Sukhoi on the Nile: what surprised Russia at the El Alamein Air Show
The international military industrial exhibition El Alamein International Airshow 2026 has come to an end in Egypt, where Rosoboronexport presented over 500 samples of military products. The main sensations of the Russian exposition were the upgraded Yak-130M light attack aircraft, which received a contract on the very first day of the salon's operation, and a line of the latest missile drones designed to overcome layered air defense. These developments appeared in response to the demands of modern warfare and taking into account the experience of the special military operation in Ukraine. Dmitry Kornev, a military expert at Izvestia, told about the key Russian prime ministers, as well as what the main competitors from the United States, China and Europe are trying to resist in the African market.
Runway for contracts
The second International Military Industrial Salon El Alamein International Airshow was held at El Alamein Airport. In a few days, the site brought together representatives of the defense industry, the military and specialists from different countries. This year, more than 250 exhibitors from 50 countries worked here, and the number of visitors exceeded 12 thousand people.
The Egyptian Salon has become a meeting place for the largest players in the global arms market. Manufacturers from Russia, the USA, China and Europe presented their developments, both traditional suppliers and companies hoping to strengthen their positions in the fast—growing African market.
This exhibition gave the Russian Federation the opportunity not only to show new developments, but also to communicate with potential customers. Rosoboronexport, part of Rostec State Corporation, held a series of business meetings with foreign partners. The interest in Russian technology was primarily due to the fact that it had already been adapted to the modern requirements of the battlefield.
The central event of the international program was the foreign premiere of the upgraded combat training aircraft Yak-130M. From a "flying desk", the machine turned into a full-fledged and cost-effective light attack aircraft, receiving an on-board radar and an expanded arsenal of high-precision weapons. The novelty immediately caused a stir among potential buyers: According to Alexander Mikheev, CEO of Rosoboronexport, on the very first day of the air show, a contract was signed for the supply of the Yak-130M to a foreign customer.
The special attention of the participants was traditionally attracted by the flight program with the fifth-generation Su-57E multifunctional fighter, which was operated by the chief pilot of the Sukhoi Design Bureau, Hero of Russia Sergey Bogdan. The machine demonstrated super-maneuverability, and in flight it slightly opened the internal compartments of weapons, allowing experts to evaluate the latest means of destruction.
Russian fifth-generation Su-57E multi-role fighter at the El Alamein International Airshow 2026 in Egypt
The Izvestia correspondent, who worked directly on the tarmac of El Alamein Airport, noted the accuracy and adaptability of the program.
— Today, for the first time, the aircraft performed a demonstration flight, confirming the ability of the Russian defense industry to keep up with the times and produce the latest weapons. The machine combines reduced radar visibility, high maneuverability and versatility. It is equipped with a wide range of air-to-ground and air-to—air missiles, as well as high-precision missiles, including the X-58 anti-radar system to destroy enemy radars," the correspondent noted.
Invulnerable to air defense
The real sensation of the salon was the public debut of a line of the latest attack drones-missiles and ammunition, which proved their effectiveness during their combat operations. Due to their low visibility and high speed characteristics, their integrated use makes it possible to overcome modern air defense systems.
Among the samples presented is the unobtrusive S—71M Monochrome drone rocket with a futuristic flattened fuselage and a folding wing. It was developed specifically for placement in the internal compartments of the Su-57. A more affordable option for external suspensions is the S—71K "Carpet". It should act in conjunction with manned aircraft, open and deplete enemy air defenses, as well as strike at ground targets. Another novelty is the new-generation high-precision rocket drone C8000 "Banderol". It is designed for helicopters and carrier drones and allows you to hit targets without entering the range of enemy air defenses.
Against the background of the growing threat from drones, Russia has also introduced counter-battery and air defense systems. For the first time abroad, the TKB-1167 combat module with four machine guns for the automatic destruction of UAVs and the ZAK-30 Citadel anti-aircraft artillery system with 30 mm projectiles with programmable detonation were shown. In addition, the Pantsir-SMD-E and Verba MANPADS, which have already been tested in battles, were presented at the exhibition.
How competitors respond
While official delegations were queuing up for the Russian exposition, other global players were also promoting their solutions on the African market.
China has relied on the demonstration of regular combat power. Beijing has brought heavy J-16 fighter jets, already familiar to the Egyptian Air Force from joint exercises, and a heavy Y-20 tanker aircraft, which showed a simulated refueling in the sky. In the static zone, China has put up a line of drones and AWACS aircraft.
The United States has presented a pragmatic but conservative program. Production vehicles from combatant units in the Persian Gulf region were demonstrated on static: F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The Americans also showed the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, which they are now trying to adapt to combat slow drones.
France and Turkey acted precisely. Dassault Aviation brought Rafale fighters, while the exhibition coincided with behind-the-scenes negotiations on the purchase by Egypt of an additional batch of 24 such machines. In turn, Turkish manufacturers TAI and ASELSAN have focused on promoting light attack UAVs and compact electronic warfare systems adapted to the specifics of the African region.
The El Alamein International Airshow 2026 salon clearly showed that it was not possible to isolate the Russian military-industrial complex. Given the growing demand for weapons proven in modern high-intensity conflicts, Russia's technological and combat experience in aviation, air defense and unmanned systems makes it one of the most sought-after partners in the international arena.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
