The Dubai Airshow is showcasing significant commercial and military aviation activity, with Middle Eastern airlines and service providers expected to spend more than $28 billion this year, potentially surpassing $35 billion by 2030, according to IBA. Emirates might shift its Boeing 777X orders to Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner models due to delivery delays and engine issues, and military highlights at the event include the Sukhoi S-57 fighter and the JF-17 Mushshak.

Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets from France, marking a significant step in expanding its air force capabilities. This agreement reflects Ukraine's ongoing efforts to enhance its defense sector as the country continues to face Russian attacks. The deal is part of Ukraine's broader strategy to modernize its military fleet, which already includes recent acquisitions of F-16s and French Mirages.

Elbit Systems has secured a $2.3 billion international contract to provide a "strategic solution" over eight years, although the company has not disclosed the identity of the buyer or the specific systems involved.

Boeing plans to announce an international partnership related to the T-7A Red Hawk program within a week, Boeing executive Bernd Peters says. While Boeing declined to reveal the partner country, the company is in sales talks for the trainer globally, with discussions in Canada, Japan and the UK.

Flydubai has chosen the GE Aerospace GEnx-1B engine to power its newly ordered Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, marking a significant shift from its previous exclusive use of Boeing 737 aircraft. The decision highlights the airline's focus on engine performance and durability as it enters the widebody market.

Joby Aviation has completed the first flight of its autonomous air taxi, which integrates a hybrid turbine powertrain and SuperPilot autonomy to enhance range and payload. The aircraft, developed in collaboration with L3Harris Technologies, aims to serve both commercial and defense sectors, with potential applications including long-range air taxi services and defense missions such as contested logistics.

Gulfstream has delivered 72 G700 jets since April 2024, including 14 to the Middle East, and the G800, which replaced the G650, set a speed record on its way to the Dubai Airshow. The model's popularity in the Middle East reflects strong regional demand for ultra-long-range, versatile business jets.

The Vector 2025 strategy memo released Friday by the US Space Force highlights the need to "contest and control" the space domain. Core values stated in the document include "military activities in space that can disrupt, degrade, or destroy enemy space capability".