ROSOBORONEXPORT JSC, Russia’s central state intermediary for defence exports and a flagship subsidiary of Rostec State Corporation, will lead a unified national pavilion at the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2025, scheduled in Cairo from December 1 to 4. The move underscores Moscow’s renewed drive to consolidate its defence presence across Africa at a time when geopolitical alignments, procurement trends, and regional security dynamics are rapidly shifting.
The consolidated pavilion—bringing together dozens of Russia’s premier defence manufacturers—signals a coordinated strategy to promote a wide spectrum of military technologies spanning air power, integrated air-defence systems, land warfare, naval security, and broader national-security solutions. For Russia, EDEX 2025 is far more than an exhibition: it is a platform to reinforce its long-standing strategic ties with Egypt and expand its influence across African markets experiencing rising demand for modern, cost-effective, combat-proven military systems.
This year’s edition carries particular symbolic weight as it marks the 70th anniversary of Russia–Egypt military-technical cooperation. Since the 1950s, the partnership has evolved through Cold War alignments, post-Soviet restructuring, counterterrorism cooperation, and contemporary security needs tied to regional instability. According to Alexander Mikheev, Director General of ROSOBORONEXPORT, the anniversary represents both a historical milestone and a reaffirmation of a strategic partnership grounded in trust and shared geopolitical interests.
Mikheev noted that cooperation between Moscow and Cairo extends far beyond arms sales to encompass joint production, technology transfers, lifecycle support, and military training. This model is designed to expand Egypt’s defence-industrial base while enhancing its autonomy in procurement and operational readiness.
He added that Russia’s current export offerings include not only individual combat platforms but also full-spectrum national-security architectures—integrated command-and-control networks, multi-domain sensing systems, and long-term industrial projects that embed Russian technology within Egypt’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem.
Held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, EDEX 2025 reinforces Egypt’s ambition to position itself as a regional defence hub and a gathering point for global arms suppliers. Cairo aims to diversify procurement, reduce dependence on Western systems, and increase resilience amid a turbulent Middle Eastern and North African security environment marked by the proliferation of drones, precision munitions, and hybrid warfare.
Russia’s participation in every edition of the expo reflects its view of Egypt as a crucial gateway for arms exports across Africa. Many African states—from North Africa to the Sahel and the Horn of Africa—are facing persistent insurgencies, drone warfare threats, and border-security challenges, fueling demand for rugged, affordable, and combat-tested platforms.
At EDEX 2025, Russia is set to highlight a suite of aviation assets that have undergone extensive operational validation, particularly in dense air-defence environments with high electronic-warfare saturation.
The centrepiece of the air-power segment will be the Su-57E, the export version of Russia’s fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter. Promoted as the only fifth-generation aircraft with operational experience in heavily contested air-defence zones, the Su-57E is positioned as an alternative for non-Western countries seeking advanced fighter capabilities without the political restrictions attached to U.S. or NATO platforms.
Designed for air superiority, precision strike, and network-centric warfare, the Su-57E integrates stealth shaping, long-range sensing, supermaneuverability, and advanced electronic warfare systems. It is manufactured by Sukhoi under the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), one of Rostec’s major aviation holdings.
Russia will also exhibit the IL-78MK-90A aerial refuelling tanker, a modernised strategic asset capable of extending the operational range of combat aircraft. The tanker’s modular architecture allows rapid conversion for transport, medical evacuation, or airborne hospital missions, reflecting Russia’s growing emphasis on multi-role aviation solutions suitable for mid-sized air forces.
Another key aviation platform will be the Ka-52 reconnaissance and attack helicopter, known for its unique co-axial rotor system, crew-ejection capability, and advanced survivability suite. Armed with precision-guided munitions and air-to-air weapons, the Ka-52 has been adapted for both anti-armour missions and counter-UAV operations—critical capabilities in modern battlespaces where drone threats have escalated dramatically.
Russia’s air-defence portfolio remains one of its strongest export segments, and EDEX 2025 will underscore this with multiple high-profile systems.
Leading the lineup is the S-350E Vityaz, designed for automated, multi-channel engagement of aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions. The system has shown substantial improvement in real combat operations, informing algorithmic upgrades for autonomous target selection and simultaneous intercept of multiple fast-moving threats.
Complementing the S-350E will be the Verba MANPADS, equipped with a cutting-edge triple-spectrum seeker engineered to detect low-signature targets, including miniature drones. As drone warfare becomes ubiquitous across Africa and the Middle East, the Verba’s strong resistance to electronic countermeasures is a central selling point.
Air-defence conglomerate Almaz-Antey will showcase a comprehensive range of long-, medium-, and short-range systems, reflecting Russia’s doctrine of layered air defence designed to withstand saturation attacks and complex air threats.
For ground forces, ROSOBORONEXPORT plans to present upgraded variants of its most widely deployed land-warfare platforms.
The T-90MS main battle tank, shown in an updated configuration, includes enhanced armour packages, new digital fire-control systems, and improved networking capability for integrated battlefield operations. Survivability upgrades focus on countering modern anti-tank threats such as top-attack munitions, loitering drones, and advanced ATGMs.
Alongside it, the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle will be exhibited for its mobility and firepower balance, features highly relevant for theatres ranging from desert environments to dense urban terrain.
Complementing armoured vehicles, visitors will see the Kornet-EM anti-tank guided missile system. Operated remotely and capable of defeating explosive-reactive armour and active-protection systems, the Kornet-EM is marketed as a counter to next-generation armoured platforms.
Russia will also showcase its modernized Lancet-E loitering munition, which has achieved prominence in recent conflicts for its precision, low cost, and adaptability in counter-artillery and counter-armour roles.
Naval delegations will be able to examine the Rubezh-ME coastal defence missile system, designed to secure littoral zones and deter hostile naval forces. Its inclusion highlights Russia’s strategy of marketing maritime-denial capabilities to countries situated along strategic waterways—particularly relevant for African states bordering the Red Sea, Mediterranean, and Indian Ocean.
Beyond platform sales, ROSOBORONEXPORT plans to hold discussions on new industrial-cooperation initiatives covering joint manufacturing, technology localization, long-term maintenance, and training ecosystems. Such arrangements appeal to states seeking greater autonomy, sovereignty, and domestic content in defence procurement.
The company will also target opportunities with law-enforcement and internal-security agencies, particularly in areas such as border surveillance, counterterrorism equipment, and homeland-security technologies.
As Russia’s exclusive agency for defence and dual-use exports, ROSOBORONEXPORT manages more than 85% of the country’s military-equipment exports and works with over 700 domestic defence enterprises. Russia currently maintains military-technical cooperation with more than 100 countries, driven by demand for systems known for ruggedness, simplicity, and lower political conditionality.
Rostec, which oversees more than 800 research and production facilities across Russia, remains the backbone of the country’s defence-industrial and high-technology sectors. In 2024, the corporation posted revenues exceeding ₽3.6 trillion (around USD 46 billion), enabling sustained R&D investment despite global sanctions and supply-chain disruptions.
As geopolitical blocs realign and defence budgets expand across Africa and the Middle East, EDEX 2025 offers Moscow a high-visibility platform to strengthen partnerships, expand market share, and promote its multi-polar world vision. For Egypt, the expo reinforces its status as a defence hub and strengthens ties with one of its oldest military partners.
For both nations, the exhibition marks not only a celebration of seven decades of cooperation but also a step toward shaping the next phase of military-industrial collaboration.
