Dubai (Agencies): The upcoming Dubai Airshow 2023 is gearing up for a high-stakes faceoff as India’s Tejas fighter jets prepare to compete for attention with China’s J-10C and Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder Block-3 fighter aircraft.
Scheduled from November 13 to 17 at the Dubai World Central, the airshow promises a showcase of cutting-edge commercial, business, and military aircraft, with India, China, and Pakistan vying to highlight the prowess of their indigenous aviation technologies.
The Tejas fighter jet, manufactured in India, the J-10C fighter jet from China, and Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder Block-3, a joint venture between Pakistan and China, will take center stage as neighboring nations vie for international acclaim.
On November 8, the Indian Air Force confirmed the arrival of the indigenous LCA Tejas aircraft at the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. Images released by the service feature three Tejas fighter aircraft, set to participate in static displays and aerial performances throughout the airshow.
While the Pakistani Air Force has yet to officially confirm the participation of the JF-17 Thunder Block-3, the Dubai Air Show’s website includes Pakistani fighter aircraft in the lineup for both static displays and flying demonstrations, providing spectators with a direct comparison to the Indian Tejas.
China’s J-10C, represented by seven multi-role jet fighters from the Chinese Air Force’s August 1st Aerobatics Team, is making its first appearance at the Dubai Air Show since 2017. This also marks the J-10C’s inaugural public display in the Middle East following a significant upgrade in 2018.
The rivalry between India’s Tejas and Pakistan’s JF-17 extends beyond national borders, often competing head-to-head in international bids. In contrast, China’s J-10C Vigorous Dragon, categorized as a medium-weight fighter aircraft, draws comparisons to the US F-16 and the French Dassault Rafale. China’s J-10, also known as the “Firebird” by NATO, entered service in 2005, representing a milestone in China’s production of advanced jet fighters. The J-10C, introduced in 2018, boasts advanced features such as an electronic warfare system, an infrared tracking target system, and an active electronically scanned array radar, making its Middle East debut at the Dubai Air Show.