Indian Air Force Steals the Show at Dubai Airshow 2025 with Tejas and Suryakiran Displays
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is commanding global attention at the Dubai Airshow 2025 with a powerful display of indigenous aviation prowess. The highlight of India’s presence is the dynamic duo of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) and the indigenously developed LCA Tejas fighter jet, signaling the nation’s arrival as a serious player in the global aerospace and defence market.
A Grand Arrival: 180-Person Contingent Lands in Dubai
Ahead of the main event from November 17-21, a robust IAF contingent of approximately 180 personnel and aircraft touched down at the Al Maktoum Airbase. This significant deployment underscores the strategic importance India places on the Dubai Airshow as a premier platform for international defence engagement and diplomacy.
Suryakiran Aerobatic Team: Painting the Sky with Precision
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), one of Asia’s most celebrated aerobatic squadrons, is a central pillar of India’s showcase. Flying their British Hawk Mk-132 jets, the team is mesmerizing audiences with their signature tight formation maneuvers, precision loops, and synchronized rolls.
Formed in 1996, SKAT’s motto, “Sadaiva Sarvottam” (“Always the Best”), reflects the discipline and excellence of the Indian Air Force. Their performance is more than just an aerial spectacle; it is a powerful demonstration of skill and a testament to India’s operational excellence on the world stage.
LCA Tejas: The Star of India’s ‘Make in India’ Campaign
Accompanying the aerobatic flair is the LCA Tejas, a homegrown light combat aircraft and the flag-bearer of India’s self-reliance in defence technology. The Tejas is being featured in both static displays and live aerial sorties, allowing potential international partners and air forces to examine its capabilities up close.
The deployment of the Tejas to a high-profile event like the Dubai Airshow is a clear strategic move to boost its export potential. By demonstrating its performance alongside other international fighter jets, the IAF is making a compelling case for the Tejas as a capable and modern combat aircraft for the global market.
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Strategic Diplomacy and Global Partnerships
India’s participation at the Dubai Airshow extends far beyond aerial demonstrations. The event is a key hub for defence-industry cooperation, attracting over 100 air forces and hundreds of exhibitors. By showcasing both the Tejas and SKAT, India is projecting a dual image of technological maturity and operational discipline.
This presence is strategically timed to deepen defence partnerships in the critical Middle East region. Sharing the skies with other elite display teams like the Saudi Hawks and the UAE’s Al Fursan, the IAF is fostering a spirit of collaboration and positioning itself as a reliable defence partner.
A Launchpad for Defence Exports and Collaboration
For India, the Dubai Airshow 2025 serves as a global launchpad for its defence ambitions. The event provides an unparalleled opportunity to:
Generate Export Interest: Showcasing the Tejas to a global audience of military decision-makers is a direct effort to attract international buyers.
Highlight Indigenous Capability: The combined display of homegrown technology (Tejas) and operational excellence (SKAT) reinforces the success of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiatives in the defence sector.
Forge New Alliances: The airshow facilitates high-level meetings and discussions, paving the way for future joint ventures, technology transfers, and collaborative development projects.
In essence, the Indian Air Force’s impressive display in Dubai is a clear statement of intent: India is ready to transition from a defence importer to a leading innovator and exporter, ready to engage with the world on its own terms.
