Dubai Airshow 2023: India's LCA Tejas, Pakistan's JF-17, China's J-10C aircraft to compete for spotlight

The IAF's indigenous LCA Tejas aircraft and Sarang Helicopter Display Team are set to dazzle audiences at the Dubai Air Show. (Image: Twitter//@IAF_MCC)

The Dubai Airshow 2023 is gearing up for a notable face-off as India's Tejas fighter jets prepare to compete with China's J-10C and Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder Block-3 fighter aircraft for attention.

Taking place from November 13 to 17 at the Dubai World Central, this airshow is renowned as one of the world's premier aviation events, providing a platform for a diverse range of commercial, business, and military aircraft.

India, China, and Pakistan are set to showcase their domestically-produced aircraft, showcasing their capabilities on the global stage. While India's Tejas and China's J-10C are indigenously manufactured, Pakistan's JF-17 is a collaborative effort between the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China's Chengdu Aerospace Corporation.

Despite their differences, these neighboring nations aim to highlight their locally manufactured aircraft, asserting their positions in the international aviation arena.

The Indian Air Force confirmed on November 8 that the indigenous LCA Tejas aircraft has arrived at the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, ready to impress audiences at the Dubai Air Show. The Tejas will participate in static displays and aerial performances throughout the event.

Also Read: HAL hands over first LCA Tejas twin seater aircraft to IAF

On the other hand, the Pakistani Air Force has not officially confirmed the participation of the JF-17 Thunder Block-3, but the Dubai Air Show's website includes it in the lineup of showcased planes, indicating its potential involvement in the flying display for direct comparison with Indian fighter aircraft.

The Chinese J-10C fighter jet, represented by seven multi-role jet fighters from the Chinese Air Force's August 1 Aerobatics Team, will make its appearance at the Dubai Air Show. This marks the first display of the PLAAF's Aerobatics Team at the show since 2017, with the J-10C making its first public appearance in the Middle East since a significant upgrade in 2018.

The rivalry between India's Tejas and Pakistan's JF-17 is notable, with the latter often withdrawing from international air shows where direct comparisons were expected. Despite this, both countries aim to showcase their aircraft's capabilities.

Rahul Manohar Yelwe, a Senior Research Fellow, highlighted the fundamental objective of participating in international exhibitions, emphasizing the technological superiority of Tejas with components from Israel, the West, and India, compared to the JF-17 relying primarily on Chinese components.

While India is still in the developmental phase of its Tejas Mk1A, Pakistan is showcasing the JF-17 Block III variant in Dubai. Yelwe noted that the Dubai Air Show serves as a crucial platform for both countries to target low-income countries seeking cost-effective aircraft.

China's participation with the J-10C in the Middle East market is strategic, presenting opportunities in the aftermath of the United States imposing sanctions on Russia. Yelwe suggested that middle-income and low-income countries may find advanced Chinese fighter jets appealing due to simplified procurement processes and the absence of political conditions attached to their purchase.

In summary, the Dubai Airshow 2023 is set to host a compelling showcase of indigenous fighter jets from India, China, and Pakistan, each vying for global attention and market opportunities.