Overview
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid toured the show at Dubai World Central as the five-day event opened with more than 1,500 exhibitors, about 148,000 visitors projected, over 200 aircraft and the largest Space Pavilion to date.
- Electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, including Joby Aviation’s eVTOL, joined the flying program for the first time, signaling Dubai’s push into advanced air mobility.
- India’s minister of state for defence led a delegation that inaugurated the India Pavilion and began bilateral meetings, while the IAF’s Suryakiran team and LCA Tejas featured in displays.
- U.S. forces launched F-35A and F-16 demonstrations with a Bomber Task Force flyover, as Russia opened a 5,000 m² pavilion showcasing roughly 900 systems, including Su-57E aerobatics and the upgraded Yak-130M.
- Pakistan’s JF-17 and PAF pilots drew strong crowd interest on day one, while industry chatter pointed to potential airline orders that have yet to be confirmed.