Su-57 to headline Russia’s Dubai Airshow line-up in rare international flying display
Russia’s most advanced fighter, the Su-57, is set to take to the skies over Dubai this month in what will be its first public flying demonstration in the Middle East.…
November 11, 2025
Russia’s most advanced fighter, the Su-57, is set to take to the skies over Dubai this month in what will be its first public flying demonstration in the Middle East.
Rostec, the Russian state defence conglomerate, has confirmed that the aircraft will form the centrepiece of its presence at the Dubai Airshow, marking only the third time Moscow has shown the fighter outside its borders, after China and India.
The decision to fly the Su-57E at such a high-profile international venue is a significant move for Russia’s aerospace industry, which has had limited opportunities to display its frontline hardware abroad since 2022. Dubai, with its long track record of hosting major defence delegations from across the Gulf, Africa and Asia, offers a stage where Russian manufacturers continue to find receptive audiences.
“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, CEO of Rostec State Corporation.
“I am sure that there will even be a number of surprises, as this year we will unveil several products that are new for the Middle East. These include the new Ansat with a Russian-made powerplant, the upgraded Yak-130M, and, of course, the Su-57, which has proven its status as a fifth-generation fighter in real-world combat conditions.”
A rare international appearance for Russia’s flagship fighter jet
Footage of the Su-57 rehearsing earlier in Russia had fuelled speculation in recent weeks, but until Rostec confirmed its flying slot, there was no certainty the aircraft would leave home soil.
The twin-engine, low-observable fighter is expected to perform a full aerobatic routine, and industry insiders suggest the aircraft may showcase its internal weapons bay during one of the passes — a feature rarely demonstrated in public.
The Su-57E joins a strong fighter line-up at the Dubai Airshow, standing alongside the Boeing F-15, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon and Pakistan’s JF-17, with additional displays expected from the UAE’s F-16 and Mirage 2000 fleets.
Rostec is positioning the Su-57E as the only fifth-generation aircraft in the show to have seen real combat, citing deployments in Syria and reported limited involvement in Ukraine.
Yak-130M makes international debut at Dubai Airshow
Sharing the spotlight is the Yak-130M, which will be shown abroad for the first time. Although the Yak-130 airframe has been around for years, the Yak-130M appearing in Dubai is pitched as a substantially refreshed machine.
Originally developed as an advanced jet trainer, the new variant reflects a deeper overhaul. Built by United Aircraft Corporation, the Yak-130M features a redesigned avionics suite, upgraded cockpit, enhanced sensors and a modernised weapons package.
Russian engineers describe the Yak-130M as a bridge between fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, designed to prepare pilots who will go on to fly aircraft such as the Su-30, Su-35 or Su-57. Its cockpit, systems and handling characteristics have been updated to mirror frontline fighters, while its reinforced structure and weapons options allow it to double as a light-attack aircraft.
The Yak-130M’s upgraded systems also enable 24-hour, all-weather operations — a key step up from earlier versions that were more limited in scope. While the Yak-130 platform has already found export success, Russia hopes the M-standard version will appeal to air forces seeking both a trainer and a cost-effective light-attack solution.
Russian helicopters and transports headline wider Rostec line-up for Dubai Airshow
The Su-57E and Yak-130M are not the only aircraft making the journey. Dubai will also see the debut of the Ansat-M in its fully domestic configuration.
The light multipurpose helicopter has been re-engineered with VK-650V engines from United Engine Corporation after Western suppliers became unavailable. The cabin has been enlarged, the fuselage re-worked and avionics refreshed, with Rostec highlighting the type’s manoeuvrability and utility in urban environments.
The Ka-52 attack helicopter, with its distinctive coaxial rotor design, will feature in the flying display alongside the Ka-32A11M transport helicopter. On the static line, the Il-76MD-90A(E) strategic airlifter returns following its 2023 appearance.
Visitors can also expect a broad exhibition of Russian aerospace technology, from next-generation engines and avionics to air-defence systems and precision munitions.
Dubai becomes Russia’s key international aerospace showcase
With the MAKS Airshow in Moscow dormant since 2021, Dubai has effectively become Russia’s main international shop window. Rostec intends to use this year’s show to highlight its increasingly localised supply chains and independence from foreign components.
“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,” Chemezov added. “This is why our aeroplanes and helicopters are sought after in many countries around the world.”
As the Su-57E performs its Middle East debut and the Yak-130M takes its first bow abroad, Russia will be looking to remind the global industry that, despite geopolitical isolation, its aerospace ambitions remain very much aloft.
