Russia plans to showcase heavy transport aircraft at a foreign exhibition for the first time in three decades. This comes from an official Rostec press release. The event marks a significant moment as a heavyweight transport platform enters the global stage after a long hiatus.
The Il-76MD-90A(E) heavy transport aircraft will be displayed at the international Dubai Airshow 2023 held in the United Arab Emirates, running from November 13 to 17. This schedule aligns with Russia’s intent to demonstrate the capabilities of its modernized transport fleet to a global audience at a major, high-profile aviation event. Rostec and the United Aircraft Corporation have coordinated the exhibition plan, with emphasis on the aircraft’s role in strategic air mobility and humanitarian missions, as reported by Rostec. — Rostec press release.
Leading the message is the Il-76MD-90A(E), a substantially upgraded member of the Il-76 family. Rostec notes that this model represents a deep modernization of the Il-76MD, with more than 70 percent of its systems and components updated or replaced. The emphasis on comprehensive modernization underscores Russia’s commitment to maintaining a capable, versatile transport aircraft that meets contemporary operational demands. This upgrade enhances payload capability, reliability, and performance in a wide range of mission profiles, from heavy lift to disaster response, according to Rostec. — Rostec press release.
In addition to the main event, there is mention of a new generation of unguided aircraft rockets featuring a high-efficiency engine. The project is attributed to the team at NPO Splav and the Technopolitika holding, both connected to Rostec. The ammunition reportedly blends concrete-piercing and high-explosive fragmentation properties, aimed at addressing diverse battlefield scenarios. Rostec officials highlighted that this ammunition line represents an evolution in munition design and modern industrial collaboration. — Rostec press release.
Historically, the Security Council of the Russian Federation has commented on the country’s advances in strategic weapon capabilities, underscoring the broader defense posture that accompanies aviation demonstrations and military technology showcases. While this article focuses on civilian-maflight industry exhibitions and modernization efforts, it also acknowledges the broader context of Russia’s ongoing investments in aerospace and defense infrastructure. Rostec’s communication emphasizes the interconnected nature of aerospace progress and national security considerations, as reported by Rostec. — Rostec press release.