Dubai: Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Russia’s Rostec State Corporation, stated that the Dubai Airshow is a prestigious global platform for showcasing the latest innovations in the defence and aerospace industries. He said Rostec is keen to participate because the exhibition offers an important opportunity to engage with international partners and present advanced Russian technologies to a broad audience of specialists and decision-makers.
According to Emirates News Agency, Chemezov noted that Dubai had previously hosted the first foreign demonstration of the MC-21 passenger aircraft, which was being developed within an international cooperation framework. He highlighted that the aircraft is now produced entirely in Russia, undergoing certification trials ahead of large-scale production.
He further revealed that this year’s Dubai Airshow will feature several premières of new systems, including the upgraded Yak-130 jet trainer and combat aircraft, and the Ansat light multipurpose helicopter equipped with Russian-made VK-650 engines. Among the most prominent technologies on display is the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet.
Chemezov emphasised that the Su-57 has demonstrated its capabilities in real combat conditions, particularly in terms of stealth performance and firepower. He mentioned that the aircraft drew strong interest during airshows in China and India before its arrival in the UAE, where flight demonstrations will be conducted by honoured test pilot Sergey Bogdan.
Rostec is also exhibiting models from leading companies such as the United Aircraft Corporation, United Engine Corporation, Russian Helicopters, KRET, and High-Precision Systems. The lineup includes the Ka-52 attack helicopter, the upgraded Il-76 heavy transport aircraft, the Ka-32 firefighting helicopter, and the Pantsir-SMD-E air defence system.
The Ka-52 helicopter will also participate in aerial displays, demonstrating its manoeuvrability. The Russian Knights aerobatic team will perform using Su-30 and Su-35 fighters, showcasing their combat performance.
Chemezov stressed that exporting advanced Russian technologies is a central pillar of Russia’s national economy and international standing. He noted that Rostec includes Rosoboronexport, Russia’s sole authorised intermediary for military and dual-use product exports. Over the past 25 years, the company has signed more than 30,000 contracts worth over $230 billion, with a current order portfolio exceeding $60 billion.
He added that Rostec adopted a new development strategy through 2036 to maintain Russia’s position as the world’s second-largest arms exporter. The pace of Russia’s defence-industrial production is sufficient to meet all government orders while allowing for increased export volumes.
Chemezov highlighted the importance of the Middle East, which accounts for nearly half of Rosoboronexport’s annual contracts. Regional partners are interested in Russian air defence systems, aircraft, helicopters, armoured vehicles, anti-tank systems, UAVs, anti-UAV systems, and advanced simulators. Cooperation has evolved beyond equipment supply to include technology transfer and establishing local production lines.
He underlined that the foremost advantage of Russian products is reliability and efficiency, noting that Russian equipment contains no hidden backdoors. Russian systems have been tested in real-world combat, which is especially important for Middle Eastern partners who prioritise operationally validated systems.
Chemezov highlighted the major upgrades made to the Pantsir-SMD-E to address UAV threats. Its guns were removed to make room for additional launchers, enabling the system to carry up to 48 mini-missiles capable of engaging a wide range of aerial targets. He noted that the system attracted strong attention when first unveiled in the UAE at IDEX 2025.
He concluded by saying that many Russian systems are widely valued across the Middle East for their reliability and adaptability to regional operating conditions.