Premiere Abroad: Russian Aircraft Weapons at Airshow China 2024
Enterprises of the Russian defense industry are regular participants of the Chinese aerospace salon Airshow China. Within the framework of this event, various developments of all main classes are demonstrated to potential customers from foreign countries. A special place in the Russian exposition is occupied by modern aviation missiles, some of which are being shown at an international exhibition for the first time.
Weapons on display
On November 12, the Airshow China 2024 exhibition opened in the Chinese city of Zhuhai. The Russian exposition, as always of outstanding size, was prepared by the organization Rosoboronexport. It presents hundreds of various developments and samples of a wide range of classes.
The Russian exhibit pays special attention to modern aviation weapons (AW). Rosoboronexport and the Tactical Missile Weapons Corporation (KTRV) present a large number of missiles and bombs of various types. Some of these models were previously shown only at Russian exhibitions, and now they are at a foreign event for the first time.
The presented line of ASP should arouse increased interest among foreign specialists and customers. The fact is that these are not just new developments that have passed tests and been accepted into service. Air bombs and missiles of various models are already actively used by the Russian aerospace forces within the framework of the Special Operation, clearly demonstrating their potential.
Cruise missile X-69
The positive experience of combat use of these ASPs in real operations against real targets should become their competitive advantage. Potential customers can immediately assess the capabilities of the new weapons, draw conclusions and make a decision about its purchase.
It should be noted that Airshow China 2024 showcases not only aircraft weapons, but also their carriers. The Russian industry presented various frontline aircraft, including the latest generation Su-57 fighter. This equipment, as well as the ASP for it, attracts a lot of attention from visitors.
First time abroad
Rosoboronexport reports which models it is showing for the first time at a foreign site. The exposition includes air-to-surface missiles of the Grom-E1, Kh-58UShKE and Kh-69 types. The exhibition also includes K08BE and UPAB-1500B-E guided bombs. For obvious reasons, all such products are presented in export versions.
It is easy to see that these air-to-surface weapons belong to different classes and differ from each other in characteristics and capabilities. Thanks to this, foreign specialists and potential customers can familiarize themselves with a wide range of Russian developments and choose the most interesting models.
It is expected that missiles and bombs from KTRV will attract attention not only as exhibition exhibits. Following the results of Airshow China 2024, Rosoboronexport may receive new applications for contracts.
Rocket "Thunder-E1"
Rocket direction
For the first time abroad, the Kh-58UShKE guided air missile is demonstrated. This product has already been shown at domestic exhibitions, and it is familiar to specialists. All its features, characteristics and advantages are also well known.
The Kh-58UShKE is a continuation of the Kh-58 ammunition line, but differs significantly from its predecessors. First of all, it has become smaller and lighter. Thanks to this, it was possible to place it in the internal cargo compartment of the Su-57 fighter. The product is equipped with an improved passive radar homing head and is capable of hitting various sources of radio waves. Flight range is 250 km.
To destroy stationary ground targets with pre-determined coordinates, it is proposed to use the X-69 cruise missile. This munition is compatible with frontline aircraft of all major Russian types, including the Su-57.
The Kh-69 was developed on the basis of one of the latest modifications of the Kh-58 cruise missile and has a number of significant differences. The result is a low-signature munition with high subsonic speed. Guidance is carried out using satellite and inertial navigation according to specified coordinates. The export modification of this missile has a standard flight range of 300 km.
The Grom-E1 guided missile, which is part of the modular architecture ASP family of the same name, should attract special attention from foreign customers. As part of the Grom project, KTRV has developed a set of components from which several types of ammunition with different capabilities can be assembled.
UPAB-1500 bomb under the wing of a carrier aircraft
"Grom-E1" consists of a warhead, control system, rocket engine and wing module. Satellite and inertial navigation are used for guidance. The mass of the product reaches 594 kg. The warhead module can carry a 315-kg high-explosive fragmentation charge or a thermobaric charge weighing 250 kg. The flight range is 120 km.
The Grom-2/E2 gliding bomb has also been developed. Instead of a rocket engine, it has an additional warhead. The total mass of its warheads reaches 480 kg. Due to the lack of an engine, the flight range is limited to 65 km.
guided bombs
The Grom family bomb is not on display at Airshow China 2024. However, KTRV has delivered other modern bomb weapons with equally high technical and combat characteristics to China. They should also be of interest to visitors.
The UPAB-1500B-E aerial bomb is already familiar to specialists and foreign military personnel. It has been repeatedly demonstrated at Russian exhibitions. Information about its combat use can be found in open sources, which confirmed its effectiveness in solving specific combat tasks.
UPAB-1500B-E is a gliding munition with an elongated body and X-shaped triangular wings. The length of the product exceeds 5 m. The weight is more than 1,5 tons. The bomb is equipped with a concrete-piercing warhead weighing about 1 ton. Guidance is carried out according to specified coordinates using satellite and inertial navigation devices. Under optimal drop conditions, the flight range is 50 km.
K08BE product at Airshow China 2024
Also presented in Zhuhai was the K08BE aerial bomb, which is similar in appearance and design to the UPAB-1500B-E, but is smaller in size. Its caliber is 500 kg, of which 380 kg is the warhead. The munition is designed to hit stationary targets at ranges of up to 40 km from the drop point.
Export promotion
Despite all the difficulties of recent years, the Russian defense industry continues to hold a leading position on the international arms market. The export of various military equipment and ammunition for them continues - orders already received are being fulfilled and new ones are being accepted.
Various exhibitions, both domestically and internationally, play a key role in finding buyers. In particular, the Airshow China 2024 in China is once again becoming a platform for demonstrating our products and attracting foreign customers.
This year, Rosoboronexport and other defense industry organizations paid special attention to the aviation component of their exposition. For the first time abroad, the Su-57 fighter is shown in an export version, and a wide range of ASP is also on display, including the latest types.
In the past, the demonstration of new weapons at various exhibitions contributed to the emergence of one or another supply contract. It is expected that the current salon in Zhuhai will have the same results, and the order portfolio of Russian enterprises will be replenished again.
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