Once again, the 2023 edition of the Paris Air Show has captured the imagination of aviation enthusiasts from around the globe with an impressive lineup of fighter jets. Let’s take a closer look at some of the remarkable aircraft that graced the show.
Dassault Rafale
The Dassault Rafale, a true icon of the French aerospace industry, was unmissable at the Paris show. With its sleek design and outstanding agility, it was featured in all three variants: the Rafale B and C of the French Air Force, and the Rafale M of the French Navy.
Dassault Mirage 2000 (Rafale testbed)
Accompanying the Rafale was a very special Dassault Mirage 2000. Designated B501, it’s used by the Direction générale de l’armement (DGA, the French procurement and technology agency) as a testbed for the development of the Rafale’s radar and sensor systems of the fighter.
Eurofighter Typhoon
Another European 4th generation fighter was present at the Paris Air Show 2023: the Eurofighter Typhoon displayed exceptional agility and aerodynamic prowess during its flight display.
Lockheed Martin F-35
The thunderous roar of the F-35’s engine resonated throughout the Paris Air Show, commanding attention and underscoring its formidable power.
Lockheed Martin F-16
The Lockheed Martin F-16 was present as a static display with the USAF. But it also took to the skies with Steven De Vries from the Belgian Air Force at the controls. Better known as ‘Vrieske, he is the first non-US F-16 pilot to have achieved the milestone of surpassing 5,000 flight hours in the Viper.
Boeing F-15 Eagle
A true veteran in the world of fighter jets, the Boeing F-15 Eagle was also present on the tarmac for the Paris Air show.
TAI Hurjet
Adding a touch of innovation to the lineup was a static display of the TAI Hurjet. Still in development, Turkey’s upcoming advanced jet trainer conducted its maiden flight in April 2023.
FCAS NGF
Rounding off the impressive lineup of fighter jets was the Next-Generation Fighter (NGF), developed as part of the Future Combat Air System, or FCAS. Representing the future of European air power, this next-generation fighter concept was a major exhibit, alongside other innovative platforms of the program.
The Paris Air Show 2023 once again showcased a wide range of fighter jets, from legendary aircraft to cutting-edge prototypes. Undoubtably, the fighter jets on display – and even more so, those that took to the skies – will have left a lasting impression on aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
