New Delhi, Feb 20

Rosoboronexport to propose new cooperation projects

RoE, part of the Rostec State Corporation, will organize a large-scale display of Russia’s leading defense industry enterprises in the country’s pavilion at IDEX 2023, the world’s biggest international defense and security exhibition, to be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from February 20 to 24.

“Middle East countries are Russia’s traditional and important partners. Rosoboronexport is implementing a lot of military-technical cooperation projects in the region,” said Rosoboronexport’s Director General Alexander Mikheev. “Today, we are busy working out proposals for the forms of partnership that could be of immediate interest to Middle East nations—primarily related to technology transfer, joint R&D, and application of offset programs. Rosoboronexport is considering options for joint design and manufacture of cutting-edge high-tech products, including a fifth-generation fighter based on the Checkmate light tactical aircraft, further work on the development and production of air defense systems, equipment for the Navy, and weapons for the Army.”

Russia’s joint display at IDEX 2023 will be located in a separate pavilion, where Rosoboronexport and Russian defense industry firms will showcase the latest high-tech military products for all services of the armed forces. More than 200 full-scale models of armament, ammunition and military gear will be on display for the guests and visitors of the pavilion.

Representatives of the Army will be shown weapon stations for equipping various armored vehicles, in particular, a full-scale model of the AU-220M 57 mm multipurpose remote weapon station. In addition, visitors to the Russian pavilion will be able to see the T-90MS MBT and the Sprut-SDM1 light amphibious tank, the TOS-1A heavy flamethrower system, the BMPT tank support fighting vehicle, the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle, including a version equipped with a new remote weapon station, the BT-3F armored personnel carrier, as well as explosive reactive armor (ERA) systems. Most of the vehicles have proved themselves in the region and have been successfully tested in actual combat operations against terrorist groups.

At IDEX 2023, Rosoboronexport and Rostec-affiliated enterprises will demonstrate Russian-developed missile and artillery weapons. Among them are the Iskander-E theater missile system, the 9K515 (Tornado-S) multiple rocket launcher system, the Khrizantema-S and Kornet-EM ATGM systems.

Visitors to the Russian pavilion will be able to get acquainted with the Typhoon-family MRAP wheeled armored vehicles, remote-controlled and Uran-6 robotic mine-clearing systems, small arms, modern individual protection and gear sets for army and special forces units, as well as ammunition for armored vehicles, artillery and missile systems, and close combat weapons. Among others, the Krasnopol and Kitolov-2M advanced guided artillery projectiles will be offered to the partners.

As part of its small arms stand, Rosoboronexport will display a wide range of Kalashnikov assault rifles, including the AK-200 series, the AK-12, AK-15, AK-19 and AK-308, the Chukavin sniper rifle, as well as ORSIS-branded civilian and law-enforcement weapons: the ORSIS-375ST sniper rifle and the ORSIS F-17M and ORSIS 12.7 mm high-precision carbines.

For the Air Force, Rosoboronexport will show at IDEX 2023 the Checkmate light tactical aircraft, the Ka-52E and Mi-28NE attack helicopters, and the Mi-171Sh military transport helicopter. A broad range of modern weaponry for them, including the Item 305E and Vikhr-1 guided missiles that have proved their effectiveness against armored vehicles, will be on display. Visitors to the Russian pavilion will also be able to see the Orion-E, Orlan-10E and Orlan-30 aerial drones.

Russia’s air defense systems are well known worldwide for being effective against any current and emerging air threats. Rosoboronexport is ready both to supply separate systems and to assist friendly states in building a national layered air defense system.

A wide range of anti-aircraft missile systems of various ranges and purposes will be presented to partners at the exhibition. Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defense Corporation will showcase in Abu Dhabi the S-400 Triumf and Antey-4000 long-range SAM systems, the S-350E Vityaz and the Viking medium-range SAM systems, as well as the Tor short-range SAM systems of various modifications. High Precision Systems, a Rostec subsidiary, will display the Pantsir-S1M SPAAGM system and the Verba MANPADS.

A variety of radars will also be on display at IDEX 2023, including unique solutions developed by Russian designers: the Sula space surveillance radar, the Gamma-DE medium/high-altitude acquisition radar, the Kasta-2E2 low-altitude radar and the P-18-2 Prima radar capable of effectively detecting current and emerging low-observable aerial targets, including any stealth aircraft.

Russian counter-drone systems, in particular the Repellent, Repellent-Patrol, RLK-MCE, RB-504P-E and RB-504A-E, as well as the Pischal-PRO portable system exhibited at the Rosoboronexport stand, are expected to attract a great deal of attention.

In the naval segment of the exhibition, Rosoboronexport will show the high-speed amphibious assault boat BK-10, the high-speed transport landing boat BK-16, and the Rubezh-ME coastal defense missile system.

During the exhibition, Rosoboronexport will hold a number of public presentations of the armaments and military equipment on display. The presentations will take place in the Russian pavilion. 

On February 21, the AU-220M 57 mm multipurpose remote weapon station and the Ka-226T light multipurpose helicopter, a full-scale model of which is exhibited in the outdoor area, will be presented to the visitors at 11:00am and 01:00pm, respectively.

Two other presentations, Modern Russian-Made Small Arms and Layered Non-Strategic Missile Defense System, are scheduled to be held on February 22 at 11:00am and 01:00pm, respectively.

As part of the IDEX 2023 business program, Rosoboronexport will hold meetings and talks with representatives of the armed forces and other security agencies of the United Arab Emirates and other Middle East countries. In addition, it is expected that industrial partnership projects will be actively discussed with the region’s leading defense product manufacturers.

INS Sumedha Visit

 Indian Naval Ship Sumedha arrived at Abu Dhabi, UAE on 20 Feb 2023 to participate in NAVDEX 23 (Naval Defence Exhibition) and IDEX 23 (International Defence Exhibition), scheduled from 20 to 24 Feb 2023. The ship's participation in two leading regional naval and defence exhibitions will showcase the strengths of India's indigenous ship building and underscore the Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of  'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat'.

INS Sumedha is the third ship of the indigenously built Saryu class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPV) and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 07 Mar 2014. Built indigenously at Goa Shipyard Limited, she is fitted with an impressive array of weapons and sensors, can carry an integral helicopter and boasts of long endurance. A highly potent platform that can be deployed for a variety of operational missions, she bears testimony to the capabilities of the Indian ship building industry. Her participation in a marquee event conducted by UAE also highlights the close strategic and cultural relations between India and UAE.

Defence relations between the two nations were elevated to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' during the visit of then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and present President of UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in January 2017 as Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations. Hon'ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited UAE for the fourth time in June 2022 to advance the elevate the relationship to a higher pedestal.

To enhance interoperability between the two navies, the inaugural edition of Indian Navy-UAE Navy bilateral exercise, Zayed Talwar, was conducted in March 2018, with the last edition being in August 2021. Indian Naval ships have made regular port calls at UAE to promote maritime cooperation. The Deployment of the Sumedha to Abu Dhabi is a step in the same direction.

Naval Group - A long-lasting presence

As two of the most important world exhibitions, IDEX and NAVDEX constitute an opportunity to meet Naval Group’s usual partners and key authorities of the region. Naval Group has a long history of cooperation with the different navies of the region and has built long-term and trustful relationships for over 30 years. For instance, Naval Group is present in Saudi Arabia through a subsidiary which carries out services contracts for the Royal Saudi Naval Force. Another Naval Group subsidiary has been opened in 2018 in Egypt to carry out the in-service support of the fleet, which includes 2 MISTRAL- class Landing Helicopter Docks, 1 FREMM frigate and 4 Gowind® corvettes.

Through transfer of knowledge and joint research, Naval Group works with its Emirati partners to create highly qualified opportunities for Emirati nationals and progressively achieve country self-reliance and autonomy. For example, since its inception in 2019, Naval Group participates to Tawazun Council’s initiative consisting of an internship program known as Emirati Global Acceleration Program (E-GAP). This program enables young UAE nationals to pursue internships at Naval Group while being tutored by some of our experts, in order to contribute to the development of the skills of young Emirati students and enable them to support the country’s defense needs in the years to come.

For instance, Naval Group is attentive to the needs of the Emirati Navy in terms of training and is available to develop solutions adapted to these needs. Naval Group’s presence in the UAE will also enable the development of innovative technologies to serve the operational needs of the Navy and Coast Guards. These products can also be directed towards export markets and the economic benefit will positively impact the national Defence Industrial Base and the regional markets. The proximity with the end user will allow for a higher reactivity and efficiency of customer services.

Showcasing state-of-the-art 

Building on its 400-year experience in supporting the French Navy, Naval Group is the partner of choice for many international navies. Naval Group will showcase the state-of-art innovations created for modern navies at his IDEX and NAVDEX booths, demonstrating its capabilities as leading naval integrator through high tech naval solutions for combat and crisis management such as Belh@rra frigate, Gowind® corvette or SETIS combat management system.

Naval Group is also recognized for its drone expertise. Naval Group integrates all types of unmanned vehicles -air, surface and underwater- to increase the operational capabilities of a combat fleet. This represents a new potential for intelligence, surveillance and exploratory missions and becomes a force multiplier when drones are fully integrated in the ship. Our innovative solutions for the implementation and recollection of drones under any sea condition and those dedicated to the management of drone missions and the integration in real time of the data collected directly benefits naval forces.

Nexter exhibits its range of products 

Nexter has been working with the UAE armed forces for 30 years when the Leclerc contract came into effect. Today, Nexter is open to new cooperation projects to develop new activities locally. Thus, in close partnership with the UAE's private and public defence ecosystem, Nexter is strengthening and developing industrial cooperation for systems, munitions and services. To this end, Nexter is pursuing the development of a wholly-owned subsidiary - Nexter Emarat LTD. - which will allow the localisation of engineering and new product development activities.

JAGUAR and TITUS: towards an industrial cooperation

At IDEX 2023, Nexter is exhibiting its TITUS and JAGUAR armoured vehicles on the stand of Resource Industries, an emerging key player in the UAE defence ecosystem. The two companies are currently exploring industrial partnership opportunities to develop "made in UAE" solutions for the UAE armed forces, benefiting from Nexter's technological know-how.

The JAGUAR combines the latest generation of optronic capabilities with multiple and scalable firepower, using the latest 40mm telescoped ammunition and anti-tank missiles perfectly suited for high-intensity combat.

The TITUS multirole armoured vehicle is available in multiple variants with a high level of protection and mobility. It is the subject of discussions between Nexter and the UAE military ecosystem.

 

Wide Range 

On its stand CP-320, Nexter is exhibiting its wide range of products, including armoured vehicles, large and medium calibre artillery systems, ammunition, support services, robots and optronic equipment. Amongst others, the following will be presented in real size:

- The UAE version of the Leclerc tank. Nexter is exchanging views with the United Arab Emirates to continue supporting the Leclerc for the next decades. It is displayed with a new HE multimode ammunition.

- The VBCI MkI, the version in service with the French army and proven in combat on various battlefields. This infantry fighting vehicle, equipped with a 25mm gun, has demonstrated exceptional capabilities in terms of mobility, protection and firepower.

- The CAESAR, the reference in 155mm combat proven artillery, associated with its ammunition produced by Nexter Arrowtech.

- The RAPIDFire, made by Nexter and Thales, is displayed in naval and land versions. The first example of this new turret will enter service this year on a French Navy ship.

- The JAGUAR is presented for the first time at a foreign exhibition. This modern weapon system, which is in service in the French forces since 2021, is manufactured by Nexter, Arquus and Thales. With its 40 CTA gun, Akeron MP missiles and remotely controlled weapon system, it considerably increases the firepower of the French and Belgian light cavalry units. It is displayed on the Resource Industries stand, alongside a TITUS ARX30 specifically configured for counter-UAV warfare.

Modernisation of the Leclerc MBT

Nexter signed a teaming agreement with International Golden Group, the leading supplier of the UAE Armed forces, to prepare the modernisation of the UAE Army’s Leclerc main battle tank (MBT). International Golden Group (IGG) and Nexter have established a long-term relationship since 2006 via a “Cooperation Agreement”. This teaming agreement is a new step towards a reinforcement of the links between our both companies.

 

Nexter and the UAE

Nexter is a historical partner of the UAE armed forces since the acquisition of 436 Leclerc MBT. As the responsible for the support of the Leclerc fleet, Nexter established a long-term relation with the UAE. Today, the group is actively working on the localisation of industrial activities. The aim of this partnership is the modernization of the Leclerc MBT that will ensure the operational superiority of the UAE armed forces for the next 30 years. 

 

Rostec presented the modernized Ka-226T

Russian Helicopters Holding (part of the Rostec State Corporation) presented the Ka-226T light multi-purpose helicopter at the IDEX international exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The rotorcraft is distinguished by its maneuverability and versatility - the transformer-helicopter is built according to a modular scheme. The operator will be able to turn a passenger board into a helicopter for air ambulance or cargo transportation on their own in half an hour. The modernized Ka-226T is a light twin-engine gas turbine helicopter designed to carry cargo, passengers and service personnel, patrol economic zones, monitor, perform search and rescue and medical evacuation tasks. The design features of the upgraded Ka-226T made it possible to reduce the weight of the rotorcraft and improve its flight performance: the payload and flight range have increased.

“A feature of the helicopter is the so-called “flying chassis” concept – behind the cockpit, you can place suspension modules of various equipment. Such a designer solution allows the operator to have one carrier helicopter and several options for interchangeable modules. 4 people can replace the module within 30 minutes.

Another important advantage of the Ka-226T is the proprietary twin-rotor coaxial design, which greatly simplifies the piloting technique, ensures high maneuverability and stability of the helicopter even under high wind loads both in flight and during landing. The upgraded Ka-226T is capable of flying at altitudes upto 6,500 meters above sea level, while the payload of the helicopter reaches 1,500 kg with a maximum flight weight of up to 3,800 kg,” said Anton Korolev, Deputy General Director of the Russian Helicopters holding for sales of civil helicopter equipment.

Several variants of the helicopter configuration have been developed: passenger, cargo, rescue, medical, patrol, airborne transport, VIP. The airborne transport version can accommodate up to 7 passengers, the sanitary cabin can accommodate two victims on a stretcher and two accompanying paramedics. In addition, instead of a suspended cabin, a cargo platform, a crane installation, a hopper with sprayers for aerial chemical work in agriculture and other sets of equipment can be installed. Versatility guarantees the demand and economic efficiency of the helicopter. With a pronounced seasonality of work, the operator avoids equipment downtime or the need to purchase several expensive machines of various configurations.

The modernization of the Ka-226T made it possible to further expand the capabilities of the helicopter operations, to ensure the import substitution of components. The new helicopter features a modified fuselage geometry, improved aerodynamics and cockpit ergonomics. The main rotor column has been modernized, a mechanism for folding the blades has been introduced, which is very much in demand, for example, in the ship version of the rotorcraft. A compact helicopter that can fly over a vast water surface and be based on a ship without hindrance. At the same time, the aircraft is also equipped with a mooring system for folded blades, mooring of the helicopter itself on the deck, protection against the effects of fields created by the ship’s equipment, a set of means for towing the helicopter along the deck and emergency rescue equipment during splashdown. The helicopter is equipped with a crash-resistant fuel system and a modern digital avionics system with display indication (“glass cockpit”), adapted for the use of night vision goggles.

At the moment, at the National Center for Helicopter Engineering. M.L. Mil and N.I. Kamov of the Russian Helicopters holding are undergoing flight tests of a prototype of the upgraded Ka-226T, as well as ground tests of individual units of the rotorcraft.