Stealth Jet Showdown: World Powers Compete For Middle East Market At Dubai Air Show

The Dubai Air Show put the global race for Middle East stealth-fighter sales on full display, as the United States, China and Russia showcased their most advanced jets in a region increasingly shaped by great-power rivalry.

The U.S. flew its F-35, the Russian military demonstrated the Su-57, and China displayed its emerging J-35, marking the first time all three fifth-generation fighters appeared at the same event.

The #Dubai #Airshow 2025 opened on Nov 17, with Chinese aircraft making a strong appearance, showcasing a variety of technologies.

Highlights included the first-ever overseas static display of the Wing Loong-X UAV, and the exhibits of the J-10CE, J-35A, Y-20, and L-15A.… pic.twitter.com/GWP9cc8n6M

— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) November 18, 2025

The show coincided with President Donald Trump’s decision to move forward with selling F-35s to Saudi Arabia, reversing years of U.S. resistance due to Israel’s legally mandated military edge and concerns about sensitive technology.

Chinese innovations took center stage at the #DubaiAirshow 2025, with a diverse range of products — from homegrown jetliners to advanced drones — making their debut, bolstering China's footprint in the global aviation sector. https://t.co/0oEPHtdX9C https://t.co/evKnGlwixE pic.twitter.com/FLgJPsTvsO

— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) November 20, 2025

Analysts told multiple outlets, including the South China Morning Post, that China’s J-35 is becoming a serious competitor for countries priced out of U.S. systems or restricted for political reasons.

The Dubai Airshow 2025 opened on Monday at Dubai World Central in the United Arab Emirates, marking the Middle East debut of two of China's homegrown C919 aircraft. The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), maker of the C919, is showcasing one C919 and one C909… pic.twitter.com/CEqjlZdL8e

— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) November 18, 2025

Experts say Beijing’s rising capabilities and competitive pricing make the J-35 the biggest non-U.S. threat in the market, though doubts remain about China’s long-term reliability and software maturity.

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