On November 17, 2025, the Dubai Airshow showcased significant defense developments, highlighted by the announcement of U.S. plans to sell F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, signaling a shift in Gulf defense dynamics amid regional tensions. Concurrently, Russia exhibited the Su-57E, an export variant of its fifth-generation stealth fighter, emphasizing its advanced capabilities and integrated defense systems. This juxtaposition of U.S. and Russian military technology reflects an evolving arms competition, as both nations seek to enhance their influence in a strategically critical region. The developments illustrate the intensifying security calculus in the Gulf, where advanced Western and Russian systems vie for dominance, impacting regional military procurement strategies and geopolitical relations.