Marshall Aerospace builds partnerships at key UK aerospace events

Marshall Aerospace maintained a strong presence across three leading events in the UK aerospace and defence calendar, building relationships with customers, partners, military decision-makers and government representatives at the Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference, the RIAT Defence Engagement Programme and Farnborough International Airshow.

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Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference (15-16 July)

Marshall sponsored the 2026 Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference in London, attended by Aero Engineering Services Director Mark Hewer and Capture Director Craig Coghill.

Bringing together more than 60 air chiefs and armed forces commanders alongside senior figures from government, industry and academia, the conference explored the complex new demands emerging across global air and space power. Discussions covered integrated air and missile defence, space, nuclear air power, operational lessons from recent conflicts, and the delivery of a more integrated force.

For Marshall, the event reinforced how the UK’s sovereign industrial capability, engineering expertise and technical authority are critical to keeping aircraft available, adaptable and assured throughout their service lives.

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RIAT Defence Engagement Programme (17-18 July)

Customarily held at RAF Fairford, the Royal International Air Tattoo faced highly challenging circumstances this year, resulting in the cancellation of the much-anticipated airshow, flying displays and flight line. Despite this, the event’s dedicated Defence Engagement Programme went ahead, bringing together representatives from more than 40 nations.

Marshall’s chalet provided a valuable venue for two days of meetings with customers, partners and decision-makers from government, the armed forces and industry. The team welcomed air force delegations from military operators including the UK Royal Air Force, Mexico, Morocco and Vietnam, while also meeting senior representatives from long-standing industry partners including Lockheed Martin.

The programme provided an important opportunity to discuss emerging operational requirements, understand the priorities of operators and reinforce relationships across the international defence community.

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Farnborough International Airshow (20-24 July)

Marshall then moved directly to Farnborough International Airshow, where its stand hosted a packed programme of meetings throughout the trade week.

Among the senior visitors was Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, who met the Marshall team to discuss the breadth of the company’s capabilities and its work supporting the UK and its NATO allies. The visit included discussion of sovereign defence activity delivered in Cambridge, including auxiliary fuel tanks for the P-8 Poseidon and sonar modules for the Royal Navy.

Marshall also welcomed military delegations from Iraq, Kuwait, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Türkiye, among others. Major General Ertan Uzun, Chief of Operations of the Turkish Air Force, received an update on the multi-year programme to prepare 12 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft for Turkish service, together with the support that will help sustain the fleet over the long term.

The show also created opportunities to spend time with key partners and collaborators. These included Dowty, which is working with Marshall to streamline support for C-130J operators; Horizon Aircraft, whose Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric VTOL programme is supported by Marshall flight dynamics and control modelling; and ZeroAvia, which is combining its hydrogen-electric technology with Marshall’s integration and complex fuel systems expertise for defence applications. The team also welcomed representatives from the UK’s Royal Aeronautical Society and Bin Hilal Enterprises, a long-standing Marshall partner based in the UAE.

ZeroAvia and Marshall Aerospace to explore hydrogen-electric capability for defence platforms

Marshall Aerospace hosts Turkish Deputy Defence Minister for C-130J programme visit

Marshall Aerospace provides initial flight model for Horizon Aircraft’s hybrid-electric VTOL

Across these engagements, Marshall showcased capabilities spanning maintenance, repair and overhaul, complex aircraft modification and certification, precision manufacturing and support for emerging technologies.

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Pioneers of Tomorrow

Farnborough’s final day opened to the public under the theme “Pioneers of Tomorrow”, shifting the focus towards careers, skills and the future aerospace workforce.

Marshall welcomed a group of its apprentices to experience one of the world’s leading aerospace events and learn more about the technologies and trends shaping the future of flight. The team was also joined by Turkish Air Force customer representatives currently based at Marshall’s Cambridge facility, where they are supporting the entry into service of Türkiye’s new C-130J fleet.

Marshall Aerospace would like to thank everyone who met with and engaged with our team across all three events. We look forward to continuing these conversations as we continue our work together in the months ahead.