DUBAI AIRSHOW RUSSIA'S SURMOUNTS STIFF SANCTIONS

The Dubai Airshow has consistently been recognized as one of the five largest and most significant international aerospace exhibitions. For JSC Rosoboronexport, it has served as a crucial foreign platform to showcase and promote Russian aircraft and air defence equipment, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa a region that accounts for roughly 50 per cent of the company's order book, says GIRISH LINGANNA

- GIRISH LINGANNA

The Dubai Airshow takes place every two years and it marked its 18th edition this year. Since 1989, the exhibition has been hosted at Dubai International Airport, the primary air hub of the United Arab Emirates. This year, the Dubai Airshow showcased over 180 fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft from over 1,400 manufacturers at 20 national pavilions. The event took place from November 13 to November 17.

HAL Tejas steals the show

The event attracted major participants from the global aerospace market, including thousands of companies and hundreds of aircraft. The Indian Air Force (IAF) team at the airshow left spectators in awe with their captivating aerobatics and precise flying manoeuvres. India proudly showcased its domestically produced Tejas aircraft, while the Sarang Helicopter Display Team, flying four Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Dhruv Light Utility Helicopters, delivered a thrilling performance. The team, named 'Sarang' after India's National Bird, adorned their aircraft with an attractive peacock-inspired design.

In addition to the Sarang team's display, the IAF featured the HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in both static and flying displays. HAL Tejas is a technologically advanced, versatile, all-weather aircraft capable of performing various tasks, such as providing air support, engaging in close combat and carrying out ground attacks. The flying displays provided a remarkable opportunity for spectators to witness the HAL Tejas and its counterpart from the Pakistan Air Force, the JF-17 Thunder, perform side by side for the very first time.