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Top International Trade Shows to Attend for Aerospace & Defense in 2025
In the aerospace and defense industry, face-to-face connections still matter – even with stronger digital pressure than ever. While we’ve seen a shift toward smaller, more localized events in recent years, the larger international trade shows remain important to the industry. Why? Because they offer something virtual meetings and local gatherings simply can’t: the chance to capture a global audience, reconnect with colleagues, and forge new partnerships—all under one roof.
At a time when geopolitical changes have the potential to affect the industry, engaging with international audiences has never been more important. These events are where innovation meets collaboration, where deals are made, and where the future of aerospace and defense takes shape.
At AERPOWER, we’ve seen firsthand how these trade shows can open doors, spark ideas, and drive growth. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top international trade shows you won’t want to miss in 2025. Whether you’re looking to showcase your latest innovations, explore emerging markets, or simply stay ahead of the curve, these events are smart for anyone in A&D looking to grow and expand internationally.
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Dates: February 17 – 21
Why Attend: IDEX is the largest defense exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and one of the most significant defense events globally. With the MENA region being a key player in global defense spending and modernization, IDEX 2025 offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with decision-makers, explore emerging markets, and stay ahead of industry trends.
Highlights:
- Discover advanced defense technologies, from land systems and naval equipment to aerospace and unmanned systems.
- Witness live displays of military equipment and technologies in action.
- Connect with government officials, military leaders, and industry executives from across the globe.
- Co-located with IDEX, NAVDEX focuses on naval and maritime defense technologies, offering additional opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Location: Bengaluru, India
Dates: February 10-14
Why Attend: Aero India is the premier aerospace and defense event in South Asia, showcasing India’s growing role in the global A&D industry.
Highlights:
- Static and flying displays of military and civilian aircraft
- Focus on defense procurement and partnerships
- Networking with Indian and international defense contractors
3. Avalon Airshow (Australian International Airshow)
Location: Avalon, Australia
Dates: March 25 – 30
Why Attend: The Avalon Airshow is Australia’s largest international airshow, featuring a mix of commercial, defense, and space technologies.
Highlights:
- Live aerial displays and exhibitions
- Event-packed program featuring plenary sessions, keynotes and panel discussions on various topics including technical innovation, industry shifts, government impact and sustainability.
- Networking with Australian and international industry leaders
4. DEFEA (Defence Exhibition Athens)
Location: Athens, Greece
Dates: May 6-8
Why Attend: DEFEA is a high-profile international defence exhibition where International companies present land, naval, aerospace, national and cyber security defence systems. DEFEA will take place 6th to 8th May 2025. It is organised under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence, with the cooperation of the SEKPY – Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence Material Association and is organised by ROTA Exhibitions Greece.
Highlights:
- More than 300 official delegations have been invited from 68 countries
- Held under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence offering a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase the latest technology, equipment and systems across land, sea and air.
- Networking with European and international defense buyers, including Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Chiefs of armed forces
5. 55th International Paris Air Show (Salon International de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace)
Location: Paris-Le Bourget, France
Dates: June 2025
Why Attend: One of the largest and most prestigious air shows in the world, the Paris Air Show, inaugurated in 1090, features commercial and military aircraft, space technologies, and innovation pavilions. It’s a must-attend for global aerospace leaders.
Highlights:
- Static aircraft displays and flying demonstrations
- Featuring Paris Air Lab – an interactive and immersive experience where you will have the chance to delve into digitalization and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum technologies, new energy solutions (sustainable fuels, electrification, hydrogen), ultra-efficient aircraft and innovative architectures, light aviation, and emerging air mobility concepts.
- Over 130,000 professional visitors from 169 countries, including 322 Official Delegations from 97 countries
- Focus on sustainability and next-gen aviation technologies
6. ADEX (Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition)
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Dates: October 29 – 31
Why Attend: ADEX is Asia’s leading aerospace and defense exhibition, showcasing South Korea’s growing role in the global defense industry.
Highlights:
- Indoor and Outdoor exhibitions from global aerospace and defense companies, including aerial demonstrations and demos
- Focus on unmanned systems and advanced technologies
- Networking with Asian and international defense stakeholders
Location: Dubai, UAE
Dates: November 17-21
Why Attend: The Dubai Airshow is the premier aerospace event in the Middle East, attracting global players and showcasing the region’s growing influence in aviation, defense and space.
Highlights:
- eVTOL Flying display, VISTA Startup Hub, AAM Pavilion, and AI-powered business matchmaking
- Exhibitions from leading aerospace and defense companies, including 1400+ exhibitors from 98 countries and over 135,000 attendees
- Networking opportunities with Middle Eastern buyers and decision-makers
Location: Hong Kong, China
Dates: Dec 9 – 11
Why Attend: First ever event for solving the region’s most pressing issues: Safely and efficiently handling the rapid increase in air traffic in one of the world’s fastest growing regions, Meeting aviation’s net zero carbon emission goal by 2050, Safely integrating newer airspace users like eVTOLs, drones, space launches in our ever more crowded skies.
Highlights:
- Shape a stronger Asia Pacific ATM and UTM community, by maximizing the opportunities presented by digitalisation, virtualisation, and other new technologies. Also see the benefits of all the tools we have in our ATM toolbox – SWIM, ADS-B, Free Routes and TBO to name just a few – across all our borders.
- Region’s largest ATM, UTM and airspace management event to date with representatives from more than 50 key ANSPs, regional and global airspace leaders, and policymakers convened from over 100 countries, making it the premier global gathering for ANSPs in the region.
Want to Make the Most of Your Trade Show Experience?
Trade shows are a powerful way to grow your business, but they require careful planning and execution—especially for small to medium-sized companies. Check out these resources to help you get the most out of your next event:
- Max Impact, Min Cost: How to Excel on the Aerospace Showfloor for SMBs
Learn how to maximize your ROI from smaller exhibit spaces and make a big impact, even with a limited budget. - Trade Show & Event Qualifiers Download
Not sure which trade shows are worth your time and budget? Use our free tool to evaluate which events align with your goals and resources.
Need help planning your trade show strategy? Let’s talk!