The commands during air shows are mostly performative. Boeing probably wanted to cater middle east/asian investors in 2023. When Airbus launched the 320neo, they did the same, waiting months before announcing the commands to 'beat' Boeing during the Bourget, even though Boeing had more commands the 5+ following years.

I think you’d be surprised how many civilians work on jets and how many parts the military goes through. Those dedicated personnel interact with contractors and don’t make their own parts.