Paris Air Show 2025 Overview Military Aircraft and Defense Innovations Revealed.

Le Bourget, France, June 24, 2025 – The 55th edition of the Paris Air Show has concluded, marking a significant shift in focus towards defense and security. Approximately 45% of the exhibition space was dedicated to military systems, reflecting the industry's response to global geopolitical tensions and the increasing demand for advanced defense capabilities. The Army Recognition editorial team, present on-site, delivers exclusive insights into the most impactful defense-related developments showcased at the event.
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Cutting-edge military aircraft and defense technologies showcased during Paris Air Show 2025 at Le Bourget. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

Airbus emerged as a central figure in the defense sector, revealing the SIRTAP tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a fully Spanish-developed platform poised to strengthen European tactical ISR capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign UAV suppliers. The SIRTAP is designed for dual-use operations and targets initial delivery by 2027. Airbus also advanced the MRTT+ program, which enhances the multirole tanker transport with new digital connectivity and upgraded avionics, positioning it as a strategic aerial refueling asset for NATO and allied forces.

Embraer saw increasing interest in its C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, with Lithuania entering negotiations to acquire three units. Portugal confirmed an order for a sixth aircraft, while the Netherlands formalized a contract for an aeromedical evacuation kit compatible with the C-390 platform. These developments underscore the C-390's growing role in European strategic airlift capabilities.

A major industrial announcement came from Leonardo and Baykar Technologies, who unveiled a joint venture named LBA Systems. This collaboration aims to develop next-generation unmanned aerial systems for European and NATO defense customers, addressing urgent requirements for MALE and HALE-class drones. Meanwhile, Safran and Bombardier signed a Letter of Intent to jointly explore high-performance defense systems, signaling deeper transatlantic cooperation in military aerospace technologies.

The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, involving France, Germany, and Spain, experienced internal friction due to unresolved issues over industrial workshare distribution. Despite this, the trilateral sixth-generation fighter initiative remains a centerpiece of Europe's long-term air superiority strategy.

The Paris Air Show 2025 clearly reflected a defense-focused industry shift, emphasizing technological innovation, multinational cooperation, and rapid capability development to meet contemporary and emerging threats. Army Recognition continues to deliver exclusive on-site coverage, offering our readers the most relevant and authoritative updates in global defense aviation.