Su-57 Stealth Fighter, Drones, Missiles: Russia Unveils Largest Full-Scale Weapons Display, Breaks Records At Dubai Airshow 2025 | World News

Dubai Airshow 2025: Russia has unveiled its most ambitious international defense showcase yet at Dubai Airshow 2025. ROSOBORONEXPORT presented the largest ever collection of full-scale weapon systems in the country’s fair history. The exhibition highlights Moscow’s determination to expand its defense industrial footprint in the Middle East as global military competition intensifies.

Russia reflects its capabilities in the fields of air power, missile systems, unmanned platforms and electronic warfare. Analysts say the global defense market is expected to exceed $800 billion in the next decade, making the Middle East one of the fastest-growing regions of this market.

ROSOBORONEXPORT, a state-owned enterprise responsible for the export of defense-related products, technologies and services, is leading the Russian pavilion at the fair, which will start on November 17 and end on November 21, with a 1,000 square meter area symbolizing the country’s expanding ambitions in aerospace and defense.

The exhibition includes contributions from United Aircraft Corporation, United Engine Corporation, Radio-Electronic Technologies Concern, Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defense Corporation, Tactical Missiles Corporation and many other high-tech companies. Together, these organizations form a coalition that demonstrates Russia’s capabilities in all areas.

ROSOBORONEXPORT announced that more than 850 products will be on display and more than 30 key systems will be displayed with full-scale static presentations on the ground and inside the pavilion. The exhibition includes the Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, advanced missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and comprehensive air defense systems.

Russia’s export-ready stealth fighter jet Su-57E will make its debut in the Middle East during the flight demonstration program of the air show. Many countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and Algeria, are seeking next-generation airpower solutions. The Su-57E is positioned as the foundation of domestic aviation development through both a high-level acquisition and full technology transfer.

Russia offers partners the opportunity to localize production of the Su-57E, including components, propulsion systems and licensed production, often involving packages valued at US$5-7 billion.

Static Su-57E display includes full internal weapons suite. These include the RVV-MD2 short-range air-to-air missile, the RVV-BD extended-range missile, the Kh-38MLE and Kh-69 precision air-to-surface missiles, the Grom-E1 guided bomb and the Kh-58UShKE anti-radiation missile.

These systems highlight the aircraft’s versatility and multi-domain strike capabilities, competing directly with Western fifth-generation fighters such as the F-35A.

Russia’s aviation presence extends beyond the Su-57E. The IL-76MD-90A(E) heavy air transport aircraft is on full display. It has a carrying capacity of 60 tons at 4,000 kilometers and 52 tons at 5,000 kilometers. It is equipped with multi-channel EO systems, enabling precision airborne operations even in contested environments. Optional configurations include the President-S self-protection EW suite, fire-fighting modules and medical evacuation installations, with procurement costs estimated at US$50-60 million.

The Yak-130M light combat and trainer aircraft makes its world premiere, featuring new avionics, integrated radar, EW systems and expanded guided weapons compatibility, including RVV-MD missiles and KAB-250LG-E bombs. Priced around US$25-30 million, this system combines advanced training capabilities with combat-ready attack options.

The Ka-52 attack and reconnaissance helicopter will also participate in flight demonstrations and showcase its coaxial rotor design, which enables high-speed lateral movement, fast turns and steep dives. Its weapons include the Kh-MD multi-purpose guided missile, Kh-38MLE guided missile and 305E light multi-purpose guided missile.

Russia also offers the latest propulsion technology with the Item 177S turbojet engine, offering improved thrust, fuel efficiency and extended service life.

In addition to the Orlan-10E, Orlan-30 and Skat-350M reconnaissance UAVs, unmanned systems are also at the center, with the combat-proven Lancet-E mobile ammunition and KUB-2-2E automatic guided navigation systems. These UAVs and stray munitions are becoming increasingly critical for ISR, targeting and precision strike operations, with global demand projected to exceed US$8 billion by 2030.

For the first time in Dubai Airshow history, Russia is displaying full-scale air defense systems, including the Pantsir-SMD-E surface-to-air missile system. It can defeat UAVs, cruise missiles and precision-guided munitions with flexible configurations of up to 48 short-range missiles or up to 12 long-range missiles.

Complementary systems such as the Dzhigit launcher, Verba MANPADS and SKVP airspace control suite demonstrate Russia’s ability to deliver integrated defense solutions.

The exhibition also features engines, avionics systems, electronic warfare systems, guided weapons and helicopter platforms, offering potential buyers an integrated view of Russia’s defense offerings.

Business meetings will focus on technology transfer, joint development, local production and co-production. It is emphasized that technology cooperation is an important driving force for militaries seeking internal defense capacity and autonomy in the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

Russia’s presence at Dubai Airshow 2025 signals a strategic effort to strengthen its global defense footprint by combining competitive prices, combat-proven platforms and technology partnerships to secure its position as a leading supplier in the rapidly evolving global military market.