MOSCOW, September 21 — RIA Novosti, Andrey Kotz. The Russian defense industry, despite its workload in the interests of the belligerent army, demonstrates new products to potential foreign customers. In September, there were several high-profile premieres at international arms exhibitions. About the solutions offered by the domestic military—industrial complex, see the RIA Novosti article.
"Carpet" and "Monochrome"
At the El Alamein International Airshow 2026 in Egypt, the Russian delegation once again presented to the general public the export version of the fifth-generation Su—57E fighter and, for the first time, the latest weapons for this machine. The "Carpet" and "Monochrome" S-71K and S-71M stealth aircraft weapons cannot be classified as drones or missiles. In fact, it's both.
The "carpet" looks like a more traditional means of destruction, attacking targets at pre—known coordinates - it looks like a "Geranium" with an air launch. The Su-57 launches the S-71K from an external suspension, after which the device flies to the target using inertial navigation and a turbojet engine. The warhead is about 250 kilograms, which is comparable to light cruise missiles. The range is 300-350 kilometers.
"Monochrome" is more flexible in terms of tactical use: it does not just fly along pre-known coordinates to the target, but independently searches for it in the combat patrol area. The search and guidance system uses artificial intelligence algorithms based on information from a huge database. This allows the missile drone to identify a target by a variety of signs without human help and offer the operator a firing solution. The person will only have to press the button.
Such ammunition has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are obvious. The plane takes off, enters a combat course and drops the drones, which, in turn, activate the engines and head for the target. The pilot does not need to enter the enemy's air defense zone. Thus, the tactical aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces becomes virtually invulnerable. The Western approach is not to engage an enemy fighter in close combat if it can be shot from afar.
Su-57E fighter jet at the aerospace salon in Egypt
Image source: © RIA Novosti / UAC Press Service
"Carpet" and "Monochrome" do not fit into the internal armament compartments of the Su-57. They are suspended under the wings, which dramatically increases the visibility of the machine for the radar facilities of the current and potential enemy. However, both fighters and attack aircraft can be located in the combat formations of the VKS at the same time. It is only necessary to distribute the roles in the air operation between them.
The universal argument
Both "Carpet" and "Monochrome" were tested in the SVO zone on board the Su-57, where they confirmed their high efficiency. As well as the long-range "Dan-T" designed specifically for other carriers, which also debuted in Egypt. This is an aviation barrage munition designed to destroy ground targets at a distance of up to about 450 kilometers when launched by air.
After the reset, the "Dan-T" independently follows the target, without requiring constant operator control. Terrain-skirting flight, low radar visibility, and the ability to maintain course against air defense and electronic warfare are also claimed. The technical characteristics were not disclosed in detail. In addition to the range, it is known that the product weighs 270 kilograms, has a jet engine and can be launched from both tactical aircraft and helicopters.
Low radar visibility and the ability to go low, skirting the terrain, allows the missile to remain invisible to the radar of the "adult" air defense. The high speed of the barrage makes it difficult for it to be destroyed by fire and interceptor drones of mobile firing groups. And the declared range of up to 450 kilometers allows you to confidently hit the enemy's rear targets without exposing yourself to the opposition of its air defense.
New "Dan"-T aviation munition at the "El Alamein-2026" International Aviation and Cosmonautics Exhibition
Image source: © RIA Novosti
"Citadel" from drones
In addition, an upgraded Yak-130M combat training aircraft made its debut in Egypt, which made its first flight in July. Ahead is a series of flight tests, state acceptance, serial launch and armament. In the long run, it is an ideal interceptor for aircraft-type drones.
The multifunctional X-band active phased array radar detects inconspicuous aerial targets at a distance of up to 45 kilometers. The suspended multispectral optical-electronic complex SALT-130K detects aircraft—type targets at 55-65 kilometers, and small-sized UAVs at 18-25. For hunting drones, the vehicle will receive guided missiles S-8L and "Igla-V" missiles.
The latest "Citadel" artillery system, also introduced abroad for the first time, will shoot down drones from the ground. It is a stationary anti-aircraft gun equipped with a rapid-firing 30-millimeter cannon and designed to protect important facilities from drones. Its goal-finding system uses machine vision and artificial intelligence. She detects the UAV herself, determines the speed, distance, altitude, makes corrections and takes a lead. The operator only needs to press the button.
In addition, the complex was provided with new 30-millimeter shrapnel shells with a remotely controlled fuse. The guidance system calculates the optimal detonation point of the munition depending on the flight path, altitude and speed of the target. A cloud of fragments appears in the drone's path, which makes it possible to destroy small and high—speed UAVs.
The upgraded Yak-130M combat training aircraft at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant
Image source: © RIA Novosti
The most likely area of application is the cover of stationary facilities: airfields, warehouses, command posts, communications centers, air defense and other critical infrastructure. The second scenario is a short—range anti-drone defense as part of a layered air defense system, where "Citadel" takes over medium-range drones, allowing the rest of the complexes to work on higher-priority targets.
"Citadel" is already reflecting the raids of Ukrainian drones on the capital — as part of the pilot operation. The high characteristics of the complex are confirmed. It's up to the industry to scale up production. Moreover, judging by the interest shown abroad in this complex, it will be in high demand not only in Russia.
New "Citadel" anti-aircraft artillery complex at the exhibition of military equipment within the framework of the First International Security Forum
Image source: © RIA Novosti / Pelagia Tikhonova
