Russia on show

David Donald

Tuesday, 17 June, 2008

Representing the Russian arms industry, Rosoboronexport (Stand C100) is presenting around 300 products, from helicopters and tanks to the latest generation of Kalashnikov small arms. Fourteen defence companies and agencies are directly represented.
As well as new products, Russian industry is promoting several projects to upgrade existing equipment to NATO standards, plus overhaul and logistics support services for equipment in Eastern European service. The T-72 MBT, in particular, is the subject of a number of modernisation initiatives, including upgraded fire control based on a French thermal imager, explosive reactive armour, electromagnetic protection and automatic smoke-laying systems.
In the field of current products, Rosoboronexport is highlighting the T-90SK MBT (pictured), the upgraded Msta-S SP howitzer, the Vena self-propelled gun and the Iskander-E theatre missile system. The last is a precision missile system with a range of 50-280km, with an inertial/GPS/ optical guidance system.
Anti-aircraft systems are represented by the Igla-S, the Tor-M2E, the Buk-M2E, the Pantsyr-S1, the Tunguska-M1 and the Antei-2500. The Igla short-range weapon continues to prove very popular for integration with a variety of vehicles to provide on-the-move SHORAD capability.
Helicopters form an important part of the Russian arms export business, and Mil is promoting its Mi-17V-5 assault transport, the Mi-35 attack/assault helicopter, and the Mi-26T heavy lift platform. Last November, the Mi-26T was demonstrated here in France as part of the European Heavy Lift Helicopter programme. Kamov is promoting the Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopter.