Luftwaffe Steals Berlin Air Show

The acronym ILA stands for Internationale Luft- und Raumfahrtaustellung (International Aerospace Show) but it has always been very much a German affair.

This is once again confirmed by the fact that the Bundeswehr will be the largest of the 1,200 exhibitors at ILA 2016 June 1-4. On display will be Luftwaffe Eurofighter and Tornado combat aircraft, A400M, A310 MedEvac, A319 and C-160 Transall transports, and CH-53, NH90, Tiger, UH-1, EC-135, Sea Lynx and Sea King helicopters. The army will be present with various unmanned aerial systems. 

The Luftwaffe will also dominate the skies over ILA 2016, including with a Eurofighter solo display, an A400M strategic air transport demonstration, and a flyby by 19 different aircraft. There was a rehearsal of the air display May 27.

Other nationalities putting their aircraft through the paces will include Poland with a MiG-29 solo display, Switzerland with its Patrouille Suisse flying team, and the United States with a flyby by a B-52. Historical aircraft will also make an appearance, notably the Messerschmitt Me-262, MiG-15 and Fouga Magister.  

The Bundeswehr will also use ILA 2016 to promote military and civilian recruitment with a job truck and air crews and technicians on hand to take questions from visitors.