Dubai Airshow 2023

18th edition of Dubai Airshow was held on 13-17 November 2023 at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai Airshow Site. It is one of the largest and most successful airshows in the world, connecting aerospace professionals across all areas of the industry to facilitate successful global trade. The event was held with the support of Dubai Airports, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, the UAE Ministry of Defence and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, and organised by Tarsus Middle East. The exhibition subject was arms and military equipment of the Air Force, Air Defence, space equipment, civil aviation and technologies in aircraft building. The organizer of the Russian exposition of the military-purpose products was JSC ROSOBORONEXPORT (part of Rostec State Corporation). At the exhibition the united Russian exposition were represented by State Corporation Rostec, Rosoboronexport, Roscosmos, NASC, UAC, Russian Helicopters, UEC, ‘Almaz-Antey’ Air and Space Defence Corporation, KRET. «Russian Knights» aerobatics air group of the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation, as well as Ka-52 combat reconnaissance attack helicopter also took part in the demonstration flights program.

18th edition of Dubai Airshow became the largest ever edition of Dubai Airshow, with a royal tour led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; Chairman, Dubai Airports; Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline And Group, taking government leaders and senior industry stakeholders through the static aircraft display and main exhibition. The industry mega-event gathered key players from across aerospace, space and defence for the 18th edition - more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 95 countries and more than 190 aircraft on static display.

During exhibition a significant amount of orders and deals were announced, including a multi-billion dollars commercial order from Emirates, backed by air travel demand returning strongly to reach pre-pandemic levels. With an increased focus on Space at this edition of Dubai Airshow, the UAE Space Agency led the largest space pavilion in the exhibition’s history to date, reflecting its commitment to enhancing and consolidating the UAE’s position in this vital sector. Here, Sultan Al Neyadi and Hazza Al Mansouri, the first two astronauts from the United Arab Emirates were presented at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre stand, showcasing the pioneering UAE space missions.

Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Tarsus Middle East, said: “Dubai Airshow 2023 was a true testament to the continued growth we have seen across the industry and served as the perfect platform to showcase the next-generation features and innovative technologies that will ensure an efficient and sustainable future. Industry players from across the world continued to gather in Dubai and collaborated to define the future for aerospace.”

JSC ROSOBORONEXPORT (part of Rostec State Corporation) was organizing an exhibit of the latest Russian-made Air Force, Air Defenсe and electronic warfare equipment at the Dubai Airshow 2023 International Aerospace Exhibition. As part of the exhibit, located in a single Russian pavilion with a total area of over 750 square meters, Russia’s 13 largest defence manufacturers showcased 250+ models of modern weapons and military equipment.

‘The Dubai Airshow has steadily ranked among the top five largest and most important international aerospace exhibitions. For JSC ROSOBORONEXPORT, it is one of the main foreign platforms to promote Russian aircraft and air defence equipment, primarily in the Middle East and North Africa, whose share in the company's order book reaches 50%. Here we have to compete with the global leading arms manufacturers,"- said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of JSC ROSOBORONEXPORT before exhibition. "Dubai Airshow is a venue to unveil new products. In 2023, for the first time we will present here the IL-76MD-90A(E) military transport aircraft, the latest air weapons for the fifth-generation fighters, including the RVV-MD2 and RVV-BD air-to-air guided missiles, the Kh-69 cruise missile, as well as the world's best Ka-52 attack helicopter with a line of air weapons, which has proven effective in countering modern armored vehicles in real combat conditions."

The IL-76MD-90A(E) military transport aircraft, which was located in an outdoor static display area, is multifunctional and has been successfully used for a wide range of missions, including for special and airdrop operations. It can carry up to 60 tons of cargo to a distance of up to 4,000 km, and 20 tons – to 8,500 km. The aircraft is equipped with a multi-channel electro-optical sighting system to determine an airdrop area, and control personnel, and cargo airdrops, as well as the President-S defensive aids system. Along with the IL-76MD-90A(E), JSC ROSOBORONEXPORT showcased various airdrop systems, including the Junker-DG-250 automated cargo delivery system for the first time in the Middle East.

During demo flights, the Ka-52 scout/attack helicopter, recognized by international experts as the best helicopter in its market segment, showed visitors the elements of piloting available only for a coaxial helicopter: flat turn towards the target, lateral movements at high speeds and deep sideslip with a negative pitch angle.

The Russian Aerospace Forces’ Russian Knights aerobatics demonstration team, which arrived at the Dubai Airshow at the invitation of the UAE Ministry of Defence, performed aerobatics on Russian Su-30SM and Su-35S fighters during demo flights.

In the unmanned aerial vehicles segment, JSC ROSOBORONEXPORT presented the Orlan-30 unmanned aerial system in the outdoor static display area, and the Orion-E reconnaissance/attack UAV and KUB-E loitering munition in the pavilion.

In the pavilion, visitors of JSC ROSOBORONEXPOR 's stand could see the Su-57E fifth-generation fighter, IL-78MK-90A tanker aircraft, Su-35 multirole super-maneuverable fighter, Mi-28NE attack helicopter and the Mi-171Sh military transport helicopter.

In the air defence segment, ROSOBORONEXPORT was exhibiting a wide range of air defence and electronic warfare systems. They can be used both independently and as part of a layered air defence system. The Russian exhibit included the S-400 Triumf and S-350E Vityaz air defence missile systems, the Viking surface-to-air missile (SAM) system and various versions of the Tor SAM system produced by the Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation. A line of air defence equipment from the High Precision Systems holding company, incorporated into Rostec State Corporation, was represented by the Pantsir-S1M self-propelled anti-aircraft gun/missile (SPAAGM) system, Igla-S and Verba man-portable air defence missile systems.

Visitors of the Russian pavilion could get acquainted with Russian counter-UAV assets, including the RB-504P-E, Repellent-Patrol, Argument-2 and Argument-3 systems, as well as the Pole-21E and R-330Zh electronic warfare systems for countering precision guided munitions. A Russian automated system used against small UAVs was also presented to the visitors.

As part of the Dubai Airshow 2023, ROSOBORONEXPORT presented a new export product developed by the company's specialists in cooperation with relevant experts of the Russian Aerospace Forces – an integrated survival and self-defence system for aircrews of aircraft and helicopters who have ejected or found themselves on the ground after an emergency landing. A key element of the new system is a 5.56mm Kalashnikov AK-19 shortened assault rifle, presented abroad for the first time.

‘The survival of helicopter and fixed-wing aircrews in emergencies before the arrival of search-and-rescue units largely depends on the level of equipping them with the necessary life-support and self-defense items. Rosoboronexport has studied the real experience of recent military conflicts and chosen the most optimal set of equipment and gear enabling the crews to survive and maintain combat capability in the most extreme conditions. At Dubai Airshow 2023, we are unveiling this unique product consisting of entirely Russian-made components that have been tested in combat conditions,’ said Alexander Mikheev.

The aircrew survival and self-defense system, offered by Rosoboronexport for foreign markets, is thematically divided into 4 clusters: functional personal items, individual protection and survival equipment, communications and surveillance equipment, as well as self-defense weapons.

The first cluster includes combat trousers, shirt and shoes. The proposed configurations for all climatic and weather conditions are designed for a temperature range from +50 to -50 °C. In addition, the personal items cluster also includes a tactical pouch for a survival kit and a webgear with ammunition, life support, first aid kit pouches and a holster for a Lebedev compact pistol.

Individual protection and survival equipment includes a plate carrier and two types of armor plates for it, ceramic and UHMWPE, as well as a ZSh-7 upgraded protective helmet. A survival kit, tailored taking into account the experience of pilots' survival in real combat conditions, is offered in the same cluster. It contains a first aid kit, dry ration, a hook with a fishing line, a knife and other equipment.

For communications and surveillance purposes, the system includes an R-187 Azart software-defined radio with a headset, PN-21K night vision monocular, GEO-ONV1-01M night vision goggles for piloting helicopters.

In the self-defense equipment cluster, Rosoboronexport, on advice from Russian Aerospace Forces specialists, proposes to equip the aircrews with a 5.56mm Kalashnikov AK-19 shortened assault rifle, presented abroad for the first time, or a 9mm Kalashnikov PPK-20 submachine gun with a PKU-2 collimator sight, as well as a 9mm Lebedev PLK compact pistol.

In addition to arranging the exhibit in the pavilion and the outdoor static display area, ROSOBORONEXPORT showed reviews of the main Russian exhibit items, a preview of the air show and its most interesting moments on its digital platforms – on the company's official website, it’s Youtube, VK and Telegram channels.

"In addition to showcasing new Russian weapons at Dubai Airshow 2023, JSC ROSOBORONEXPORT will hold a rich business program. We are planning to meet with our partners from the Gulf countries and discuss military-technical cooperation between our countries. We will focus on technology partnership projects, which is the most popular format of cooperation in the Middle East today,"- Alexander Mikheev added. "In addition, during the airshow we will continue to develop contacts with African countries on the points of interaction found jointly during this year's Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg".

JSC ROSOBORONEXPORT also presented in Dubai a new product - Russian automated system for countermeasures against small-sized remotely piloted vehicles (RPV).

‘Latest military conflicts showed a tremendous role of the remotely piloted vehicles of all classes in reconnaissance, surveillance of the situation and destruction of manpower, materiel, installations. On the tactical level, small-sized vehicles are mainly used on a massive scale. These are cheap, but capable of inflicting serious damage,’ - said Alexander Mikheev before Airshow. ‘JSC ROSOBORONEXPORT will unveil in Dubai an advanced system with a high degree of automation; a product able to detect, neutralize or destroy popular modern small-sized FPV-drones, quadcopters, unmanned aerial vehicles of the aircraft type. Its characteristics and high effectiveness were confirmed under the battlefield conditions.’

The new export product is designed for outfitting specialized units in order to counter RPVs. The eyes of the system are a portable small-sized radar 1L122-1E made by KRET (Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies, part of Rostec State Corporation), which makes it possible to detect a RPV at a range sufficient for its interception or destruction.

The radar transmits air situation data via a radio channel to the portable automated control module from the set of the automated control technical aids. It was developed by the Ruselectronics holding company incorporated into Rostec State Corporation. The automated control module may be located at a range up to 5 km from the radar. It is actually a small tablet the commander of the anti-drone unit is equipped with. Data on the RPVs designated for destruction or electronic effect (target designation) is transmitted to the anti-aircraft gunners of the "Verba" man-portable air defence system made by the High Precision Systems holding company included into Rostec State Corporation or to the operators of the anti-drone rifles fitted with an individual automation package.

The operator’s individual automation package includes special goggles with visualization capability, a headset and communications means. This set provides automation of guidance at an air target. It is used for visualization and transmission of the voice commands to the anti-aircraft gunner, electromagnetic rifle operator, sniper or to a shooter armed with other weapons (if needed). An electronic effect on the RPV’s communication and navigation channels or its physical destruction constitute the final stage of the process.

At the Dubai Airshow 2023, JSC ROSOBORONEXPORT also presented the ‘Argument-2’ anti-drone rifle as an electronic warfare (EW) asset. At the Customer’s request, it can be replaced with any other portable anti-drone system.

Almaz - Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation, JSC presented at Dubai Airshow 2023 models of S-350E Vityaz medium-range air defence missile system, Viking medium-range and Tor-E2, Tor-M2K, Tor-M2KM short-range air defence missile systems, as well as the Typhoon-PVO(E) anti-aircraft manpad gunner's combat vehicle. In the airspace control area Almaz – Antey showed models of Kasta-2E2, Podlet-K1KE and Gamma-S1TE radar stations. In addition, the Corporation's stand demonstrated an airborne missile-type target (MB-R) from the Adjutant universal target-and-training system.

The ADM system S-350E Vityaz has a destruction range of up to 120 kilometers and is designed for the defence of administrative, industrial and military facilities against massive strikes by modern and advanced air assault weapons. The system is capable of repelling air attacks simultaneously from any direction. The ADM system S-350E includes a Command and Control Center, up to two Multifunctional Radars, up to 8 launch or Launch-Loading Vehicles, each of which carries up to 12 anti-aircraft guided missiles. The ADM system S-350E is operated by a three-man crew. The advantage of this system over other air defence systems is the absence of a crew during combat operation in the Multifunctional Radar, Command and Control Center and Launch-Loading vehicles. The increased survivability of the system is ensured by the spread of combat assets over a sufficiently large distance, as well as the ability to maneuver and change position in a short time. S-350E has the ability to operate both autonomously and under the control of higher command centres. Interaction with information and combat assets of other systems is possible.

The all-weather, multi-channel, highly mobile Viking ADM system is designed for the defence of troops and facilities. It is capable of destroying modern and advanced tactical and strategic aircraft, including those using Stealth technology, tactical ballistic and cruise missiles, helicopters, reconnaissance and strike systems and UAVs, radio-contrast ground and surface targets. The system’s combat assets include a Command and Control Center, a Three-Coordinate Target Detection Station, up to six Self-Propelled Guns or Illumination and Guidance Radars in any combination, attached launchers and anti-aircraft guided missiles. Viking can be coupled with the automated air defence control systems possessed by the customer. At the same time, the Command and Control Centers can provide direct interaction with short-range SAM combat vehicles, radars and battery command posts, allowing to organize an echeloned air defence. Command post elements are built into the Self-Propelled Gun and Illumination and Guidance Radar, which makes it possible to organize operational mobile air defence groups without a Command and Control Center. The system can effectively perform tasks in conditions of electronic and fire countermeasures, and its combat vehicles can be manufactured on both caterpillar and wheeled chassis of high cross-country capability. All of the system's combat vehicles can be remotely controlled from remote workstations.

The Typhoon-PVO(E) anti-aircraft manpad gunner’s combat vehicle based on the KAMAZ-4386 armoured vehicle is designed to provide direct cover for units in all types of combat, including on the march, against air assault weapons. Typhoon-PVO(E) is equipped with the Akveduk family radio station, Azimut navigation equipment, and a station with a sighting system for the Kord type machine gun. The combat vehicle provides transport for five men: a squad leader, two anti-aircraft gunners, a machine gunner, and a driver-electrician.

The radars presented by the Corporation at the exhibition are successfully used for detection, coordinates measurement, tracking, identification of air objects and promising means of air attack, including those based on Stealth technology, under the influence of intensive active, passive and combined interference, as well as fire suppression.

The Adjutant universal target and training complex is designed to train anti-aircraft systems by creating a complex airborne target environment and is distinguished by the possibility of multiple use of targets simulating the main modern means of air attack.

Vyacheslav Dzirkaln, Deputy CEO of Almaz – Antey Corp. for Foreign Economic Activities, said on the eve of the event, ‘our participation in the Dubai Airshow provides an opportunity to familiarize numerous foreign guests of the exhibition with modern Russian air defence equipment and other exclusive defence products of the Corporation.’ He emphasised that ‘our products today successfully protect the sovereignty and security of many purchasing countries.’ ‘During the Dubai Airshow-2023, the Corporation's representatives will inform potential partners about the Corporation's capabilities in the field of development, manufacturing and service maintenance of manufactured products, as well as extension of their service life, modernization and utilisation,’ Vyacheslav Dzirkaln said. According to him, video materials and media presentations on technical capabilities of manufactured products were demonstrated at the Corporation's stand, specialists of the Corporation held a number of business meetings and negotiations. ‘The Corporation's stable functioning is based on the powerful scientific, technical and production potential of its member enterprises,’ concluded Vyacheslav Dzirkaln.

The Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol (part of the Almaz - Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation) presented famous ADM system Tor-M2KM at Dubai Airshow 2023. Kupol is one of the leading enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex, the leading designer and manufacturer of the Tor system of air defence missile systems. The plant also manufactures airborne equipment for surface-to-air missiles, provides maintenance services to operating organizations, and repairs and upgrades previously delivered ADM system.

ADM system produced by the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol is in service with the Russian Army and coastal units of the Navy, as well as with the armies of two dozen countries on three continents. The Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol continuously searches for ways to further improve the effectiveness of its air defence systems, which allows them to successfully counter modern and advanced air attack weapons.

Abandoning the chassis allowed to significantly reduce both the cost and weight of the product. The weight of the module is more than half of the basic caterpillar version and is only 15 tons. According to one of the mandatory regulations, the same weight of snow a flat roof of a 100 m2 house should be able to withstand in areas with average snow load.

That is, Tor-M2KM can be placed on the flat roof of any house built in accordance with the rules and regulations (perhaps - the simplest system of weight distribution is required, and of course - regular snow removal is necessary). The Tor-M2KM can be lifted to the roof by a Mi-26 helicopter or by a loading crane of appropriate lifting capacity. Wired communication between the combat modules and with the battery command post (it is located on the ground) can be provided by means of conventional masts and towers, including those built on the roofs of neighboring houses. Thus, there are no serious difficulties in implementing the old idea of flaktrums on a new technical level.

Such characteristics of the ADM system Tor-M2KM autonomous combat module as low deployment time (3 minutes - a world record), which makes it possible to repel a surprise air raid, high speed of airspace surveillance (1 antenna rotation per second - the world's best record), which makes it possible to react quickly to the changing situation, low reaction time from target detection to SAM launch - 5-10 seconds, which is especially important when working against low-flying targets, which are detected later than low-flying air assault weapons, are also fully compliant with the tasks of providing air defence of strategic facilities and infrastructures.

Due to its peculiarities, the ADM system Tor-M2KM has a significantly expanded area of application. It can be installed on a railway platform or a ship deck, which will provide reliable air defence cover for the transport of valuable cargos. The ability of the new and latest ADM system of Tor family to operate at sea and from the shoreline against targets flying over the sea has been proven in practice. This has been achieved thanks to the introduction of new algorithms for the combat operation of the computer system, which allow levelling the impact of wave rolling.

Vyacheslav Dzirkaln

Head of the delegation of the Almaz - Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation, JSC at the Dubai Airshow 2023:

‘In the joint exposition at DubaiAirshow-2023, the Almaz - Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation, JSC presented a wide range of its air defense systems and other products. In particular, we presented models of the S-350E ‘Vityaz’ medium-range air defense system, the ‘Viking’ medium-range air defense system, the ‘Tor-E2’, ‘Tor-M2K’, ‘Tor-M2KM’ short-range air defense systems, and the combat vehicle of anti-aircraft gunners ‘Typhoon-Air Defense (E)’. In the airspace control zone, the visitors to the exhibition could see the models of the ‘Kasta-2E2’, ‘Podlet-K1KE’ and ‘Gamma-S1TE’ radar stations. Also at the Corporation’s stand the aerial missile-type target from the ‘Adjutant’ universal target training system was presented.

In addition, we told potential partners about the capabilities of the Almaz - Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation as one of the world's leading developers and creators of air defense systems. The particular interest on the part of delegations from many states that visited our stand was shown in the issues of service maintenance, extension of service life and modernization of products manufactured by enterprises of our Corporation.

I would like to note that since all states are faced with the task of increasing reliability in ensuring airspace safety, attention to the products we create is objectively growing. This is particularly because our systems are mobile, reliable and highly efficient. In addition, we offer a very wide range: we have models of different ranges, with the ability to be installed on various platforms, etc. In other words, we can create the most effective protection to deal with almost any challenge.’

Pravin Patkhak

Director for Advertising, Marketing and Export of the Information Technology Department of the ‘BrahMos Aerospace’ Russian-Indian company:

‘The Dubai Airshow exhibition is an important platform for us, since the representatives of a very wide range of states come over to Dubai for this exhibition - not only from the Central Asia, but also from other regions. And since we are quite actively promoting our products on the foreign market, it is important for us to maintain a dialogue with all potential partners.

Of course, the Gulf states, as well as the UAE itself, are a very interesting region for us, including from the point of view of supplies of BRAHMOS missiles. It is no secret that there is great interest in our missiles in this region.

At Dubai Airshow 2023, we presented both already well-known models and new developments under the BRAHMOS brand - unique missiles with improved characteristics and increased tactical and technical data. In its class, BRAHMOS is by far the best product in the world, and we are constantly engaged in all kinds of improvements and improvements. And this is a serious guarantee that our products will continue to develop at a faster pace.’

Alexander Kazakov

Head of division of the All-Russian Research Institute of Radio Engineering", JSC:

‘Our company took part in the aerospace exhibition in Dubai for the first time. At the Dubai Airshow 2023, we presented a number of all-round mobile radar stations that we are creating with high performance in detecting UAVs and low-altitude air attack weapons, made, among other things, using stealth technology. Among the most popular models are the newest ‘Podlet-K1KE’ station, as well as the ‘Kast-VME’ station and the ‘Gamma-S1TE’ radar. Among the most striking main characteristics of these stations is the target detection range. For example, the ‘Podlet-K1KE’ has a detection range of more than 300 km, an altitude of more than 20 km, the station has a very high accuracy in detecting drones of various classes in completely different conditions and landscapes.

The undeniable advantage of our stations is mobility. For example, the deployment time is only 20 minutes, which is extremely important, especially in a combat situation. Another important distinguishing feature of the station is the ability to connect up to three fully functional remote operator workstations. The ‘Podlet-K1KE’ was successfully tested in various conditions, including in combat conditions and abroad, where it showed itself at a very high level.

We also note that the ‘Podlet-K1KE’ has been adopted and is effectively used by the Russian forces. We offer foreign customers an export option. There is considerable interest in it, especially since the station can operate in various landscapes and in a very wide temperature range, from minus 40 to plus 40-50 degrees Celsius.’

Alan Lushnikov

President of Kalashnikov Concern, JSC:

"Due to the dynamically developing military-technical cooperation with the Gulf states in various fields, we consider the Dubai Airshow 2023 primarily as a platform for holding working the meetings and discussing numerous issues and details related to both previously launched and promising projects.

In its exposition at the Dubai Airshow-2023, the corporation presented the samples of products from various areas of activity of the corporation’s enterprises: 7.62 mm Chukavina microwave sniper rifle, 5.56 mm Kalashnikov AK-19 assault rifle (short-barreled version), 9 mm Lebedev compact PLC pistol, 9 mm submachine gun Kalashnikov PPK-20, KUB-E guided ammunition system, All weather Set of Field Uniforms and modular unloading systems.’

Vyacheslav Kartashov

Assistant to the Director General of the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol, JSC:

‘We presented with great success at the Dubai Airshow-2023 a wide range of products from the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol, including the ‘Tor-E2’ combat vehicle, the Tor-M2KM" autonomous combat module of the air defense system on a vehicle chassis, the combat vehicle of the anti-aircraft gunner squad ‘Typhoon-Air Defence (E)’, the target training system ‘Adjutant’ designed for training crews of almost any air defense systems, and other products.

Since the Dubai Airshow is, first and foremost, an air show, attention at this salon is focused both on the aircraft itself and on the equipment that provides reliable protection against air attacks. Interest in air defense systems in Arab states is traditionally very high, which is why at the last salon we had a lot of visits from flight officers, senior managers of air defense systems, etc.

Such exhibitions are also of great importance because they provide an opportunity to get acquainted with samples of new air attack weapons, which our primary task is to be guaranteed to counter. New means of attack are being created, we are studying them and, naturally, improving our systems so that they can successfully fight them.

The Dubai Airshow in this context is one of the most intense exhibition venues in the world. This exhibition also confirmed that in many respects the products of the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol (a part of the Almaz - Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation, JSC) continue to maintain their leading positions in the world. And our developments often simply have no analogues.’