The Middle East is a critically important regional market in which Rostec not only plans to establish a presence, but also to strengthen its position. The international aerospace exhibition Dubai Airshow has become a good place to hold meetings with traditional partners from the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. This region is one of the most important for the corporation’s global expansion strategy.
Rostec has become the organizer for Russia’s united exposition at the airshow. Alexander Mikheev, CEO of Russian Helicopters, is heading the delegation from Rostec Corporation. Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov has also visited the Dubai Airshow, and Rosoboronexport CEO Anatoly Isaikin participated in the work of the exhibition at the invitation of the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defense commanders.
During the Dubai Airshow, Russian Helicopters presented its latest multipurpose helicopter, the middle-class Mi-171A2, as well as the VIP version of its light multipurpose ANSAT helicopter and the fire-fighting Ka-32A11VS, which has more than 40 options for fire-fighting equipment, including water cannons for horizontal firefighting.
Rosoboronexport premiered its interactive catalogue and 3-D models of military products using augmented reality technology. This was a useful way to provide information about its educational and training (combat training) Yak-130 aircraft, the multipurpose and highly maneuverable Su-35 fighter jet, the multifunctional two-seater MiG-29M2 frontline fighter jet, Mi-171Sh military-transport helicopter, Ka-52 combat reconnaissance and attack helicopter, and Mi-35M transportation-combat helicopter. In addition, visitors could familiarize themselves with information about the Il-76MD-90A military transport aircraft, Be-200 multifunctional amphibious aircraft, and Mi-26T2 heavy transport helicopter.
The potential for cooperation between Rostec Corporation and countries in the region is very high. Rostec enterprises are the only enterprises in Russia to produce helicopter gunships, and they are the largest manufacturers of aviation and air defense electronics, electronic warfare systems, artillery systems and ammunition, and military and civilian small arms. Rostec enterprises make the famous Mi and Ka helicopters, the legendary Kalashnikov assault rifles, the Grad rocket launch systems, and Pantsir antiaircraft missile and artillery systems. UAE was the first customer of the Pantsir air defense systems, which has since become a worldwide bestseller.
Rostec’s products with the greatest potential for export to the world market include its Su and MiG fighter jets; the Yak-130 combat training aircraft; Mi and Ka helicopters; S-400, Antey-2500, Buk-M2E, Tor-M2E, and Pantsir-S1 antiaircraft missile systems; Project 22356 and 20382 ships; Amur-1650 submarines; T-90SM modernized tanks; BMP-3 infantry combat vehicles; new Typhoon and Tiger armored vehicles; Iskander-E missile systems; and more.
Negotiations are taking place on a wide range of issues. However, it takes time for experts to familiarize themselves with new technologies and then formulate the specifications needed by each country. After that, various tests will have to take place. Therefore, it is too early for Rostec to provide details about what the cooperation with the countries of the region will develop into, or what is being delivered, when and in what quantities. But, suffice it to say that these relationships are developing progressively and successfully.
