Paris. Russia exported military aircraft and helicopters worth over $6 billion in 2018, it was announced here at the opening of the Paris Air Show.
This impressive figure was disclosed by Rosoboronexport, the state-run Russian arms export agency, which said in a statement that best-sellers included the Su-35 and Su-30SME multi-role super-maneuverable fighters, MiG-29M/M2 multifunctional front-line fighter and Yak-130 combat training aircraft are showcased in the aviation segment.
Rosoboroneport, a part of the Rostec State Corporation, is the organizer of the single Russian display of Russian products at the International Paris Air Show 2019, being held June 17-23.
“Military aircraft and helicopters have traditionally taken the lead among the products supplied by Rosoboronexport to the world market. In 2018, we exported combat aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, engines and equipment for the Air Force worth over $6 billion,” said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport, adding: “We expect a lot of attention from delegations from all over the world, and that hardly anyone else can showcase so many products that have been tested in real combat conditions”.
In addition to Rosoboronexport, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Russian Helicopters and the United Engine Corporation (UEC), ranked among the world’s largest manufacturers of aircraft equipment, helicopters and engines, are taking part in the Russian display at the Paris Air Show. There are almost 250 models of weapons and military equipment developed and produced in Russia.
The Ilyushin Il-112VE light military transport aircraft, a new product from the Russian aircraft industry, as well as other aircraft that have recently received an export permit like the Su-32 fighter-bomber, the Il-78MK-90A tanker aircraft, and the Il-76MD-90A(E) military transport aircraft are on display at the show.
Among the Russian-made helicopters, the Ka-52 reconnaissance/attack helicopter, the Mi-28NE attack helicopter, the Mi-35M transport/attack helicopter, the Mi-171Sh and Mi-17-V5 military transport helicopters, the Ka-226T day/night light utility helicopter and Mi-26T2 heavy transport helicopter have great export potential, Rosoboronexport said in a statement.
Russia’s Orion-E, Orlan-10E and Tachyon unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare systems like the Repellent for countering small-sized UAVs and the Pole-21E ECM system’s jamming modules for protecting ground installations from attacks by smart weapons, air defense systems such as the S-400 Triumph ADMS, the Viking and Tor-M2E SAM systems, Pantsir SPAAGM, and Igla-S and Verba MANPADS are evoking interest here.
Due to diplomatic sanctions by the US, Russian presence is somewhat limited. Said Mikheev: “During the Paris Air Show 2019, Rosoboronexport will hold meetings and negotiations with partners from around the world. Unfortunately, due to unfair competition with respect to Russian weapons, we will not be able to please Le Bourget’s guests with bright performances by our stunt pilots and full-scale military hardware items. But we’ll invite all connoisseurs of the highest quality equipment and masterful performance of aerobatic programs to the MAKS Air Show in Zhukovsky, near Moscow, which will be held in August this year.”
