DBDC INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE PUBLICATIONS & EVENTS UK LTD

Image copyright: AAD 2026

ROSOBORONEXPORT, part of Russia’s Rostec State Corporation, participated in Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026 at Air Force Base Waterkloof with a unified Russian pavilion presenting equipment for land, air, naval and air-defence forces, as well as specialised systems for security and law-enforcement agencies. The company used the exhibition to emphasise Africa’s importance within its international military-technical cooperation strategy and to promote technology partnerships extending beyond conventional equipment sales. According to ROSOBORONEXPORT, more than 20 projects involving the maintenance, repair and potential local production of military equipment were either being implemented or prepared with partners across the continent. Unmanned systems occupied a prominent position within the Russian display, including the upgraded Lancet-E system and a reconnaissance-strike configuration combining the Skat-350M reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle with the KUB-2E loitering munition, both produced by the Kalashnikov Group. The RUS-PE reconnaissance-strike system incorporating a loitering munition was also presented to African military delegations. The company showcased a broad selection of Russian small arms and close-combat equipment, including the AK-19, AK-203, AK-204 and AK-15 assault rifles, the PPK-20 submachine gun, Lebedev pistols and the Chukavin SVCh sniper rifle. These weapons were accompanied by the Atlas, Phobos and Deimos thermal-imaging sights and the Titan thermal-imaging clip-on attachment. A notable feature of the exhibit was the African debut of the modernised RPG-29M grenade launcher, which incorporates lessons drawn from recent operational experience. The upgraded version offers a substantially lighter launcher, a day-and-night thermal-imaging sight with integrated fire-control functions and an expanded selection of ammunition. In the aviation sector, ROSOBORONEXPORT promoted the Mi-171Sh military transport helicopter, the Mi-28NE attack helicopter and the Yak-130 combat-training aircraft, addressing African requirements for troop transportation, close air support, pilot training and light-combat missions. For naval, littoral and special-operations requirements, the company displayed the capabilities of the BK-16E high-speed transport and landing craft. The vessel can be configured for command, fire-support, search-and-rescue and medical-evacuation missions, with potential armament including 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns, grenade launchers and remotely controlled weapon stations. ROSOBORONEXPORT also presented specialised security equipment designed to detect explosives, hazardous chemicals, toxic substances, biological agents and narcotics. During AAD 2026, company representatives held meetings with officials from African armed forces, security agencies and defence industries, using the event to discuss operational requirements, equipment support and prospective industrial cooperation. ROSOBORONEXPORT’s participation reflected its effort to position Russia not only as a supplier of military systems but also as a prospective partner in maintenance, modernisation, skills development and localised production. The scale and diversity of its exhibit demonstrated the company’s focus on systems considered relevant to African operating environments, particularly unmanned capabilities, affordable combat aviation, mobile firepower, coastal security and equipment that can be supported or produced through partnerships with national industries.