The International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) has opened in Berlin, bringing together aerospace companies, defence manufacturers, researchers and government leaders from around the world.

Military aircraft, transport planes and drones are among the biggest attractions at this year's event.

However, the exhibition is taking place against the backdrop of a major development in Europe's defence industry.

Days before the show opened, Germany and France agreed to abandon plans for a joint next-generation fighter jet programme, ending years of cooperation on one of Europe's most ambitious defence projects.

Opening the exhibition, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sought to emphasise continued European defence cooperation despite the setback.

"Together, we are strengthening Europe's defence and also Europe's defence industry," Merz said.

"This is essential for our security and our sovereignty. Not least, it is also good for our shared industry."

The decision to end the fighter jet project followed years of disagreements between the companies involved. Yet even as that chapter closes, German industry is already looking ahead.

At the air show, an Airbus-led alliance of eight defence companies launched the Team Gen 6 initiative, aimed at developing a future European combat aircraft and preserving Europe's position in military aviation technology.

But defence is only one part of the story at this year's exhibition.

Across the exhibition halls, attention is also turning beyond Earth's atmosphere, with companies and research organisations showcasing technologies designed for future missions to the Moon and Mars.

According to Andreas Schütz, Head of Communications and Spokesperson at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), international cooperation remains essential if those ambitions are to become reality.

"What we need is the cooperation between the nations to reach our goals, to reach the moon and Mars," Schütz told CGTN.

"That's what we need for rockets like this, for space stations, for spacecraft and infrastructure on our moon and other planets."

China is also represented at the exhibition, particularly in rapidly developing sectors such as drone technology and the country's growing low-altitude economy.

Among the exhibitors is Qingdao Jinhuan Fuyao Machinery, which manufactures precision components used in drone applications.

Company representative Molly said Europe and China each bring different strengths to the sector.

"Europe is strong in system integration. China is strong in efficiency and cost," she said.

"Through cooperation and exchange, both sides can complement each other's strengths."

From next-generation fighter aircraft and military drones to lunar exploration and future aerospace technologies, this year's Berlin Air Show highlights both the opportunities and challenges facing an industry evolving at remarkable speed.