The Dubai Airshow International Aerospace Salon, which takes place this year from November 13 to 19, is among the five most significant profile events. This is the largest thematic exhibition in the Persian Gulf region and the Middle East, and it is noteworthy for this alone, since the Middle East market is extremely important for the Russian military and civil aviation industry.
We tell you about the history of Russia's participation in the air show and interesting exhibits this year.
Marhaba, Dubai!
Dubai Airshow is held every two years and this year will be held for the 18th time. Since 1989, the exhibition has been held at the site of Dubai International Airport, the main air harbor of the United Arab Emirates. The salon is attended by major players of the global aerospace market, these are thousands of companies and hundreds of aircraft. Russia has been presenting its developments at all Dubai airshows since 1991.
The previous air show in 2021 – the first major industry event since the beginning of the pandemic − was very representative and successful for Russia. Then Rostec State Corporation for the first time showed in kind the medium-haul passenger liner MS-21-310, the business version of the Superjet 100 aircraft, the Ka-226T Alpinist light multipurpose helicopter and the Mi-28NE attack helicopter.
The main Russian hit of that year was the Su-75 Checkmate light tactical fighter, for which a separate pavilion was created. The presentation of the aircraft was attended by His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Emir of Dubai.
As Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov noted at the time, "the reputation of Russian weapons is appreciated in the Middle East, they show great interest in our advanced developments and are interested in developing a partnership with Russia." In confirmation of these words, a number of important agreements were signed within the framework of the salon.
Every year the number of participants, guests and exhibits of the salon is growing, and this year another record is expected in Dubai. For the domestic aerospace industry, participation in the Dubai Airshow 2023 is one of the few opportunities today to demonstrate its novelties and current developments abroad, since most Western sites are inaccessible to us in modern geopolitical conditions. This time Rostec brought to Dubai about 200 samples of military, dual-use and civilian products.
Heavyweight Premiere
The main Russian debut of this year is the universal transport platform, the IL–76MD-90A(E) heavy transporter. Our country has not brought cars of this class to foreign air exhibitions for almost 30 years. IL-76MD-90A is a deep modernization of the IL-76MD aircraft, which has absorbed all the functionality of previous modifications. The update affected more than 70% of systems and units, which allowed to increase the payload to 60 tons, increase the flight range, reduce fuel consumption and at the same time improve safety.
IL-76MD-90A. Photo: UAC
According to Vladimir Artyakov, Deputy General Director of Rostec, IL-76 aircraft are in high demand, multifunctional and successfully used to solve a wide range of tasks. IL-76MD-90A can carry up to 60 tons of cargo at a distance of up to 4 thousand kilometers. Already during the Dubai Airshow 2023, it became known that an experienced Il-76MD-90A took off and landed from a dirt runway for the first time at home.
In addition, the fifth-generation Su-57E fighter, Il-78MK-90A tanker aircraft, the Su-35 multi-purpose super maneuverable fighter, the Mi-28NE combat helicopter and the Mi-171SH military transport helicopter are presented in the form of models in the Russian pavilion. In the flight program, the salon guests were surprised by the group "Russian Knights" on Su-30SM and Su-35S fighters.
Russian "Alligator"
The pride of the rotorcraft part of the Russian exposition was the combat reconnaissance and strike Ka-52 "Alligator", which showed itself perfectly during its operation. The helicopter has high aerobatic capabilities and one of the most effective complexes of onboard equipment and weapons. The coaxial scheme of the Ka-52 allows you to perform unique combat maneuvers, for example, a "funnel" when the helicopter moves in a sideways flight in a circle over a ground target with an accurate aim at it. The Russian Ka-52 is also taking part in the flight program of the salon.
Ka-52. Photo: Rosoboronexport
The upgraded Ka-32A11M fire helicopter will make its international debut in the civilian direction. This is the newest version of the world-renowned fighter with fire Ka-32. The coaxial scheme makes this helicopter compact and maneuverable, and therefore indispensable for firefighting in urban conditions. The water cannon installed on the Ka-32A11M makes it possible to extinguish fires even on the upper floors of high-rise buildings.
Ka-32A11M. Photo: Russian Helicopters
Dubai also presents the first Russian offshore helicopter Mi-171A3, designed for servicing offshore drilling platforms, and a light helicopter "Ansat" in the sanitary version.
Not only aviation
Another interesting exhibit of Rostec was the integrated life support and self-defense system for the flight crew of airplanes and helicopters. This kit is designed to help the crew survive in the event of an ejection or emergency landing before the arrival of the rescue team. The main element of the system was a shortened 5.56 mm Kalashnikov AK-19, designed for the popular NATO standard cartridge. This weapon is being demonstrated abroad for the first time. The complex also includes functional clothing, body armor, a wearable emergency reserve, a radio station and night vision equipment.
Photo: Rosoboronexport
For the first time in the Middle East this year Rostec presents an extensive range of parachute systems for various purposes. For example, a "Rangefinder" parachute with a special seat that allows special forces soldiers to fly up to 60 km in a tailwind. Or the Junker-DG-250 robotic system, which provides accurate delivery of bulky cargo using satellite navigation.
The topic of UAVs has not been ignored either. In addition to the already proven devices, Rosoboronexport, part of Rostec, brought a novelty to Dubai − an automated complex for countering small-sized unmanned aerial vehicles. The complex includes a compact radar station manufactured by Concern Radioelectronic Technologies and a portable tablet module for automated control from Roselectronics. The operator of the complex detects the target and transmits its coordinates to the MANPADS shooters or operators of anti-drone guns who intercept or destroy the drone.
Photo: Rosoboronexport
Another development of Roselektronika at the Dubai Airshow is an updated automation complex for the control of air defense units. The equipment is able to accompany up to one hundred targets, coordinate the actions of anti-aircraft gunners, and also manages the means of countering UAVs.
However, the participation of the Russian delegation in the air show is not limited to the exposition and demonstration flights. An extensive business program is being held at the Dubai exhibition, meetings are being held with business partners from all over the world, new agreements are being formed. And Dubai Airshow 2023, of course, will not be an exception.