Europe’s Last Remaining MiG-17 and F-86 Sabre Jets to Make Airbourne Debut

14th May 2026

Europe’s only flying MiG-17 and F-86 Sabre jets will perform rare displays at Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow this summer.

The UK’s biggest free seafront airshow returns from 13 – 16 August with a packed programme of fast jets, historic aircraft and aerobatic displays, including three performances from the RAF Red Arrows.

The iconic MiG-17 Cold War fighter jet, based in Poland, will take flight over the weekend with a thunderous new display for fast jet fans. Following its significant restoration, Airbourne will be one of the first few public events to see the aircraft – and its incredible afterburner - in action!

Also joining the show is the North American F-86 Sabre with a thrilling display of speed. The French based Canadair swept wing fighter jet will perform on Thursday, in what will be its first ever visit to the south coast.

Fans of aerobatics can also look forward to The Firebirds in action on Thursday and Friday – a duo specialising in tight formation aerobatics using Van’s RV-4 aircraft.

These latest displays to be announced join a world class line-up, which already includes the RAF Red Arrows, Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Tutor, Royal Navy Black Cats, Jet Pitts, The Starlings, Stampe Formation Team and the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers.

They are joined by two trailblazing female aviators making their Eastbourne debut this year - six-times French champion and the first woman to compete in the Red Bull Air Race, Mélanie Astles in the Extra 330SC, and National Aerobatics and Tiger Trophy winner, Isabel Rutland in the P-51 Mustang ‘Marinell’.

Eastbourne Borough Council’s Lead Member for Tourism & Place, Cllr Jenny Williams said, “Airbourne has always been first and foremost a fast jet show – whether it’s the modern day Typhoon, the thundering MiG-17, the historic F-86 Sabre or the smooth precision of the Red Arrows – this year fans will have their pick of some of the most astounding engineering feats and astonishing aerobatics on the airshow circuit!

“If you like the roar of a fast jet then please do support the show and keep it flying. You can reach hundreds of thousands of spectators with our sponsorship and advertising packages or join the Ambassador programme with a monthly donation from just £2 – there is even an exclusive gold badge to collect at the show.”

Voted UK’s Best Free Airshow in 2025 (by Airscene), Airbourne hospitality is now on sale with a choice of fine dining, premium BBQ or private cabanas – each with drinks packages, along with exclusive seating areas, car parking and pre-ordering for the souvenir programme and pin badge, sponsored by PRG Marketing Communications.

In addition to RAF, Army and Navy ground displays, shopping villages, simulators and children’s entertainment areas, tribute concerts will perform each evening at the Bandstand, with a firework finale on Sunday evening – subject to sponsorship.

The current flying line-up includes:

Red Arrows (Fri – Sun)

Typhoon (Fri – Sun)

Tutor (Fri – Sun)

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight: Dakota, Hurricane & Spitfire (Thurs – Sun)

Royal Navy Black Cats solo display (Thurs – Sun)

Melanie Astles Extra 330SC (Thurs – Sun)

P-51 Mustang ‘Marinell’ (Thurs – Sun)

Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers (Thurs – Sun)

F-86 Sabre (Thurs)

Stampe Formation Team (Thurs – Fri)

The Firebirds (Thurs – Fri)

MiG-17 (Sat – Sun)

Rich Goodwin Jet Pitts (Sat – Sun)

The Starlings (Sat – Sun)

Airbourne 2026 is supported by Bella & Duke, Caffyns, Cloud Connx, Eastbourne Hospitality Association, Eastbourne News, Elite Medical, Environment First, Euro Self Drive, Frontier Fireworks, Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance, The Lansdowne, More Radio, Neighbourhood First, NTB Outdoors, PRG Marketing Communications, Pureprint Group, The View Hotel, Visit Eastbourne and Zephyr Tech.

Supporting the show is Caffyns – the Eastbourne Airshow Official Pilot Transfer Sponsor dealership - providing net zero emissions pilot and logistic vehicles.

Fans can support the show and keep Airbourne flying high with a one off donation or a monthly pledge from as little as £2 a month at www.SaveAirbourne.com, with all proceeds supporting the flying displays at the show.

For more information or to book hospitality, seating, parking, trade space, sponsorship/advertising, pre-order a programme or make a donation visit www.EastbourneAirshow.com.