Russia Seeks to Strengthen Its Presence in Africa and Middle East Through Egypt International Airshow 2024.

ROSOBORONEXPORT JSC, a subsidiary of the Rostec State Corporation, is actively participating in the first Egypt International Airshow, taking place from September 3 to 5, 2024, at El Alamein International Airport. The event highlights military-technical cooperation between Russia and Egypt, as well as relationships with other countries in Africa and the Middle East, which currently account for more than 50% of the company’s order portfolio.
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Egypt currently operates 46 of these helicopters, equipped with Russian ATGMs, which are used for various missions, including counterterrorism operations in the Sinai Peninsula (Picture source: Egyptian MoD)

Alongside ROSOBORONEXPORT, other Rostec subsidiaries, such as the National Aviation Service Company, United Aircraft Corporation, and United Engine Corporation, are also showcasing their products at this unique exhibition, emphasizing the excellence of Russian aerospace and defense industries.

At this event, ROSOBORONEXPORT is presenting a range of advanced military equipment. In the outdoor exhibition area, visitors can explore the Ka-52 reconnaissance and attack helicopter, equipped with the versatile guided missile Item 305E. This helicopter, recognized as one of the best in its global market segment, forms the backbone of the Russian Air Force’s combat groups and has proven its effectiveness in real combat operations. Egypt currently operates 46 of these helicopters, equipped with Russian ATGMs, which are used for various missions, including counterterrorism operations in the Sinai Peninsula.

In addition to the Ka-52, ROSOBORONEXPORT is showcasing the Kh-69, a new stealth multifunctional cruise missile with precision guidance, proposed as a key weapon for the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57E fighter jet, which is also on display at the airshow.

The exhibition also highlights unmanned systems, including the Orlan-10E and Orlan-30 drones, widely used for aerial reconnaissance and target designation. A drone countermeasure system, the RB-504P-E, as well as an airspace control system, are also being exhibited.

In the field of air defense, ROSOBORONEXPORT is demonstrating its capabilities in building a layered defense system, designed to protect military, civilian, and industrial infrastructures against various aerial threats, including drones. Air defense systems such as the SAM Viking, Tor-M2E, and the MANPADS Verba are on display, along with the Pantsir-S1M self-propelled anti-aircraft missile and gun system, known for its ability to defend against a wide range of aerial threats.

ROSOBORONEXPORT is showcasing the Kh-69, a new stealth multifunctional cruise missile with precision guidance (Picture source:Vitaly Kuzmin)

Additionally, ROSOBORONEXPORT is unveiling the latest short-range interceptor missile TKB-1055, specifically designed to neutralize small drones.

As part of the airshow's business program, ROSOBORONEXPORT has scheduled meetings and negotiations with military and political officials from various countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. These discussions aim to address current and future issues of military-technical cooperation, including the development of industrial partnerships, thereby strengthening Russia's position on the international defense stage.

The relationship between Egypt and Russia is characterized by historical and strategic cooperation that dates back several decades. After a period of cooling during the 1970s and 1980s, the ties between the two countries significantly strengthened in the early 21st century. Today, Russia is one of Egypt's main military partners, supplying a wide range of military equipment. In 2015, Egypt signed a major contract for the purchase of MiG-29M/M2 fighter jets, which began to be delivered in 2017.

These fighter jets, designed for various combat missions, have significantly enhanced Egypt's air defense capabilities. Additionally, Russia has supplied Egypt with sophisticated air defense systems, such as the S-300VM systems, which bolster the country’s ability to defend its airspace against external threats. This continued supply of military equipment underscores the importance of military cooperation between Egypt and Russia.

Beyond military relations, the two nations also collaborate in areas such as energy, with nuclear power plant projects, and trade, with increased bilateral exchanges. This relationship is marked by a convergence of interests in counterterrorism efforts, regional stability, and a shared desire to diversify their international alliances, allowing Egypt to strengthen its strategic independence while providing Russia with a crucial foothold in North Africa and the Middle East.