The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 expo, held from September 18 to 22 at Air Force Base Waterkloof, has seen a significant presence from Russia, through ROSOBORONEXPORT JSC, a subsidiary of Rostec State Corporation.
This year’s exhibition underscores Russia’s expanding footprint on the African continent, showcasing over 250 military, dual-use, and civilian products. Russia is putting special emphasis on strengthening ties with local defence companies to develop industrial partnerships.
Strengthening African Defence Capabilities
Alexander Mikheev, Director General of ROSOBORONEXPORT, highlighted the company’s extensive cooperation with more than 40 African countries. “We help our partners in the region to strengthen their defence capabilities and sovereignty, adequately respond to today’s security threats related to organized crime and terrorism,” Mikheev stated. He also emphasized the role of joint projects and technology transfers in boosting industrial development in African nations.
Showcasing Advanced Armored Vehicles
ROSOBORONEXPORT’s exhibit features a range of advanced wheeled armored vehicles designed for various battlefield roles, including transportation of mechanized units, fire support, and medical evacuation. Key models on display include the Typhoon-K, ZA-SpN Titan, 3-STS Akhmat, Spartak, and Tiger MRAP vehicles. Additionally, the upgraded Linza protected ambulance vehicle, assembled entirely from Russian components, is showcased under the import substitution program.
Innovative Protection Systems
For the first time in Africa, ROSOBORONEXPORT is presenting advanced armored vehicle protection systems. The Nakidka radio-absorbing material, which significantly reduces the thermal and radar signature of vehicles, is a highlight. This material, along with add-on slat armor and explosive reactive armor (ERA) kits, aims to enhance the survivability of tanks and light armored vehicles against modern threats, including UAV reconnaissance and attacks.
The Research Institute of Steel (NII Stali) has also introduced the Relikt universal modular complex, providing T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks with enhanced protection against HEAT tandem ammunition and armor-piercing projectiles. Additionally, the SPMZ-2E electronic mine protection system, capable of altering a vehicle’s magnetic signature to avoid triggering anti-tank mines, is on display.
Aviation Highlights
For air force delegations, ROSOBORONEXPORT is showcasing modern Russian military transport and combat aircraft, including the Yak-130M Light Combat and Trainer aircraft. This modernized version, presented globally in 2024, exemplifies Russia’s commitment to providing cutting-edge aviation technology.
The Yak-130M aircraft is equipped with systems that significantly increase its capabilities: the 130R airborne radar unit; the SOLT-130K optical locator station; the “President-S130” on-board defense suite, the KSS-130 on-bord communications unit.
Modern equipment and armament will provide the use of Yak-130M aircraft for training and combat purposes around the clock and in adverse weather conditions. The Yakovlev Yak-130M combines advanced technology, expanded combat capabilities, and adaptability, making it a compelling choice for both training and combat missions.
As it takes flight, it aims to capture the interest of foreign partners seeking a cost-effective yet potent solution in the skies.
Unmanned Systems
In the UAV segment, the Russian exhibit features the Orion-E reconnaissance/strike UAV, Orlan-10E and Orlan-30 reconnaissance UAV systems, S-350 Skat UAV and the Kub-E loitering munition.
Kub-E loitering is designed to engage armored targets both individually and in groups deep within enemy lines is the KUB’s intended purpose. Through close collaboration with the customer, the manufacturer was able to improve its range of loitering munitions, which resulted in upgraded, more potent versions of the KUB currently being delivered munition.
Russia hopes to increase industrial cooperation through the local production of drones on the customer’s premises, joint R&D work on advanced drones.
At UMEX 2024 unmanned systems expo in Abu Dhabi, Russia offered its partners its services in the construction of high-tech service facilities at the local and regional level for repair and maintenance of unmanned systems from various manufacturers.
At its booth, ROSOBORONEXPORT is offering a wide range of small arms to equip army, special and police units, including Kalashnikov AK-200 series, AK-15, AK-308 and AK-19 assault rifles. Visitors to the company’s exhibit will also be able to get acquainted with Russian Chukavin and Dragunov sniper rifles (with folding buttstock), MPL, PLK, MPL-1, Viking pistols and PPK-20 submachine gun.
During the business program of the exhibition ROSOBORONEXPORT will hold meetings and negotiations with the representatives of all services of the armed forces and security agencies of African countries. The company will also continue to strengthen ties with local defence companies to develop industrial partnerships in the region.
Russia’s substantial presence at AAD 2024 reflects its strategic interest in strengthening defence ties with African nations. Through advanced technology and collaborative projects, it aims to support the continent’s defence capabilities and industrial growth, ensuring a robust response to contemporary security challenges.
