of F-35Bs, upgraded F-15SG strike fighters, and integrated air defence systems.
RSAF participation reflects Singapore’s broader strategy of maintaining technological edge and interoperability with allied and partner air forces, while using the airshow as a platform for defence diplomacy.
“The RSAF’s involvement sets the tone for the event,” said an aviation industry observer. “It positions Singapore not just as a host, but as a serious and credible air power in a region marked by rapid military modernisation.”
The Indian Air Force’s Sarang helicopter display team will bring a distinct visual contrast to fast-jet performances. Flying advanced light helicopters, Sarang is renowned for precision flying, close-formation manoeuvres, and aerobatics that highlight rotary-wing agility rather than raw speed.
Indonesia will be represented by the Jupiter aerobatic team, which has become a regular feature at regional airshows. The team is known for tight formations and high-energy manoeuvres, showcasing the professionalism of the Indonesian Air Force and its growing emphasis on pilot training and regional engagement.
Perhaps the most geopolitically significant participation comes from the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s Bayi aerobatic team. The PLAAF’s presence places Chinese military aviation alongside that of Western and regional air forces in a highly visible public setting, reflecting Beijing’s efforts to project confidence, professionalism, and technological maturity.
The Bayi team’s participation also highlights how airshows have become arenas of strategic messaging, where displays serve both public relations and subtle signalling purposes.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jet will return for the 2026 show after previously performing in 2016 and 2018. The twin-engine, thrust-vectoring fighter remains one of Southeast Asia’s most capable heavy combat aircraft, despite Malaysia’s ongoing fleet modernisation challenges.
Its return underscores the enduring appeal of high-performance fourth-generation fighters in airshow environments, where raw manoeuvrability and dramatic aerobatics often captivate audiences more than stealth-focused aircraft that fly more restrained profiles.
“The Su-30MKM remains a crowd-pleaser,” said a former fighter pilot. “It represents a different design philosophy from Western stealth fighters, emphasising agility, power, and visual impact.”
In addition to military aircraft, two major commercial players will stage aerial displays, reflecting the airshow’s dual role as a defence exhibition and a global aerospace marketplace.
China’s state-owned aircraft manufacturer COMAC will showcase the C919, its narrow-body passenger jet developed to challenge the long-standing dominance of Airbus and Boeing in the single-aisle market. The C919’s flying display marks a significant step in Beijing’s ambition to establish China as a major civil aviation power.
While the aircraft has already entered limited commercial service within China, its international exposure remains closely watched. Industry analysts view its participation as both a technological demonstration and a strategic statement of intent.
Airbus, meanwhile, will present the A350-1000, the largest variant of its long-range wide-body family. Designed for high-capacity, ultra-long-haul routes, the A350-1000 represents Airbus’s answer to airlines seeking fuel efficiency, range, and passenger comfort in a post-pandemic aviation market.
“The contrast between the C919 and A350-1000 tells a broader story,” said an aerospace analyst. “One represents a challenger nation entering the market; the other shows an established manufacturer defending its global leadership.”
The diversity of aircraft on display reflects wider trends shaping global aviation and defence. Fifth-generation fighters signal the accelerating pace of military modernisation, while the presence of multiple aerobatic teams highlights the continued importance of air power prestige and public engagement.
At the same time, the commercial displays underscore intensifying competition in civil aviation, particularly as China seeks to reduce dependence on Western manufacturers and expand its aerospace influence.
For Singapore, hosting such a wide range of participants reinforces its position as a neutral convening platform where rival powers, partners, and competitors can share the same airspace—at least symbolically.
“As much as this is about flying,” a senior industry figure noted, “it’s also about diplomacy, economics, and strategic messaging.”
With the RSAF anchoring the programme, the debut of Australia’s F-35A, and participation from air forces and manufacturers spanning Asia and Europe, the 2026 airshow is shaping up to be a vivid snapshot of the evolving balance of air power and aerospace ambition in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
