Russia showcases indigenous aerospace advances at 2025 Dubai airshow
Russia unveiled a broad lineup of domestically developed aircraft and defense technologies at the 2025 Dubai International Airshow, highlighting its accelerated push for self-reliance in aviation manufacturing amid ongoing Western sanctions. The Russian pavilion featured dozens of platforms, with the upgraded Yak-130M trainer jet and the Ansat-M multi-purpose helicopter making their international debut. The Su-57E fifth-generation fighter also performed in the Middle East for the first time.
The Yak-130M, produced by the United Aircraft Corporation, has been outfitted with a new weapons suite and upgraded avionics. Designed to train pilots for fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, the aircraft can also serve as a light combat platform capable of precision strike missions. Its updated onboard systems allow it to operate around the clock in all weather conditions, while expanding its mission envelope.
One of the airshow's global premieres was the Ansat-M light helicopter powered by the VK-650V, a fully Russian-built engine developed by Russian Helicopters. The aircraft's airframe, powerplant and avionics all received major upgrades. The helicopter is capable of operating from small, makeshift airfields, performing in temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius and flying effectively in high-altitude environments.
Russia's Su-57E, the export variant of its fifth-generation stealth fighter, headlined the aerobatic program. Featuring low radar visibility and compatibility with a wide range of precision-guided weapons, the aircraft performed advanced maneuvers including the falling-leaf, the cobra and high-angle climbs. The "E" variant includes modifications tailored for foreign customers, marking the jet's first appearance in the region.
Other Russian platforms on display included the Ka-52 attack helicopter – renowned for its coaxial dual-rotor configuration that enables high agility, rapid directional changes, and steep-angle attacks – as well as next-generation aircraft engines, air-defense systems, navigation technologies and avionics.
The Dubai Airshow remains a key venue for the global aerospace and defense industry, attracting delegations from the Middle East, North Africa and the Asia-Pacific regions. Its reputation as a major marketplace has historically produced substantial procurement deals, particularly from countries seeking multi-role defense capabilities.
Russian defense manufacturers, facing strong demand in these regions, aim to secure new partnerships and export contracts by spotlighting their latest aircraft, missiles and air-defense systems. Representatives emphasized the importance of the Middle Eastern and African markets, where more than 20 percent of the helicopter fleet consists of Russian-made models.
Dmitry Zuikov of Russian Helicopters noted that showcasing new aircraft in Dubai has become "a valued tradition," adding that the Ansat-M's appearance marks its first participation in an international exhibition.
Following years of sanctions that disrupted supply chains, Russian officials used the airshow to underscore the country's progress in replacing foreign components with domestic alternatives. Sergey Chemezov, CEO of the state conglomerate Rostec, highlighted the MS-21 medium-range airliner as a flagship example of successful import substitution, featuring Russian-developed engines, avionics and composite wings.
Chemezov also pointed to the enhanced Ansat helicopter, now fitted with the VK-650 engine and boasting an extended range – up from 500 to around 640 kilometers – as evidence that domestic components have improved overall performance compared with earlier, import-dependent versions.