Key facts
- Russia's Rosoboronexport displayed drone-like missiles for its Su-57 stealth fighter jet at an air show in Egypt.
- The Su-57 fighter jet made its African debut at the El Alamein International Airport exhibition.
Russia's state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport showcased drone-like missiles for its Su-57 stealth fighter jet at an air show in Egypt, marking the warplane's African debut. The S-71M and S-71K missiles, described as a hybrid of cruise missiles and low-cost attack drones, were displayed publicly for the first time.
The display highlights Russia's efforts to export advanced military technology, particularly in a region where drone warfare is increasingly prevalent, and underscores Egypt's role as a hub for international defense trade.
Russia's state-owned arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, showcased drone-like missiles for its Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation stealth jet fighter in Egypt on Wednesday, marking the warplane's debut in Africa. The jet performed a flyover at the El Alamein International Airport exhibition, an event designed to position Egypt as a key market for African and Middle Eastern defense sales.
Displayed in Russia's section were the S-71M and S-71K missiles, which defense industry outlets describe as combining features of cruise missiles and low-cost attack drones. A Rosoboronexport representative stated that these missiles, while not strictly drones, are a hybrid of both and have been used in combat, though this was their first public display. The export model of the Su-57, considered a rival to Lockheed Martin's F-35, has previously been exhibited in China, India, and the UAE.
Elsewhere at the air show, China presented its J-16 fighter jet, which recently participated in joint military exercises with Egypt. Companies from Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt also featured prominently, offering products for an era of warfare increasingly defined by drones. Military delegations from countries including Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Kuwait attended the exhibition. Mohammed Al-Sayed, a consultant at Egypt's Amstone International Group, noted the event reflected significant interest in Egypt as a gateway to African and Arab defense markets.
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