Summary
- Russia’s aviation industry is participating in the Dubai Airshow 2023.
- Rostec plans to showcase over 200 products, including military, dual-use, and civilian aircraft.
- The lineup includes the Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A, Kamov Ka-52, Ka-32A11M firefighting helicopter, and Mi-171A3 among other aircraft.
Russia has unveiled its lineup of aircraft set to take the spotlight at this year’s Dubai Airshow. The Dubai Airshow 2023 is among the few international shows still open to the Russian aviation industry, despite the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and subsequent sanctions imposed by the West.
Rostec, the major state corporation overseeing Russian aviation, plans to exhibit over 200 products—ranging from military and dual-use to civilian aircraft—at the Dubai Airshow 2023. Organized by the Rosoboronexport arms export agency, the Russian pavilion in Dubai will showcase aircraft from various entities, including the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Russian Helicopters, and Ruselectronics, among other companies under Rostec.
Photo: Arnold O. A. Pinto | Shutterstock
Commenting on the participation, Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy General Director of the Rostec State Corporation, said:
“Dubai Airshow is one of the main international exhibitions for Rostec, where we traditionally demonstrate the achievements of the domestic aviation industry. Participation in the event gives us a valuable opportunity to directly interact with potential partners and clients from the Middle East.”
Military aircraft in the spotlight
This year, Russia will place a greater emphasis on showcasing its defense aviation capabilities. Taking center stage in the Russian aircraft lineup is Rostec’s domestically manufactured heavy transport aircraft, the Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A (E). According to Rostec, Russia has not presented this class of aircraft internationally since 1994. In the statement, Artyakov said:
“This year at the event we will present a number of new products, one of which will be truly large-scale. We are talking about the Il-76MD-90A(E) heavy transport aircraft, which will certainly attract the attention of visitors.”
The four-engined Il-76MD-90A, manufactured by the United Aircraft Corporation, signifies a major modernization of the earlier Il-76MD aircraft, with over 70% of its systems and components upgraded. The upgrades include the installation of more powerful Aviadvigatel PS-90A-76 engines. Furthermore, the manufacturer modernized the aircraft’s chassis, reinforced the wings, and equipped it with a glass cockpit.
When it comes to its defense lineup, Russia will demonstrate its Kamov Ka-52 combat reconnaissance and attack helicopter in a flying display.
Photo: Andrey Kryuchenko | Shutterstock
Alongside heavy transport and defense aircraft, Russia is set to unveil the Ka-32A11M firefighting helicopter for the first time on the international stage. The helicopter is equipped with the latest domestic fire extinguishing system and is able to be filled with four tons of water in less than a minute.
Participants will also be able to get acquainted with Russia’s Mi-171A3 helicopter, designed to support the offshore energy industry. Alongside Mi-171A3, Russia will demonstrate the ambulance version of the Ansat light helicopter.
The Dubai Airshow, held biennially, stands as one of the world’s largest aerospace exhibitions. Russia has been an active participant since 1993. This year, the Dubai Airshow will feature 20 national pavilions showcasing over 180 aircraft. Dubai Airshow 2023 will run from November 13 through 17.
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