Fifth-generation rivalry: F-35 and Su-57 fighter showdown at Dubai Airshow 2025
An air power grudge match between Lockheed Martin F-35 and Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jets has taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2025 in the United Arab Emirates this week.
The 19th Dubai Airshow, held at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai from 17 to 21 November, is a crucial defence and aerospace industry event targeting markets across North Africa, the Middle East and south Asia.
The stage was set for a stunning fifth-generation aircraft showdown between America’s smart and sleek Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet “quarterback” against Russia’s newly on-the-market rival in the powerful and super manoeuvrable Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet.
A pre-show aerial rehearsal reportedly marked only the second time in history that both aircraft have flown in the same air display.
The Su-57 was highly anticipated to make its Middle East debut at the expo; its impressive flying display and weapons bay showcase (containing two dummy missiles) will keep defence speculators busy for a while.
“Today, Russia is the only country that offers not only the supply of fifth-generation fighters but also the localisation of Su-57E production on the territory of a foreign customer,” Rosoboronexport director general Alexander Mikheev said.
“This includes technology transfer and enables partners to develop their own next-generation aircraft.
“In Dubai, we will demonstrate the latest achievements of the Russian defence industry in aviation, space exploration and air defence.
“The Dubai Airshow is a global platform where trends in the aerospace and defence industries are shaped.”
A surprise announcement to steal the show
Stealing some of the limelight at the expo, the US countered with some aerospace mastery of its own as President Donald Trump announced that he had secured future F-35 aircraft deliveries to key Middle Eastern player Saudi Arabia.
“President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the US-Saudi Strategic Defense Agreement, a historic agreement that strengthens our more than 80-year defence partnership and fortifies deterrence across the Middle East,” according to a statement from the White House.
“President Trump approved a major defence sale package, including future F-35 deliveries, which strengthens the US defence industrial base and ensures Saudi Arabia continues to buy American.”
The agreement is a key milestone for US–Saudi relations and a massive commercial boost for the already internationally popular F-35 fighter jet platform. The American jets have previously achieved significant success during operations by the Israeli Air Force against heavily defended targets deep within Iran.
Checkered past in need of a new beginning
Time will tell if the Dubai Airshow was a successful outing for the launch of the Su-57, codenamed “Felon” by NATO designation, in the Middle East. The aircraft is considered to be in need of a commercial resurrection after struggling against speculation about its radar cross-section (the measurement of how detectable an object is by radar) and some questionable exposed metal rivet heads shown on the plane’s fuselage at Airshow China 2024.
Having now completed appearances there and at Aero India 2025 in Bangalore, plus reported action against Ukrainian Armed Forces, and now at Dubai Air Show 2025, the aircraft may have done enough to change that rough commercial start.
There is already some interest from Russia-aligned states, with the Algerian Air Force expected to be the first active foreign customer of the fifth-generation Russian fighter, as it attempts to retire its ageing MiG-25 fighters. However, true export success requires more than one country, and other potential customers include Vietnam, Iran and, most importantly, India.
Outside the fighter duel
Outside of the fifth-generation aircraft showdown at the expo, Russia also showcased it’s Pantsir-SMD-E missile system, a modernised Yak-130M combat trainer aircraft, an IL-76MD-90A(E) military transport aircraft, Ka-52 recon/attack helicopter, a variety of combat drones (Orlan-10E, Orlan-30 and Skat-350M UAVs), an upgraded Lancet-E system and KUB-2-2E loitering munition (thermobaric warhead), advanced RVV-MD2 air-to-air missiles, Kh-38MLE, Kh-69 and Grom-E1 air-to-surface missiles, the Kh-58UShKE air-to-radar missiles and an RVV-BD extended-range air-to-air guided missile.
Interestingly, the Russia stand also showcased a model of an unmanned Su-75 Checkmate fighter jet, which officials have alleged could be ready for flight testing next year.
“Dubai Airshow is one of the key global venues where current trends in aviation and defence are shaped. As always, we have something to show and offer to the global community, in both the military and civilian segments,” said Sergey Chemezov, Rostec State Corporation chief executive officer.
““The advantages of our aircraft include the fact that they do not rely on foreign components as well as their state-of-the-art performance characteristics and an extensive track record of their operation, which speaks for itself.
“This is why our airplanes and helicopters are sought after in many countries around the world.”
Representative companies from the People’s Republic of China showcased the “domestically developed” but very familiar J-35A stealth fighter jet to much less fanfare, as well as the CH-9 long-range combat drone produced by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
In addition, a model of the J-10CE fighter jet was on display, carrying PL series air-to-air missiles, as well as a Y-20 large transport aircraft and an L-15A training aircraft.
Off the ground, a JF-17 “Thunderbolt” Block III multi-role fighter aircraft in Pakistan livery, jointly developed fighter jet by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, made only its third appearance outside of Pakistan and China as a flying and static display at the expo.
On home soil, the UAE Air Forces’ Al-Fursan (Knights) showed off several twin-engine, twin-seat Hongdu L-15 advanced trainer aircraft during a flying display. The Chinese-made aircraft is also fielded by the PRC’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force.
The UAE also showcased displays from its Lockheed Martin F-16E Block 60 and Dassault Mirage 2000-9 aircraft as well as UAE-based Calidus’ B-250 trainer and light attack aircraft.
UAE defence company EDGE Group showcased several new vehicles and equipment, such as the Jernas-M medium altitude and long-endurance uncrewed aerial system.
Green light for Ghost Bat live-fire testing
In other news from the expo, American prime Boeing has reportedly confirmed that its MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed aircraft system is scheduled for its first live-fire weapons test with an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile next month.
“I talked about doing a weapons shot off the MQ-28 later this year or early in 2026. We are on track for next month,” according to comments made by Boeing’s Steve Parker, while providing a general update to media on the MQ-28 program at the Dubai Airshow.
“It’s an air-to-air missile, and if you were to guess it was an AMRAAM, AIM-120, you would be correct.
“We’re well positioned for this … We’ve been sort of testing out some of these capability demonstrations.”
Parker also reportedly confirmed that the test would be carried out against an airborne target at Woomera Range Complex in southern Australia.
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