The main novelties of "Army-2021"
The International Military-Technical Forum "Army" has now become the main platform for the first demonstration of the latest developments in the field of weapons and military equipment. For the first time, more than fifty different samples, both already known and announced on the eve of the opening of the forum, are publicly shown at "Army-2021". These developments represent virtually all major sectors of the defense industry.
Small arms
The Kalashnikov Concern remains the main supplier of novelties in the field of small arms. This year, the most attention is paid to the promising PPK-20 submachine gun, shown for the first time at a public event. This product is a modification of the existing Vityaz-SN submachine gun and is intended for use as part of a portable emergency supply of pilots. PPK-20 has already passed tests and is ready for production in the interests of the Russian Aerospace Forces. Execution of export orders is also possible.
The AK-12SP assault rifle, a modification of the well-known AK-12 designed for special forces, is being demonstrated for the first time. In this project, the basic machine receives some ergonomic innovations that simplify operation, incl. using additional devices.
At the Kalashnikov stand, developments of the civil sector are widely presented. Among them, the most interesting is the "smart" shotgun MP-155 Ultima in serial form. A prototype version of this product was demonstrated for the first time last year, and since then the project has changed significantly. The main parts of the gun remained the same, but the ergonomics were improved and a new on-board computer with the Android operating system appeared.
Land vehicles
Industry and the army retain their interest in the subject of land vehicles for various purposes, which can be seen from the static and dynamic exposition. Both options for modernizing existing equipment and completely new models with a great future are being demonstrated.
An experienced BMP-3 with a fighting compartment "Berezhok" became a new example of modernization of available equipment. This variant of combining already known components is demonstrated for the first time. It is assumed that the modernization of the infantry fighting vehicle with the help of "Berezhka" will optimize the technical and combat characteristics. At the same time, the Tula Instrument Design Bureau continues to search for options to improve the BMP-3 by replacing the turret and weapons.
Several full-fledged novelties are shown at once by the Military Industrial Company. Of greatest interest is the "multipurpose armored amphibious vehicle". This is a modern armored car, which is a further development of the ideas of the "Tiger" and "Athlete" families. In fact, it is considered as a modern version of the outdated BRDM: an armored car can solve the same problems and is devoid of their characteristic shortcomings.
The military-industrial complex continues to develop the already well-known Strela project. The basic and amphibious versions of this armored car have been demonstrated earlier. In addition, the possibility of creating a unified non-military vehicle was mentioned. An experienced SUV aimed at the civilian market and law enforcement agencies was shown for the first time this year.
The Remdizel enterprise, which is engaged in the Typhoon line, is showing its developments again. On the basis of the existing armored car, a combat vehicle for special forces K-4386 ZA-SPN was created. It is distinguished by the presence of overhead booking and the presence of a protected turret with machine gun and rocket armament.
The K-4386 AMN-D truck was made on the same chassis. He retained the armored hood and received a single-row cabin, behind which an onboard cargo platform is located. The possibility of parachute landing is preserved. The car can be used as a vehicle and as a carrier of weapons or various systems.
The most interesting novelties in the field of trucks were presented by the Ural plant. Thus, the exhibition demonstrates the new Ural 432067-71 chassis, which is not equipped with a cab or target load. At the request of the customer, this product can be completed with various superstructures, incl. military use.
Another interesting development is a prototype of the Ural-66 or Project 80 product on the Ural-43206 chassis. It is an all-wheel drive platform truck capable of carrying or towing various loads. One of the designations of the project may indicate that it is being considered as a modern analogue of the old GAZ-66 truck.
Air defense
Concern East Kazakhstan region "Almaz-Antey" brought several already known samples to "Army-2021", incl. presented recently, as well as a number of new products of various kinds. For example, the combat module of the Sosna air defense missile system is shown, both independently and on different chassis. The version of the complex on the BTR-82A chassis is demonstrated for the first time.
SAM "Viking", which is an export version of the medium-range complex "Buk-M3", is already known to experts and the public. This time, the first demonstration of the 9S38E target detection station for this air defense system takes place. It is made on a unified chassis and equipped with high performance AFAR.
At "Army-2020" the premiere of the non-strategic air defense-missile defense complex 98R6E "Abakan" took place as part of several fixed assets. At the current exhibition, they were supplemented with a new 98L6E detection and target designation station.
Aviation and weapons
In the aviation equipment "Army-2021" dispenses with high-profile novelties. However, for the first time, new and upgraded products of various classes are being demonstrated, which are of great interest to the public and to potential customers. In addition, the United Aircraft Corporation, Russian Helicopters and other enterprises represent the entire spectrum of modern designs.
Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant for the first time shows an experienced upgraded Ka-226T helicopter. For the first time in the practice of the plant, all design documentation for the project was made in electronic form. With this approach, a new fuselage structure was developed, the main systems were updated, etc. Based on the results of such modifications, weight and flight characteristics have been improved.
The Kronstadt Group presents a helicopter-type UAV BVS-VT 450. A machine weighing 450 kg with a flight duration of up to 6 hours is capable of carrying various loads. It is proposed to be used for observation, reconnaissance and monitoring, as well as for collecting samples, extinguishing fires, etc.
Together with the modernized Ka-52M helicopter, for the first time, they publicly showed a light multipurpose guided missile (LMUR) "Product 305E" from the Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau. The 105-kg product carries a 25 kg warhead and can fly 14,5 km. Guidance - combined, with inertial and television systems, control from a carrier helicopter is provided. In the future, 305E missiles may be included in the ammunition load of various types of domestic helicopters.
Development for the fleet
Several new developments in the field of marine technology are presented, and all major areas, from large ships to small floating crafts, are covered. The bulk of such projects is presented by the United Shipbuilding Corporation.
Current developments in the field of amphibious assault are demonstrated. fleet... So, at the stand of the command of the Navy, for the first time, a mock-up of the modernized amphibious assault ship, pr. 1171.1, was presented. In addition, the USC will again show the already well-known model of the next generation UDC "Cayman".
For the first time, the model of the support and support ship, project 15550 "Husky" is shown. In its appearance, such a ship is similar to the existing large landing ships, but it has differences associated with the intended use in the Arctic. With a displacement of approx. 14 thousand tons "Husky" will be able to transport 1 battalion of coastal missile systems, up to 30 vehicles or similar cargo.
Other directions have not been forgotten either. Thus, the Rybinsk Shipyard from the Kalashnikov presented its first inflatable boat intended for special forces. The DS-RIB product can be made in two sizes, for 10 or 12 passengers with cargo. The possibility of transportation on the external sling of the helicopter is envisaged; there is an autonomous cylinder pumping system.
Premiere time
The IMTF "Army" is the main domestic platform for demonstrating new achievements of the military-industrial complex, signing contracts and searching for export customers. Even before the opening of the forum, the participating enterprises disclose their plans and announce the range of products planned for demonstration - and among them are often the most interesting novelties.
This time, the number of interesting novelties in all areas exceeds several dozen. Most of them have every chance to enter service with the Russian armed forces and security forces, as well as become the subject of export contracts. However, these are new developments - and the path to operation will take some time. And in the coming days they will have to be at the exhibition and attract the attention of potential customers.
Information