DBDC INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE PUBLICATIONS & EVENTS UK LTD

© Photo- courtesy HPW, El-Alamein

The strongest-ever Russian presence at the El Alamein International Airshow 2026 comes with the world premiere of the latest anti-drone system. The combat-proven module TKB-1167 was nicknamed Bison to stress its powerful ability against the most deadly modern threat that has recently appeared over the battlefield. The system was developed by the High Precision Weapons Holding (HPW) to be marketed by the Rosoboronexport state arms trade mediator; both are subsidiaries of ROSTEC Corporation.

The TKB-1167 Bison air-target engagement system is a weapon station equipped with four 7.62 mm PKT tank machine guns and is designed to autonomously and automatically detect, lock on, identify, track and destroy all types of UAVs. The station is intended to protect valuable military and commercial targets in a 24/7, all-weather regime. The system’s peculiarity is its ability to engage small-sized air targets flying at low altitudes—precisely those that are difficult to intercept with traditional anti-aircraft systems. The system independently detects drones, transmitting target designation to the machine-gun mounts—the operator only has to open fire to destroy the targets. The system has already been combat-proven in engaging real targets. Bison has been described by the ROSTEC spokesman as the last line of defence, which can be used either independently or as part of a unified anti-drone protection architecture interacting with external detection means—thus building a layered air-defence system for various valuable facilities.

Another premiere product being promoted at El Alamein is the ZAK-30 Citadel anti-aircraft artillery system, featuring a programmable shell airburst method intended to protect stationary targets from various UAVs. The system includes a combat module with a ZAK-30 30 mm cannon and a surveillance radar system. The gun is supplied with 300 rounds of ammunition, with a slant killing range of up to 1,000 metres for fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles and up to 800 metres for multicopters. Citadel employs a crew of five in a command post, which can be located approximately 1 km away from each combat module. The system is capable of round-the-clock operation.

According to open sources, Citadel “effectively counters various types of enemy drones thanks to automation and ‘smart’ projectiles. The system’s high performance has already been proven in real combat conditions.” The system’s projectiles, equipped with a remote-controlled fuse, are filled with shrapnel. Citadel’s guidance system calculates the most advantageous detonation point based on the target’s trajectory. Significantly fewer of these projectiles are required to destroy a single target than conventional ammunition requires.

“Egypt is Russia’s most important strategic partner. Military-technical cooperation between our countries has a long history and evolves continuously in line with global market trends,” said Alexander Mikheev, Rosoboronexport Director General. At the El Alamein International Airshow 2026, “we prepared an exhibit featuring the most advanced combat-proven products for Egypt, Africa and the Middle East. We are showcasing the latest aircraft and their weapons, air-defence systems, including counter-UAV solutions, loitering munitions and drones. A number of these products are completely new, shown for the first time anywhere in the world,” he added.

(Sourse: LAGUK-Media)