When an F-35A Lightning II flies over Pudahuel Air Base in Santiago, it is only natural for attention to turn to the sky. Yet FIDAE 2026 demonstrated that the event was about far more than the capabilities of modern combat aircraft. Behind the flight displays, exhibition stands and technology demonstrations lies a much broader story — one of defence technology integration, unmanned systems, space infrastructure, aviation maintenance and international industrial cooperation.
It was in this context that AKM Group-CZ’s participation in FIDAE 2026 took on practical significance. The exhibition provided a valuable platform for professional dialogue with manufacturers, suppliers and potential partners, while offering an opportunity to assess the direction of the global aerospace and defence market.
FIDAE 2026: Aviation, Defence and Space
The 24th International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE, took place from 7 to 12 April 2026 in Santiago, Chile — one of Latin America’s key platforms for the aerospace and defence industries.
The event covered a broad range of sectors, including civil and commercial aviation, defence, airport equipment and services, national security, aircraft maintenance and space technologies. The growing role of emerging technologies was particularly noteworthy, with dedicated attention to cybersecurity and unmanned aerial systems.
Significant, with 451 exhibitors from 35 countries and more than 100 aircraft on display.
For AKM Group-CZ, this meant working not simply at an air show, but at a major industry platform where manufacturers of aircraft platforms, technology developers, defence companies, aviation infrastructure providers, and specialists in operation and maintenance came together.
Advanced Technologies: From the Ground to the Sky
One of the highlights of FIDAE 2026 was the demonstration of the F-35A Lightning II. Two fifth-generation fighters from the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Team arrived specifically to take part in the flying programme.
The Boeing P-8 Poseidon also attracted considerable attention as one of the most advanced maritime patrol aircraft in service today. Another standout was Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium, a multifunctional military transport platform designed for a wide range of missions — from tactical airlift and aerial refuelling to medical evacuation and specialised operations.
Interactive F-16 simulators and virtual training systems provided another perspective on the future of pilot training and operational readiness. A humanoid robot demonstrating the capabilities of AI and robotics was also among the technologies that caught our attention.
Unmanned systems represented another important area of interest. Airbus, in particular, presented Flexrotor and SIRTAP alongside the A400M and its helicopter platforms — solutions that illustrate the broader shift from individual aircraft towards networked ISR capabilities.
The International Market for AKM Group-CZ: A Practical Perspective
For AKM Group-CZ, participation in FIDAE 2026 was first and foremost an opportunity to engage directly with the international aerospace and defence community.
The company used the exhibition for professional meetings with industry representatives, discussions with potential partners, and further development of established business relationships.
We experienced the market through real platforms, live demonstrations, technical solutions and direct dialogue with leading companies.
For AKM, this means more than simply expanding its network of contacts. It allows us to assess which technologies are already available today, which are moving into practical deployment, and where new opportunities for international business and cooperation are emerging.
Beyond the air show itself, the most important work begins: building partnerships, expanding supply channels, identifying new areas of industrial cooperation, and laying the groundwork for future projects
