A rare rivalry between American and Russian stealth fighters unfolded at the Dubai Airshow, where Lockheed Martin showcased the F-35, while Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation presented the export version of the Su-57E. According to Bloomberg, a flying display featuring both aircraft at the same venue is an exceptional event — especially against the backdrop of the confrontation between the US and Russia over the situation in Ukraine.
The Middle East Weighs Two Different Strategies
Interest in the F-35 has traditionally been high across the region: the UAE had previously sought to secure a deal, but negotiations were suspended in 2021. Washington insisted that the Emirates remove Huawei equipment from their telecommunications network and scale down cooperation with China, which made the contract politically sensitive. The US now expects to approve the sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia, with the price of each aircraft approaching $100 million.
The Russian Su-57E, on the other hand, has never been exported, and its unit price has not been officially disclosed. The manufacturer emphasizes its readiness to offer local production and technology transfer to foreign customers — a package likely to attract states seeking to develop their own defense industries.
The Su-57E Remains a “Dark Horse”
According to Bloomberg, very little is known about the real flight performance of the Su-57E. This makes evaluation difficult, particularly for countries that usually rely on verified data, operational statistics and practical experience with such aircraft.
Stealth fighters are significantly more complex and costly to maintain than conventional combat aircraft. As a result, many states prefer to expand their fleets with less advanced models rather than acquiring only a few stealth units for prestige.
A Rare Appearance at the Same Airshow
The simultaneous presence of the F-35 and Su-57E at the same exhibition is a rarity in itself. Before the Dubai Airshow, similar situations could be counted on one hand: as Bloomberg recalls, the first time both planes appeared side by side was in February 2025 at Aero India. Given the global political tensions, such an encounter between American and Russian manufacturers attracts particular attention.
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