On February 22, Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) hosted the opening ceremony of the international exhibition of arms and military equipment IDEX-2015. For the twelfth time, the Middle Eastern state invites manufacturers and operators of weapons and equipment who want to show and see the latest developments. During and after the exhibition, numerous contracts will be signed for the supply of various military products. The exhibition will run until February 26.
As one of the largest such events in the world, IDEX 2015 has a very remarkable performance. This year in 12 pavilions and open areas with a total area of about 35 thousand square meters. m housed stands and expositions of 1,100 organizations from 52 countries of the world. So, taking advantage of their position, companies from the UAE presented a fairly large exposition. In addition, stands of all leading manufacturers of weapons and equipment are present at IDEX-2015. According to the organizers, 47 companies represent Russia at the exhibition. Our enterprises show a total of 737 different exhibits, including about a hundred real samples of weapons and equipment. The Russian defense industry is represented by various organizations that produce a wide variety of products, from small arms to missile systems.
This time, within the framework of the IDEX-2015 exhibition, it is planned to hold two similar events of a smaller scale and differing in a narrow focus. Simultaneously with the "big" exhibition, NAVDEX and UMEX events are held. The first of them is dedicated to novelties in the field of military shipbuilding, and the second is a mini-exhibition of unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition, IDEX-2015 will traditionally become a venue for various meetings, conferences, etc. activities. The demonstration of technology on the ground and in the air has not been forgotten either.
Like other exhibitions, IDEX-2015 is of great interest to Russian manufacturers of weapons and equipment, since it allows them to demonstrate their products to a potential buyer, which may result in new supply contracts. Deputy Director General of Rosoboronexport Igor Sevastyanov notes that the current exhibition should contribute to the development of military-technical cooperation between Russia and the Middle Eastern states. Russian enterprises are gradually restoring contacts with the countries of the region, and a demonstration of their developments to representatives of these and other states will not be superfluous.
Recently, the Russian defense industry has managed to restore cooperation with Egypt and Iraq, which had previously ceased for political and other reasons. There are close ties with other states of the Middle East. In addition, according to Sevastyanov, Russia is interested in cooperation with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. The current exhibition can become an impetus for the beginning of the development of cooperation with these countries.
In the first days of the exhibition, heads of domestic defense enterprises announced several news about their plans for the future and the specifics of doing business. Thus, the head of Rostec, Sergei Chemezov, said that some of the organizations that make up the corporation are already ready to carry out an IPO, but they will not do so yet. The corporations Russian Helicopters, Shvabe and the Radioelectronic Technologies Concern may already carry out the first public sale of shares, but so far such a step is considered inappropriate due to the current economic situation. Officials see no reason to sell at a low price what is worth much more. For this reason, in particular, S. Chemezov does not exclude that corporations from Rostec will not hold an IPO, and their shares will be acquired by interested parties. This issue has already been discussed with representatives of the UAE.
On February 22, the management of the Kalashnikov concern spoke about their plans to acquire other enterprises in order to expand the list of manufactured products. The concern has completed negotiations on the purchase of controlling stakes in ZALA Aero and Euroyachting - Rybinsk Shipyard. The first is engaged in the development of unmanned aerial vehicles, the second - in the construction of boats, etc. technology. Specialists of the Kalashnikov concern and the ZALA Aero company, which is included in it, will develop new unmanned aerial vehicles and auxiliary equipment intended for reconnaissance. In the future, it is possible to expand the range of products. The company "Euroyachting - Rybinsk Shipyard" is acquired for similar purposes. By 2020, the Kalashnikov Concern intends to launch an integrated development, construction and maintenance of military and civilian boats throughout their entire service life. The new products will be manufactured and marketed under the Kalashnikov brand.
Nevertheless, while the main product of the Kalashnikov concern is several types of small arms. Recently, the concern has faced some political and economic difficulties, but the company's management is taking measures to improve the situation. Last year, a number of foreign countries imposed sanctions on several Russian enterprises, including the Kalashnikov concern. This significantly hit the supply of its products: about 80% of sales were lost, since the bulk of civilian weapons were supplied to the United States. To remedy the situation, the concern is going to actively promote its products in new markets. First of all, this is the Asia-Pacific region and Africa. India and Egypt are considered the most interesting potential customers. In addition, negotiations are underway with South American states.
Continuing the theme of small arms, one of the exhibits displayed at the stand of the Tula Instrument-Making Design Bureau (KBP) should be noted. While all small arms are displayed on special stands and stands, one of the samples was placed in a water-filled aquarium. This is a "two-medium special automatic machine" - ADS. This weapon is being demonstrated for the first time outside of Russia. The ADS assault rifle is intended for arming special units that require small arms for firing under water and in the air. To ensure two-medium operation, the machine has a switch for the modes of the gas outlet mechanism, and can also use several types of ammunition. For shooting in the air, it is proposed to use standard cartridges of 5, 45x39 mm. To defeat targets under water, a special cartridge was created in the KBP, which did not differ from the standard one in size, but was equipped with an elongated bullet. In addition, the ADS assault rifle can be equipped with an underbarrel grenade launcher.
"Two-medium special automatic machine" - ADS
Also, for the first time at a foreign exhibition, a set of combat equipment of a soldier "Ratnik" is shown. This kit includes about 60 items, from clothing and footwear to weapons and communications equipment. In the presented configuration, the "Ratnik" equipment has the "Strelets" reconnaissance, communications and control complex, designed to significantly increase the efficiency of the combat work of each soldier and the entire unit as a whole. In addition, the equipment set on display includes a new bulletproof vest capable of withstanding several hits from an SVD rifle from a distance of 10 m. The Ratnik kit is built on a modular basis, which allows you to change its composition in accordance with the wishes of the customer.
Set of combat equipment soldier "Warrior"
Another foreign "premiere show" is the Chrysanthemum-S self-propelled anti-tank missile system, which is being demonstrated abroad for the first time in the form of a real sample. The combat vehicle, built on the BMP-3 chassis, carries several guided missiles and is capable of striking armored vehicles or enemy fortifications at distances of up to 6 km. The missiles of the complex have a combined guidance system. To control them, a radio command system or laser guidance equipment can be used. Thanks to this, the complex can operate in different weather conditions and at different times of the day, and is also capable of attacking two targets at the same time.
Self-propelled anti-tank missile system "Chrysanthemum-S"
Uralvagonzavod Corporation has brought to Abu Dhabi a new modification of the T-90SM main tank, designed specifically for the Middle East countries and created taking into account the particular climate of this region. The main innovations of this modification are a set of air conditioners and other equipment designed to ensure comfortable work of the crew. In addition, the power plant has been improved, which can now operate at high ambient temperatures without power loss. Some revision of the armament complex has been carried out. In particular, due to the hot climate, the new version of the T-90SM tank must be equipped with a barrel bend sensor. A high-explosive fragmentation projectile with detonation in the air has been introduced into the range of ammunition. The new project is fully completed. Tanks T-90SM in the "Middle East" configuration can go into series in the very near future, immediately after the signing of the relevant contract.
Russian specialists develop new equipment and weapons not only independently, but also in cooperation with foreign companies. At IDEX 2015, the Enigma wheeled armored personnel carrier developed by Emirates Defense Technology (UAE) is being demonstrated for the first time. The vehicle is equipped with the Bakhcha combat module, created by the Tula KBP. In this configuration, the new armored personnel carrier can attack targets using a 100-mm gun-launcher, a 30-mm automatic cannon, or a 7.62-mm machine gun. In the future, a new modification of the Enigma machine may appear, equipped with a different combat module developed by the Uralvagonzavod corporation. The main distinguishing feature of this module is its main weapon - a 57 mm automatic cannon. An uninhabited combat module with such a weapon should significantly increase the firepower of modern and promising armored vehicles when attacking vehicles that are protected from artillery systems of caliber up to 25-30 mm. Currently, specialists from EDT and Uralvagonzavod are working on integrating the new combat module into the equipment of the Enigma armored personnel carrier.
Armored personnel carrier Enigma
The main result of the exhibitions of weapons and equipment is the signing of contracts for the supply of such products. As it became known, a contract for the supply of 12 Mi-17 helicopters to the Republic of Belarus may appear in the near future. The Belarusian side expressed a desire to purchase civilian helicopters. A preliminary agreement has already been reached. The supply contract can be signed as soon as possible.
The International Exhibition of Arms and Military Equipment IDEX-2015 will end its work on February 26. For several days, more than 1100 companies participating in the exhibition, including 47 Russian organizations, must demonstrate to potential customers all their latest developments. According to the results of the exhibition, negotiations between future buyers and suppliers of military products should start in the near future. How many contracts will be signed thanks to IDEX-2015 - time will tell.
