Dubai Airshow 2025: Su-57 and Tejas Showcase Global Aviation Excellence

The Dubai Airshow 2025 has set a new record as the largest-ever aviation event with over 200 aircraft on display and 1,500 exhibitors from 47 countries. Among the spectacular aerial displays that captivated attendees, Russia's Su-57 stealth fighter and India's Tejas combat aircraft emerged as standout performers, alongside an impressive lineup of commercial and military aviation innovations from around the world.​​

Russia's Su-57E Takes Flight

Russia's fifth-generation Su-57E stealth fighter delivered a mesmerizing aerobatic display showcasing its cutting-edge capabilities and advanced weaponry systems. Piloted by renowned Sukhoi chief test pilot Sergei Bogdan, the aircraft performed high-speed maneuvers that demonstrated its supersonic flight capabilities and tactical superiority.​​

The Su-57E represents Russia's comprehensive defense modernization strategy, with Rosoboronexport displaying over 900 aviation and defense products across a 1,000-square-meter exhibit. Notably, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov announced that Rosoboronexport's order book has reached approximately $60 billion, with global interest in Russian defense equipment remaining strong despite geopolitical challenges.​​

The aircraft's sophisticated features include an AESA radar with a detection range of up to 240 kilometers, integrated all-aspect countermeasure systems, and advanced onboard defense capabilities. The Su-57E demonstrated its ability to carry a diverse arsenal of precision-guided weapons, including the Kh-69 stealth cruise missile with a 290-kilometer range, emphasizing Russia's technological advancement in fifth-generation fighter development.​

India's Indigenous Tejas Lights the Sky

India's homegrown HAL Tejas Mk1A fighter jet performed dynamic aerial displays that underscored New Delhi's emerging position as an aerospace power. Operating under Operation Sindoor, the Tejas showcased its exceptional agility, precision maneuvers, and advanced avionics capabilities to an international audience.​

The Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran aerobatic team flew in coordinated formations with the Tejas, creating spectacular visual sequences that captivated spectators. This comprehensive Indian aerospace showcase demonstrated the nation's growing defense-industrial capabilities and commitment to "Make in India" initiatives. The Indian contingent of approximately 180 personnel arrived via IAF C-17 Globemaster and C-130J aircraft, reflecting the scale and significance of India's participation.​​

Boeing 777X and China's Commercial Aviation Ascendancy

Boeing's 777-9 conducted an impressive flight display at the airshow, showcasing the aircraft's capabilities to potential customers. This performance came on the heels of Emirates announcing a firm order for 65 additional 777-9 aircraft, signaling continued confidence in Boeing's next-generation widebody despite industry-wide production challenges.​

More significantly, China's homegrown COMAC C919 jetliner made its historic Middle East debut, with two aircraft on display and a live flight demonstration conducted by COMAC. The C919, a 164-seat trunk jetliner competing with the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, has already logged 26 deliveries and completed over 2 million passenger journeys across 30 flight routes. The aircraft's cabin featured bespoke "oriental elegance" interior design, with long queues of attendees waiting to explore the cabin on opening day.​​

Advanced Military Systems and Emerging Technologies

Beyond the marquee aircraft, Russia's Kamov Ka-52 attack helicopter performed alongside the Su-57E, while Saudi Arabia's Hawk trainer aircraft participated in coordination with the UAE's Fursaan Al Emarat aerobatic team, creating a multinational military flying display.​

China prominently showcased a full-scale model of the Wing Loong-X unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), making its first defense exhibition appearance outside mainland China. This medium-altitude, long-endurance drone features multi-role capabilities including anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare functions, addressing growing regional demand for advanced UAV systems. Additionally, China displayed the J-10CE and J-35A stealth fighter models, along with the Y-20 large transport aircraft, demonstrating Beijing's expanding military aviation portfolio.​

The Future of Aviation: eVTOL and Sustainability

The airshow marked a historic first by featuring electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the flying display lineup. These futuristic "flying taxis" represent a paradigm shift in urban air mobility, designed to revolutionize metropolitan transportation through all-electric, runway-independent operations.​

Sustainability emerged as a core theme throughout the exhibition. Exhibitors showcased environmentally-friendly innovations including sustainable aviation fuels and electric ground support equipment, with the event itself utilizing 100 percent renewable electricity and promoting reusable exhibition designs.​

Record-Breaking Scale and Global Significance

With 1,500 exhibitors, 440 first-time participants, and an expected 148,000 trade visitors, the Dubai Airshow 2025 established itself as the largest biennial event in its 19-year history. The gathering brought together government delegations from 115 countries, defense contractors, aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and aerospace innovators.​​

The event underscored the Middle East's continued significance as a critical hub for aerospace innovation, defense procurement, and international aviation partnerships. From fifth-generation stealth fighters to next-generation commercial jets and futuristic urban air mobility solutions, the Dubai Airshow 2025 provided a comprehensive window into aviation's rapidly evolving landscape.