JF-17 Thunder Dubai Airshow 2025: PAF Jet Steals Global Spotlight on Opening Day
The Dubai Airshow 2025 opened on Monday at Al Maktoum International Airport with the energy and spectacle expected from one of the Middle East’s largest aviation and defence exhibitions, drawing global industry leaders, military delegations, manufacturers and aviation enthusiasts from every major region. As the event kicked off under clear skies, the airfield quickly transformed into a stage of colour, noise and precision as aerobatic teams launched into vibrant aerial routines that kept thousands of spectators fixated on the sky.
The atmosphere intensified throughout the day as fighter jets and commercial aircraft took turns performing sharp climbs, tight turns, high-G manoeuvres and close formations, turning the runway and surrounding viewing platforms into crowded vantage points. Among the aircraft that captured the most attention was Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder, which once again proved to be one of the Dubai Airshow’s most popular attractions. With its agility and fast roll rates, the PAF fighter jet impressed defence observers and aviation analysts during its flying display, executing crisp manoeuvres that highlighted the aircraft’s stability, power and aerodynamic responsiveness.
Related: Middle East Aviation & Global Airshows
The JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, has been showcased at several international exhibitions, but its presence at the 2025 edition of the Dubai Airshow drew particularly strong interest. Viewers applauded its performance, noting the smooth transitions between high-angle climbs, sharp turns and energy-sustaining loops that kept all eyes locked on the aircraft as it carved through the sky. Defence experts attending the exhibition described the display as one of the most polished performances of the opening day, comparing its agility favourably with several heavier, more expensive fighters showcased by other countries.
Once the flying demonstrations concluded, the crowd shifted towards the static displays, where the JF-17 Thunder again emerged as a key attraction. Visitors from Europe, Africa, the Gulf region and Southeast Asia gathered around the aircraft, with many inspecting its cockpit, weapons mounts, avionics layout and overall design. PAF representatives engaged with officials and potential buyers, answering questions about the jet’s export variants, operational history, cost efficiency and its performance in recent international exercises.
Industry observers say the strong reaction to the aircraft underscores its growing relevance in the global lightweight fighter market. With defence budgets tightening in several regions, analysts predict that cost-efficient platforms with proven multirole performance—such as the JF-17—will receive increased attention over the coming years. The jet’s strong showing at the Dubai Airshow is expected to add further weight to Pakistan’s export campaign, as delegations from multiple air forces visited the display throughout the day for briefings and technical discussions.
As Day One of the Dubai Airshow 2025 concluded, the JF-17 Thunder remained one of the event’s most talked-about aircraft, reaffirming its position as a symbol of Pakistan’s advancing aviation industry and its growing footprint in global defence exhibitions. With more flying demonstrations scheduled in the coming days, the aircraft is expected to continue drawing crowds as the Dubai Airshow moves into its busiest phase.
