Combat module AU-220M. Photo "Rosoboronexport"
On February 20, another international military-technical exhibition IDEX opened in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). As in the past, one of the largest and most interesting expositions is the Russian defense industry. From our country, dozens of companies and organizations are participating in IDEX 2023, and hundreds of various samples and exhibits are presented at their stands.
Russian participation
This year, the Emirates exhibition IDEX celebrates its 30th anniversary. The anniversary salon opened on February 20 and will continue until the 24th. More than 2023 companies and organizations from 1300 countries are reportedly participating in IDEX 65 this year. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected - the main part of them will be the military, officials and businessmen from different countries.
Russian military and dual-use products are shown as part of a joint exposition, for which the organizers of the exhibition have allocated a separate pavilion. Rosoboronexport and dozens of domestic enterprises this time show more than 200 full-scale and mock-up models of equipment, weapons and other products.
Modern armored vehicles in the form of models. Photo "Rosoboronexport"
Several presentations of advanced weapons and equipment are planned. Within the framework of such events, visitors will be introduced in detail to the AU-220M combat module with a 57-mm automatic cannon, the Ka-226T multi-purpose helicopter, modern rifle systems and anti-missile defense systems.
It is noteworthy that the proposals of the Russian industry are not limited to projects and products. Potential customers are offered various cooperation plans in different areas. Russian enterprises are ready for joint work on the creation of new products of various kinds, for the launch of joint ventures, etc.
It is expected that the Russian exposition at IDEX 2023, as in previous years, will attract a lot of attention from visitors. In some cases, interest in exhibits and other proposals will lead to the start of negotiations and the signing of real contracts.
Offshore Mi-171A3 helicopter. Photo "Russian Helicopters"
On the eve of the opening of IDEX 2023, the management of Rosoboronexport noted that, based on the results of the exhibition, further expansion of cooperation with the countries of the Middle East is expected. The organization is already implementing a number of programs in the region, and more are expected to be launched. Now it is planned to develop joint projects, technology transfer, etc.
Exhibition news
The exhibition in Abu Dhabi is traditionally one of the main venues for foreign premieres of Russian developments. IDEX 2023 is no exception. Several samples of land, aviation and other equipment, as well as various weapons are demonstrated outside the country for the first time.
The main premiere from Russian Helicopters this time is a civil / commercial vehicle. This is an offshore modification of the Mi-171A3 multipurpose helicopter. It is designed to transport people and cargo, service drilling platforms on the shelf and participate in search and rescue operations. At the end of last year, the cargo version of the offshore helicopter received a type certificate, which paves the way for it to the market.
Modern rifles brand ORSIS. Photo "Rosoboronexport"
The combined Russian exposition presents a wide variety of artillery systems, as well as ammunition and auxiliary devices for them. There are also premieres in this area. So, for the first time abroad they show the control unit for rockets of the Tornado-S multiple launch rocket system. This device is mounted on a rocket and allows to improve its accuracy by 15-20 times, regardless of the firing range.
Abu Dhabi has already shown the latest domestic developments in the field of 57-mm artillery. This year they are complemented by a new premiere in the form of promising ammunition in this caliber. In particular, a new unitary shot 53-UOR-281U with a fragmentation tracer projectile is demonstrated. It is reportedly designed to combat manpower, unprotected equipment and aircraft and shows improved performance.
For the first time, new optical devices, observation systems, etc. are being demonstrated abroad. Thus, the Shvabe holding brought PP1 and PP3 small magnification prismatic sights to the UAE. Other sights already known to foreign specialists are also exhibited.
Ruselectronics holding presents a small-sized reconnaissance and signaling complex 1K144-E. This complex is designed to monitor the area and detect moving objects, incl. of people. The complex includes infrared, magnetometric and seismic sensors placed on the ground, as well as a control panel that collects and processes data.
Guided aircraft weapons. Photo "Rosoboronexport"
Back at the exhibition
Along with the novelties at IDEX 2023, there are also other domestic samples that were previously shown abroad and are already known to foreign specialists and potential customers. The bulk of such products, as always, are equipment and weapons for the ground forces.
In the Russian pavilion, the main samples of modern armored vehicles are demonstrated in the form of mock-ups. These include the upgraded T-90MS main tank, the Sprut-SDM1 light amphibious self-propelled gun, the TOS-1 flamethrower system, and the support vehicle. tanks BMPT, etc. Presented protected transport for infantry - BMP-3, incl. with a new fighting compartment, BT-3F armored personnel carrier, Typhoon armored cars.
Along with the civilian Mi-171A3, other helicopters of the Mi-8 family are shown, incl. intended for the armies. In addition, Mi-28NE and Ka-52E attack helicopters are again being shown to customers. A wide range of modern fighters is presented, including the promising export Checkmate. Unmanned aircraft did not go unnoticed. In this sector, both light Orlans and more complex developments are presented.
Complex 1K144-E. Photo "Ruselectronics"
Traditionally, Russian developments in the field of air defense are very popular at foreign exhibitions. Rosoboronexport, Almaz-Antey and other organizations take this into account and again show modern samples of different classes. The S-400, Antey-4000, S-350E Vityaz, Pantsir-S1M, Verba, etc. systems are presented. The exposition also included radar systems of various classes, intended for use as part of air defense and other systems. In general, the exposition of air defense systems covers all sectors.
Much attention is now being paid to the means of combating unmanned aircraft. Rosoboronexport presents at IDEX 2023 complexes of counteraction and suppression of domestic development. These are products of the Repellent series, the Pishchal-PRO wearable complex, etc.
Against the backdrop of current events
The Russian defense industry is traditionally one of the main participants of the IDEX exhibitions in Abu Dhabi. During the 30 years of the existence of this event, it is our enterprises that have always presented perhaps the largest exposition with the largest number of interesting exhibits. At the same time, the efforts expended are fully justified - as a result of each such salon, various contracts or cooperation agreements appear.
The current exhibition IDEX 2023 is no exception. Rosoboronexport has again united dozens of domestic enterprises, and all of them are again looking for customers for their products. It is obvious that this time will not do without contracts.
Modern anti-aircraft missiles. Photo "Rosoboronexport"
This year the IDEX exhibition and the combined Russian exposition have several important features. Thus, the presence of a mass of domestic developments gives great reasons for optimism. In recent years, the collective West has been trying to put pressure on our industry with the help of sanctions and other measures, but it continues to work. Right now, foreign experts and the military, incl. those in charge of purchasing can see the performance of our industry in challenging environments – and place their orders.
It should be remembered that the exhibition is taking place against the backdrop of a serious restructuring of the military-political situation in the world. Threats are rising and many countries are planning to modernize their armies. They are looking for reliable suppliers of weapons and equipment, and Russia can play this role. At the same time, some potential customers of Russian products simply do not have a choice, because third countries do not want to sell their developments to them.
Thus, the current exhibition IDEX 2023, as always, is of great interest to all exhibitors and visitors. At the same time, interest is due not only to the opportunity to sell their products or purchase the necessary products, but also to various factors of a political and other nature. This allows us to expect that following the results of the exhibition, a lot of new contracts will appear, and it is Russian enterprises that will receive a significant part of them.