ROSOBORONEXPORT Breaks All Records at Dubai Airshow 2025 With the Largest Full-Scale Weapons Display in Its History

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Dubai Airshow 2025 is set to become a defining moment for Russia’s global arms export strategy as ROSOBORONEXPORT showcases the largest number of full-scale weapon systems ever displayed in the country’s international exhibition history.

The event highlights how Moscow is elevating its defence-industrial presence in the Middle East at a time when global arms competition is intensifying across airpower, missile systems, unmanned platforms, and electronic warfare, reflecting a global defence market projected to surpass USD 800 billion (RM3.6 trillion) within the next decade with the Middle East serving as one of its fastest-expanding regions.

ROSOBORONEXPORT JSC, part of the Rostec State Corporation, is spearheading the unified Russian national exhibit at the Dubai Airshow 2025, scheduled for November 17–21 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with an unprecedented pavilion footprint of 1,000 square metres that symbolizes the country’s growing aerospace and defence ambitions.

The Russian showcase integrates products from United Aircraft Corporation, United Engine Corporation, the Radio-Electronic Technologies Concern, Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation, the Tactical Missiles Corporation, and several other advanced-technology entities, forming an industrial coalition designed to project Russia’s full-spectrum capabilities across fighter aviation, missile systems, air defence, space technologies, and unmanned warfare.

“The Dubai Airshow is a global platform where trends in the aerospace and defence industries are shaped. In 2025, ROSOBORONEXPORT will showcase more than 850 Russian products here – highly intelligent systems capable of dramatically enhancing our partners’ defence capabilities. Of these, 30+ most in-demand ones in a full-scale version will be on static display on the ground and in a pavilion,” – said ROSOBORONEXPORT Director General Alexander Mikheev.

“In Dubai, we will demonstrate the latest achievements of the Russian defence industry in aviation, space exploration and air defence. During the business program, we will hold talks with delegations from the armed forces of countries in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as other regions, regarding the supply of Russian products and the establishment of technology cooperation.”

Russia’s decision to deploy more than thirty full-scale military systems reflects a deliberate move to reinforce Moscow’s position as one of the world’s top defence exporters, a status Russia maintains despite Western sanctions, with the country’s global defence export earnings traditionally ranging between USD 13 and 15 billion annually (RM61–70 billion).

A centrepiece of Russia’s presence in Dubai is the Middle Eastern debut of the Su-57E, the export version of Russia’s fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter, which will take part in the Dubai Airshow’s flight demonstration program and is expected to draw intense regional attention.

The appearance of the Su-57E is strategically timed as several Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Algeria, pursue next-generation airpower capabilities beyond fourth-generation aircraft such as the Rafale, Typhoon, and F-16 Block 70, and explore opportunities to reduce reliance on Western technology supply chains.

Russia is positioning the Su-57E not only as a high-end acquisition platform but as the foundation for long-term domestic aerospace industry development through a comprehensive localisation framework.

“Today, Russia is the only country that offers not only the supply of fifth-generation fighters but also the localization of Su-57E production on the territory of a foreign customer. This includes technology transfer and enables partners to develop their own next-generation aircraft,” – noted Alexander Mikheev.

This model of technology transfer is particularly attractive for states aiming to accelerate the development of domestic aircraft production ecosystems, with localisation packages often exceeding USD 5–7 billion (RM23–33 billion) based on the scope of licensed production, component integration, and propulsion co-development.

The Su-57E on static display will be accompanied by its complete internal weapons suite, an essential highlight for potential customers evaluating the aircraft’s full-spectrum strike capabilities.

Russia will showcase:

The RVV-MD2 short-range air-to-air missile optimized for high off-boresight engagements.

The RVV-BD extended-range air-to-air missile offering intercept capability beyond 200 kilometres.

The Kh-38MLE and Kh-69 precision air-to-surface missiles designed for deep-strike operations with low radar cross-section profiles.

The Grom-E1 guided bomb suitable for stealthy internal carriage.

The Kh-58UShKE anti-radiation missile engineered for SEAD/DEAD operations targeting hostile radar networks.

The integration of these advanced weapons highlights Russia’s ambition to market the Su-57E as a versatile multi-domain strike platform capable of contesting Western dominance in the fifth-generation fighter segment where the F-35A, priced between USD 90–100 million (RM420–470 million), traditionally leads.

The Su-57E will be complemented by a sweeping lineup of Russian aviation systems spanning strategic air mobility, light combat aviation, and combat helicopter platforms.

The IL-76MD-90A(E) heavy airlifter will be displayed in its full configuration, showcasing strategic transport capability essential for military logistics, humanitarian response operations, and airborne force deployment.

The aircraft features a payload capacity of 60 tonnes over 4,000 kilometres or 52 tonnes over 5,000 kilometres, supported by advanced multi-channel EO systems that allow pinpoint airdrop operations even in contested environments.

Optional modules include the President-S self-protection electronic warfare suite, firefighting packages, and medical evacuation equipment, making the IL-76MD-90A(E) a comprehensive solution for nations prioritizing multi-role operational flexibility at a procurement cost estimated at USD 50–60 million (RM235–280 million).

The Yak-130M, making its world premiere, represents Russia’s latest evolution in light combat and trainer aircraft technology with upgrades such as an integrated radar, new avionics suite, targeting pod compatibility, the President-S130 EW system, and expanded guided weapons capability including RVV-MD short-range missiles and KAB-250LG-E precision bombs.

This combination of advanced training features and combat-ready strike capability positions the Yak-130M as an attractive option for countries seeking affordable multirole aircraft in the USD 25–30 million (RM117–140 million) category.

The Ka-52 reconnaissance and attack helicopter, recognized for its combat performance, will participate in the airshow’s flight display, using its coaxial rotor system to perform rapid turning, high-speed lateral movement, and steep dive manoeuvres that distinguish it from conventional rotorcraft.

This helicopter will be exhibited alongside advanced air-to-surface weapon systems such as the Kh-MD multipurpose homing missile, the Kh-38MLE guided missile, and the 305E lightweight multipurpose guided missile that has demonstrated high effectiveness in recent combat operations.

Russia will also introduce the next-generation Item 177S turbojet engine, which offers enhanced thrust, improved fuel efficiency, and extended service life, marking a significant step in Russia’s aviation propulsion modernization strategy across tactical and strategic aircraft families.

Russia’s UAV and loitering munition portfolio will be another major attraction as unmanned warfare becomes central to global military planning.

ROSOBORONEXPORT will showcase the Orlan-10E, Orlan-30, and Skat-350M reconnaissance UAV systems, all of which have undergone rapid development cycles based on extensive real-world operations.

The Orlan series is well-known for its cost-efficient ISR capability, which includes battlefield surveillance, targeting support, artillery correction, and border security, all key requirements for militaries across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

One of the most anticipated displays is the Lancet-E loitering munition, which Russia highlights as possessing the most extensive combat experience of any loitering munition currently in operational service.

The Lancet’s field performance has demonstrated its ability to neutralize armour, artillery systems, radar stations, ammunition depots, and logistics hubs with high precision, making it one of the most battle-tested weapon systems in contemporary conflict zones.

Russia will also showcase the KUB-2-2E loitering munition equipped with an automatic guidance system, reflecting rapid advancements in autonomous targeting and precision strike technology.

With global demand for loitering munitions expected to exceed USD 8 billion (RM37.5 billion) by 2030, Russia’s emphasis on UAVs and loitering systems underscores its ambition to be a leading supplier in an increasingly high-demand market.

For the first time in Dubai Airshow history, Russia will present full-scale air defence systems, marking a strategic effort to expand its footprint in the global integrated air defence market.

The Pantzir-SMD-E (Pantsir-SMD-E) surface-to-air missile system will lead this display, offering the ability to defeat diverse aerodynamic threats including UAVs, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions.

The system’s modular design allows configurations of up to 48 TKB-1055 short-range missiles or up to 12 57E6 missiles or a mixed load, providing flexible defence options for protecting high-value infrastructure.

Complementary systems include the Dzhigit tripod-mounted launcher, the Verba MANPADS, and the SKVP airspace control system optimized for detecting UAVs and small aircraft.

These systems reflect Russia’s intent to compete directly with Western and Asian air defence exporters such as Raytheon, MBDA, Israel Aerospace Industries, Diehl Defence, and China’s NORINCO in a market projected to reach USD 50 billion (RM235 billion) in combined value over the next five years.

The unified Russian exhibit will also feature a comprehensive array of engines, avionics, EW systems, guided weapons, and helicopter platforms, presenting customers with an integrated defence solution spanning airpower, missile technology, and air defence networks.

Russia is preparing for expansive business discussions at Dubai Airshow 2025, focusing on long-term cooperation models such as technology transfer, joint development, industrial localisation, and co-production.

“We’ll focus on technology cooperation – the most in-demand format of cooperation in the world today. We’ll talk about successfully implemented projects and discuss promising ones, including those related to the products presented at the airshow,” – added Alexander Mikheev.

This emphasis aligns with the evolving priorities of militaries in the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific, many of which now favour domestic manufacturing capabilities, sovereign defence production, and technology autonomy instead of exclusive reliance on foreign suppliers.

Russia’s strong presence at Dubai Airshow 2025 signals a long-term strategic effort to reshape its role in the global defence ecosystem, leveraging technology partnerships, combat-proven platforms, and competitive pricing to reinforce its position as a key global defence supplier in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. — DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA