India’s indigenous Tejas Fighter Jet captured global attention at the Dubai Air Show 2025 with powerful aerial displays and cutting-edge technology. Strong foreign interest, deeper India-UAE defence ties, and rising export ambitions position Tejas as a key pillar of India’s global defence strategy.
TheInterviewTimes.com | November 18, 2025: India’s homegrown Tejas Fighter Jet made a commanding impact at the Dubai Air Show 2025, signaling a new era in India’s defense export strategy and global aerospace ambitions. The Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) with high-octane flying demonstrations and a detailed static display, capturing strong attention from international customers and strategic partners.
The event, held from November 17 to 21 at Al Maktoum Airport, served as a global platform for the Tejas Fighter Jet to demonstrate its modern combat capabilities, indigenous avionics, and export-ready configurations. The enthusiastic response from global defense delegations marks a major milestone for India’s growing leadership in the aerospace and defense sector.
🚨🇮🇳🇦🇪 Indian pilots own the Dubai skies at the airshow
— Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) November 17, 2025
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team has drawn a heart shape right in the sky. pic.twitter.com/1rJorK24SU
Tejas Fighter Jet Steals the Spotlight at Dubai Air Show 2025
The Tejas Fighter Jet, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), delivered a powerful performance in the skies of Dubai. Its combination of agility, advanced flight control systems, high-G maneuvering, and precision strike capabilities drew considerable appreciation.
Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, Vice Chief of Air Staff, highlighted the scale of global interest shown during the exhibition.
He noted:
“The interest shown was tremendous, and we are optimistic this event will elevate international awareness and demand for the Tejas Fighter Jet.”
The IAF’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) further boosted India’s visibility with flawless formations and synchronized maneuvers. Their presence reinforced India’s advancing aerospace expertise and gave foreign defense delegates a broader look at India’s aviation capabilities.
The Tejas Fighter Jet’s performance validated India’s investment in indigenous defense innovation, highlighting its maturity as a multirole combat aircraft suited for both domestic and foreign air forces.
Soaring over the stunning Dubai skyline, the Suryakirans proudly showcase the spirit, precision and excellence of the Indian Air Force. It’s an incredible experience to be flying over this iconic landscape as we gear up for the Dubai Airshow from 17th to 21st November. See ya! pic.twitter.com/ZOq4DsJ3Eh
— Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (@Suryakiran_IAF) November 15, 2025
Growing Indo-UAE Strategic Partnership Enhances Tejas Visibility
The deployment of the Tejas Fighter Jet to the Dubai Air Show 2025 reflects the deepening strategic and defense partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The high-level Indian delegation was led by Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, who engaged in important bilateral discussions with UAE Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei.
The talks centered on:
- Joint training programs
- Co-development of advanced defense technologies
- Strengthening maritime and aerospace cooperation
- Support systems for future export-led defence manufacturing
The cooperation is expected to pave the way for smoother defense export channels, particularly for platforms like the Tejas Fighter Jet, which has already secured nearly 200 aircraft orders from the Indian Air Force—giving confidence to prospective global buyers.
India’s presence at the Dubai Air Show was strategic, signaling its intent to be a key contributor to West Asian defense modernization, maintenance, and aerospace development.
Tejas Fighter Jet Export Momentum: Target Markets Gain Pace
India’s growing defense export ambitions place the Tejas Fighter Jet at the center of its global outreach. The aircraft showcased in Dubai was primarily the Mark 1A variant, equipped with:
- AESA radar
- Advanced electronic warfare suite
- Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) missile systems
- Enhanced mission computers
- Modern cockpit displays
- Mid-air refueling capability
Several countries have expressed interest in the Tejas Fighter Jet due to its cost-effectiveness, reliability, and combat-proven design. The primary markets include:
- Argentina
- Egypt
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Nigeria
- Gulf and African air forces seeking fleet modernization
India’s defense exports crossed ₹25,000 crore in 2025, a dramatic rise from less than ₹1,000 crore a decade ago. The government has set an ambitious target of ₹50,000 crore in defense exports by 2029, positioning the Tejas Fighter Jet as a flagship export platform.
Industry experts say that the Dubai Air Show 2025 could become a turning point for India, helping secure its largest defense export deal in the global fighter jet category.
India Showcases Advanced Defence Innovation at Dubai Pavilion
Beyond the Tejas Fighter Jet, India’s pavilion at the Dubai Air Show highlighted the country’s expanding defense technology ecosystem. Leading contributors included:
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- 15 Indian defense and aerospace startups
- Private defense electronics manufacturers
- AI-based combat systems developers
The exhibits covered a broad range of innovations, including:
- UAV and UCAV systems
- Combat drones
- Helicopter avionics
- Radar and surveillance systems
- AI-powered mission-planning tools
- Pilot training simulators
India’s multi-vendor presence at the show reflects a maturing defense ecosystem steadily shifting from import dependency to domestic manufacturing and global exports.
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Why the Tejas Fighter Jet Resonates With Global Buyers
Several strategic advantages make the Tejas Fighter Jet a strong contender for emerging air forces:
1. Combat-Ready and Operationally Proven
The Tejas is already operational within the Indian Air Force, with high serviceability and mission readiness.
2. Cost-Effective Modern Fighter
Offers advanced capabilities at nearly half the price of Western fighters, making it ideal for countries seeking modernization on limited budgets.
3. Modular and Customizable Design
Countries can request customized avionics, weapons integration, and support systems.
4. Strong Maintenance and Lifecycle Support
HAL offers long-term logistics, upgrades, training, and manufacturing partnerships.
5. Indigenous Production Strength
India’s commitment to self-reliance ensures consistent manufacturing pipelines and rapid delivery schedules.
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Dubai Air Show 2025: A Boost to India’s Defense Diplomacy
The strong international response to the Tejas Fighter Jet demonstrates how events like the Dubai Air Show are critical to India’s global defense diplomacy. The platform enabled:
- Expanded military-to-military engagements
- Strategic outreach to African, Middle Eastern, Latin American, and Southeast Asian nations
- Increased B2B engagement between Indian and foreign defense firms
- Presentation of India’s growing capability in indigenous combat aviation
The Tejas Fighter Jet, once a symbol of India’s long-delayed fighter development program, now stands as a powerful representation of India’s technological confidence and future-oriented defense strategy.
Key Takeaways
- The Tejas Fighter Jet was a major attraction at the Dubai Air Show 2025, drawing strong global interest.
- India and UAE strengthened defense ties through high-level diplomatic meetings.
- The Tejas Mark 1A is being considered by several global buyers including Argentina, Egypt, and Malaysia.
- India aims to reach ₹50,000 crore in defense exports by 2029, with Tejas leading the export push.
- India’s broad defense technology showcase reflects its rise as a significant global defense manufacturer.