The biggest 18th edition of the Dubai Airshow showcased the latest 'big boy' toys from the UAE, the US, Russia, India, Pakistan, and China

Billions of dollars' worth of commercial aircraft orders are a common feature of the Dubai Airshow. Moreover, military might was also on display at the largest-ever 18th edition of the event, where the US, China, India, Pakistan, UAE, and Russia are exhibiting their newest "big boy" toys. Massive military vehicles, freight planes, missiles, fighter jets, helicopters, training aircraft, and other war weapons are shown alongside commercial jets flown by international carriers.

With their impressive displays of cutting-edge cars, missiles, planes, and other equipment, the UAE military and other local entities steal the show. The biennial five-day event is a chance for prospective purchasers to see the newest technology from a variety of local firms, including Edge, Calidus, and others.

Missiles, guns, and other defensive gear are on display at Edge Group, which is among the top 25 global military suppliers. The UAE-based businesses have also closed several significant transactions during the current exhibition.

A significant Dh4.1 billion deal for the delivery of aircraft ammunition was obtained by Edge's subsidiary Lahab Defence Systems, the company said on Wednesday. A Dh487 million contract to deliver RASH 2M and RASH 2H guidance kits for mortars and other in-house built payloads to the UAE's Ministry of Defence was secured by its other subsidiary, Adasi, an autonomous systems and services company. Many different military applications make use of the high-precision guided munition systems.

Massive military equipment and fighter planes that are dotted around the airshow's exhibition area are further symbols of the US, which is home to the strongest army in the world. The guests are in awe of these American "big boy" toys.

The US and its defence agencies have also made a big impression at the show with their enormous pavilions.

The French firm Dassault's Rafale and the European multirole fighter plane Eurofighter Typhoon also create an impression during the exhibition, drawing viewers' interest.

The JF-17 Thunder of Pakistan and the Tejas of India are also drawing interest from the guests.

Alongside the training aircraft Super Mushshak, Pakistan has brought its most recent and extremely sophisticated JF-17 model, block III, to the display, which was built in collaboration with China. Pakistan has never before displayed the formidable aircraft at a global air show.

The fighter jet's avionics and weaponry have been upgraded. The Pakistan Air Force has previously shown the fighter planes' Block I and Block II prospective purchasers at foreign exhibitions.

Conversely, India is demonstrating its military might with the 2,000km-range Tejas light multirole combat fighter aircraft, which is produced in-house. The Hindustan Aeronautical Limited-built aircraft has a range of cargo capacities and is outfitted with cutting-edge technology.