The Dubai Air Show took place amid the Israel-Hamas war, but many defense contractors stayed quiet about it. U.S. companies didn’t announce any major defense deals, and two major Israeli companies left their booths empty. Many companies were avoiding the subject of the conflict and did not want to upset the host country, the UAE, which is maintaining ties with Israel despite criticism from Arab countries over the death toll in Gaza.
The U.S. defense industry fears appearing as if they are benefiting from war, although conflicts around the world generally boost business. Israel’s air force has used weapons built by many of these companies in intensive bombing, but so far, the U.S. hasn’t heard any complaints from defense firms over how their products are being employed. Israel has been trying to buy more F-15s, but discussions have slowed since the start of the war. Boeing, a major supplier, hasn’t decided whether it will increase production in light of the conflict.
Russia also presented its military equipment at the Dubai Air Show, despite economic ties with the UAE and U.S. sanctions against some of the represented firms. The country is searching for ways to prove that it’s still an international player as its export market is declining.
