DUBAI: The Dubai Airshow 2025 opened on Monday at Al Maktoum International Airport, attracting aviation leaders, defence officials, and industry experts to one of the region’s largest aerospace events.
Aircraft from Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates were parked side by side in the static display area, drawing attention from visitors who noted the close proximity of the two fleets.
The arrangement was seen as a symbolic reflection of strong ties between Pakistan and the UAE in defence and aviation cooperation.
The skies above the airshow were dominated by colourful aerobatic displays as military and commercial jets performed precision manoeuvres throughout the opening day.
Crowds gathered around the runway and viewing stands as teams showcased high-speed turns, formations and signature stunts.
Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder remained a major attraction. The multirole fighter impressed aviation enthusiasts with its agility during the aerobatic segment and later drew large groups of visitors at the static display.
ماشاء اللہ 🪖🇵🇰💪
محب وطنوں کی آنکھیں ٹھنڈی
اور دشمن کے دل چیر کر رکھ دینے والا پاکستانی شیر ۔۔۔
There you go 🇦🇪 ⚡ 🇵🇰JF-17 Thunder Block-III, the Nation’s pride representing the Islamic Republic of Pakistan at the Dubai Air Show 2025. pic.twitter.com/N6vPQWkvlA
— NEW HOPE (@New116jb) November 17, 2025
Many attendees stopped to take photos of the aircraft and ask technical questions from the Pakistan Air Force officials present.
Pakistani pilots also became a highlight, with participants lining up for pictures and selfies following their performance.
Visitors praised the professionalism and display routine of the Pakistan Air Force team, calling it “one of the best crowd-pullers” of the day.
The five-day airshow will continue to feature defence announcements, aircraft showcases and daily demos from international manufacturers and air forces.
Pakistan’s Pavilion at the Dubai Air Show 2025 🇦🇪 ⚡ 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/eLl9SAKTF5
— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) November 17, 2025
Dubbed the “Thunder from the East,” the JF-17 fighter, a collaborative marvel between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, has evolved from a regional asset into a symbol of strategic innovation, underscoring Islamabad’s growing influence in global defence markets.
The JF-17 Block III variant, unveiled with fanfare at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 in the United Kingdom earlier this month, turned heads with its seamless integration of advanced avionics, including active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and beyond-visual-range missiles.
Aerobatic manoeuvres that blended precision with raw power left international observers in awe.
