Russia opened its Dubai Airshow 2025 (November 17–21) pavilion with a major emphasis on systems it describes as “combat-proven,” underscoring a strategy that blends operational experience with export marketing. The exhibit, organised by Rosoboronexport Joint Stock Company of the Rostec State Corporation, features more than 850 products and over 30 full-scale systems, making it the largest Russian presence at any foreign airshow to date.
The display reflects Moscow’s intent to retain a strategic foothold in the Middle East and North Africa defence market at a time when suppliers from the United States (US), Turkey, China and Europe are aggressively expanding their presence. Several of the systems presented on the opening day have been used in high-intensity conflict, something Russia is highlighting as a differentiator.
Which ‘combat-proven’ systems are on display at Dubai?
The Russian pavilion includes a full range of platforms that Rosoboronexport says have validated performance in operational environments. These include:
The Ka-52 reconnaissance and attack helicopter: Participating in the airshow’s flying programme, its coaxial rotor system allows rapid directional changes, lateral movement at speed and steep-angle attack profiles. It is being displayed with weapons packages such as the Kh-MD multipurpose missile, the 305E lightweight guided missile and the Kh-38MLE.
Loitering munitions, including the upgraded Lancet-E and the KUB-2-2E: Rosoboronexport describes the Lancet-E as having “the most extensive combat experience in the world” for its class. Both systems are on static display from the opening day.
Reconnaissance UAVs, such as the Orlan-10E, Orlan-30 and Skat-350M, intended for surveillance, artillery correction and target acquisition. These are being shown in complete system configurations, including ground control stations.
Russia’s message is clear: systems proven in real-world conflict offer greater confidence to buyers seeking reliability under demanding conditions.
Why is Russia promoting combat experience as a sales pitch?
Combat-proven capability has become an increasingly important criterion for defence procurement in the Middle East, where several states face complex airspace, border and maritime security challenges. Rosoboronexport is using this trend to position its systems as validated solutions for drone-swarm threats, asymmetric warfare scenarios and long-duration surveillance requirements.
The focus on tested systems also allows Russia to compete in market segments where rivals such as Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 and Iran’s Shahed-series drones have gained visibility. With global interest in low-cost, attritable platforms rising, Russia is using Dubai Airshow 2025 to demonstrate that it remains a capable supplier despite geopolitical pressures and sanctions.
The airshow also enables Moscow to pair the combat-experience narrative with offers of industrial cooperation, maintenance partnerships and training packages, which Rosoboronexport officials have said will be central to their discussions during the event.
What is planned over the next few days of the airshow?
From the opening day on November 17, all “combat-proven” systems are already on static display, with daily technical briefings expected at the Russian pavilion. The Ka-52 is scheduled to feature in multiple flying demonstrations through the week, though precise timings may vary based on airshow sequencing.
Rosoboronexport has planned meetings with delegations from Middle Eastern, North African and Asia-Pacific countries throughout the exhibition period. These discussions are expected to focus on supply contracts, co-production opportunities and technology-cooperation frameworks linked to the systems showcased.
The emphasis on combat-tested platforms is therefore set to remain a consistent theme across the next several days, with Russia aiming to convert visibility into long-term market engagement.