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Dubai airshow takes flight: Breathtaking displays and record-breaking aircraft orders

Dubai Airshow, a grand aviation festival, kicked off with spectacular aerial displays and significant aircraft orders, including Emirates' expansion with 65 new Boeing 777s

India's Suryakiran performing aerobatics at Dubai Air Show | Pramod B Kutty

The Dubai Airshow had a grand start on Monday with breathtaking aerial displays and massive aircraft orders. While aerobatic teams from various countries stunned spectators with their high-precision manoeuvres both in the skies and on the ground. The display by the UAE’s own Al Fursan aerobatic team was especially captivating.

The fighter jets that streaked across the sky at lightning speed remained the star attraction of the show, as they soared vertically, looping across the sky.

A wide range of combat aircraft from different nations took part in the  fly-pasts and static displays. Cargo aircraft designed to transport  ammunition and military supplies to conflict zones were also showcased.

Cutting-edge helicopters capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously, advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, and drones with the speed, power and precision of modern fighter jets impressed visitors with their technological prowess.

The exhibition also featured the latest fighter jets equipped with small  missiles and high-precision rockets capable of neutralising enemy bases. New-age aviation technologies were on display, including electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs). In total, 180 commercial, private, and military aircraft and helicopters were exhibited—alongside some of the world’s most luxurious jets.

India’s Sarang team, Suryakiran team, the UAE’s Al Fursan Al Emarat, and aerobatic teams from Italy and China are among those performing aerial demonstrations at the Airshow. More than 1,400 exhibitors from 95 countries, including India, are participating in the five-day global aviation festival.

Emirates orders 65 aircraft

Emirates airline placed an order for 65 Boeing 777 jets. With this new  contract, Emirates will become the world’s largest operator of Boeing 777s, expanding its fleet to 270 aircraft, announced Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and CEO of Emirates Group and president of Dubai Civil Aviation.

India showcases defence strength

India marked a strong presence at the Dubai Airshow, highlighting its growing capabilities in the aviation and defence sectors. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth inaugurated the India Pavilion. Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of External Affairs, and the Armed Forces attended the ceremony.

HAL, DRDO, Coral Technologies, Dantal Hydraulics, Image Synergy Explore, SFO Technologies, and other leading firms showcased their products at the India Pavilion. Additionally, 19 major Indian companies—including Bharat Forge, BrahMos, Tech Mahindra and HBL Engineering—are participating independently. Fifteen Indian start-ups introduced next-generation aerospace technologies. The BrahMos missile emerged as one of the major highlights of the Airshow.

The Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran aerobatic team and the LCA Tejas lit up the Dubai sky with mesmerising performances.

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