The Dubai Airshow brought together top defense contractors from around the world, with Russia and China stealing the spotlight. Breaking Defense provides comprehensive coverage of the airshow, including Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II, Su-57 stealth fighter, Wing Loong WL-X hunter-killer drone, Saab's GlobalEye jet, and UAE-based Calidus' B-250 trainer and light attack aircraft.
Russia's state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec announced on December 22, 2025, that a Sukhoi Su-57 flew for the first time powered by the new 'Product 177' engine. The flight was conducted by test pilot Roman Kondratyev and proceeded normally, according to the company.
Russian state news has reported that the Federal Security Service (FSB) has thwarted plans by Ukrainian military intelligence to hijack a Kinzhal-armed MiG-31 fighter jet. According to TASS, the Ukrainians were offering Russian pilots $3 million to fly the aircraft to NATO's largest airbase in Constanta, Romania.
Russia has delivered two modernized Tu-160M strategic bombers to the Russian Aerospace Forces, according to Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The delivery is part of a larger effort to replenish and upgrade Russia's long-range aviation fleet, which has been used extensively in cruise missile strikes during the war in Ukraine.
Russia's Ministry of Defense said it launched its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile as part of a massive overnight attack targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure and drone manufacturing sites. The strike was reportedly retaliation for a Ukrainian attack on President Vladimir Putin's residence in Valdai in late December.
Russia is using its presence at Dubai Airshow 2025 to signal the long-delayed Su-75 Checkmate fighter program remains active. Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov said the first prototype is nearing flight testing, offering progress since Sukhoi unveiled a full-scale mockup in 2021.
Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) will unveil the upgraded Yak-130M at the Dubai Airshow 2025, taking place from November 17 to 21. The aircraft features an updated avionics suite and new airborne weapons, designed for training pilots of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters.
Russia's only active crew-rated launch pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome sustained significant damage following the November 27 Soyuz MS-28 liftoff, threatening the country's ability to support upcoming International Space Station missions. The service platform collapsed into the flame trench after the rocket cleared the tower, with the access building partially destroyed.
Two Russian bomber crew members sustained life-threatening injuries in an accidental ground ejection incident on December 7, 2025, at a bomber aviation regiment. The ejection system of a parked aircraft, likely a Su-24 or Su-34 tactical bomber, fired unexpectedly while the pilot and navigator were inside.
A Russian military Antonov An-22 heavy transport aircraft has crashed, killing all on board. According to AeroTime, the incident occurred during a flight over Russian territory, but authorities have provided limited details.
Russian defense firms showcased new military hardware at the Dubai Airshow, including an export variant of the Su-57 Felon fighter. CEO Sergey Chemezov claimed 'huge demand' for the jet, which could signal a shift in Russia's approach to export its military capabilities.
A public spat has erupted between Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary and Elon Musk over in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity. Ryanair ruled out installing Starlink due to cost concerns and aerodynamic drag, while Musk criticized O'Leary's aviation expertise.
The Italian competition authority has imposed a €255.7 million fine on Ryanair, alleging the airline engaged in abusive practices that hindered the ability of travel agents to sell its services. According to AeroTime, the AGCM found Ryanair used its dominant position to block or complicate online access to its offerings and coerced travel agents into making unfair distribution agreements.
Ryanair has announced it will stop flights to and from the Azores starting March 29, 2026, due to high airport fees imposed by ANA. The airline criticized the Portuguese government for its inaction.
Saab CEO Micael Johansson is pushing for the GlobalEye aircraft as an alternative to the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft, following NATO's rejection of the latter. The Swedish firm claims that SHAPE has looked into using GlobalEye for future AWACS operations and believes it can fill a gap left by retiring E-3 Sentry fleet.
Saab CEO Micael Johansson shared detailed information with Canada about its Gripen E/F fighter jets as part of a 'dual fleet' pitch. The initiative aims to capitalize on US-Canada tensions and offers domestic production to sweeten the deal.
Saab has presented an industrial proposal to support up to 12,600 jobs in Canada by localizing production of its Gripen fighter jet and GlobalEye airborne surveillance aircraft. According to AeroTime, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed that Ottawa is examining the proposal as part of its broader Canada-Sweden aerospace and defense partnership.
Saab is developing AR3, an AI-assisted after-action review platform designed to provide real-time performance feedback to warfighters during training exercises. The minimum viable product will launch in Q2 2026, leveraging artificial intelligence to analyze vast amounts of training data from exercise control systems, sensors, and GPS devices.
Sweden is expected to choose a new frigate design this spring, with Saab and Babcock offering the Arrowhead 120 variant. The Luleå-class frigates will strengthen the navy's capabilities in the Baltic Sea and High North amid threats from Russia.
Sabena Technics has secured a 10-year support contract from France's Directorate of Aeronautical Maintenance (DMAé) to provide long-term maintenance and operational support for the Franco-German C-130J Super Hercules fleet. The CAROLUS program, framed as a Franco-German cooperation model, includes performance expectations on operational availability, supported onboard capabilities, turnaround times, and logistics services.