ROSOBORONEXPORT SHOWCASES RUSSIA´S LATEST DEFENCE PRODUCTS AT LE BOURGET., Rosoboronexport - ФГУП «Рособоронэкспорт»
Release Date: 2009-06-18
Paris, Le Bourget June 17 - Russia´s State Defence Corporation, Rosoboronexport showcased the latest Russian combat aircraft, military air transports, air defence systems, and space exploration developments to its foreign partners during the 48th International Paris Air Show 2009 at Le Bourget. Just before the opening of the show, Rosoboronexport´s Deputy Director General and head of the delegation Alexander Mikheev had already announced in a press release that the Corporation´s ¨programme would be even more intense than before¨ to celebrate theParis Air Show Le Bourget 2009 centenary.
“We will hold negotiations with our partners from Western and Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa to discuss crucial issues of bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation”, Mikheev said.
Russia is a traditional participant in the Paris Air Show Le Bourget, one of the world’s largest air shows. Until June 21, visitors at Le Bourget have the chance to examine cutting-edge Russian developments, including the Su-35 4++ generation multi-role super-manoeuvrable fighter designed to establish air superiority and deliver air strikes against ground- and surface-based targets by day and night in adverse weather (the Su-35 boasts flight characteristics similar to those of fifth-generation fighters). The aircraft is capable of carrying a combat load of eight tons, thus, it can be armed with a wide range of guided and unguided weapon systems.The Russian side is also displaying the MiG-35 single-seat and the MiG-35D twin-seat multi-role tactical fighters, featuring a high combat efficiency, an outstanding performance, and remarkable reliability and safety. The operational costs of the aircraft are relatively low.
Also on display, the Yak-130 combat trainer, fitted with a reprogrammable remote control system, which allows pilots to undergo basic and advanced training in flying all existing and future fighters (Russian Su- and MiG-family aircraft, Mirage 2000, F-16, Eurofighter Typhoon, F-35, etc.). The Yak-130 will enter the inventory of the Russian Air Force as early as 2009.The Russian exhibitors will also present a whole range of helicopters: the Mi-35M combat transport (the world’s only combat helicopter, capable of discharging troop carrier, transportation, and medevac tasks), the Ka-52 attack helicopter, and the Mi-26 heavy-lift transport helicopter, which has proved its worth during various man-caused and natural disasters, as well as other rotary-wing aircraft.Russia also have on display the following air defence systems: the S-300VM (Antei-2500) mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, capable of killing stealth-technology targets; the Buk-M2E multi-channel medium-range SAM systems, capable of simultaneously engaging 24 targets, approaching from any direction, at a range of up to 50 km; the cutting-edge Tor-M2E SAM system, capable of simultaneously destroying both air-to-surface precision-guided munitions (PGM), and their platforms; as well as the Igla-S man-portable air defence system (MANPADS), the Nebo-SVU mobile radar (boasting unrivalled capabilities), the Kredo-1E radar, etc.
Rosoboronexport also attributes much importance to repairing and upgrading arms and materiel exported earlier, including Soviet-vintage weapon systems, and is offering corresponding repair and modernisation programmes at the Paris Air Show 2009. The urgency of the issue results from the attempts of a number of foreign operators to upgrade such arms and materiel without the participation of Russian experts which has unfortunately resulted in severe accidents and crashes, involving “independently modified” aircraft.
Key lines of defence cooperation include prospects of establishing licensed-production and assembly facilities, building arms and materiel service centres, and cooperating in Earth remote probing and space exploration. Rosoboronexport has already established cooperation in research and development and space exploration with France, Italy, Germany and Spain.
Corresponding bilateral contracts have been signed and are being fulfilled. Today, Rosoboronexport’s short-term contract portfolio exceeds US $25 billion. The corporation actively promotes the entire range of defence-related and dual-purpose products, technologies, and services in the international arms market, but special efforts are focused on aviation (in 2008 aircraft accounted for 56% of the overall arms exports, and air defence system exports amounted to 17%).
“The demand for Russian aircraft and helicopters grows despite the ongoing global financial crunch. It makes us feel special obligations and responsibility both as a supplier, and as a reliable time-tested partner,” Mikheev emphasised. “We take every necessary measure and constantly revise every line of defence cooperation, which nowadays actively expands, among other things due to developing relations with NATO member-states.”
| Type: | NORMAL |
| Company: | Rosoboronexport - ФГУП «Рособоронэкспорт» |
| Country: | Russian Federation |