Moscow has set its sights on reinforcing its position in the global arms market with an impressive display of its air defense systems at the 15th edition of China’s Zhuhai Air Show. Known as one of Asia’s largest air exhibitions, the Zhuhai Air Show has historically served as a prominent platform for nations seeking to market their military technology. This year’s event, running from November 12 to November 17, provides a crucial stage for Russia as it grapples with a sharp decline in arms exports amid the ongoing Ukraine war.
Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defense Corporation, Russia’s state-owned defense manufacturer, announced on November 7 that it would exhibit three cornerstones of its air defense capabilities: the S-400 Triumf, the S-350 Vityaz, and the Buk-M3 Viking. These advanced systems are joined by other high-profile Russian defense technologies, including the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth aircraft, which makes its debut appearance in China. This exhibition of Russia’s air defense arsenal serves as both a testament to the resilience of its military industry and a calculated move to capture interest from potential buyers amid global market shifts.
Russia’s three primary air defense systems—the S-400, S-350, and Buk-M3—are crucial to the nation’s marketing strategy. Each system serves different operational ranges and target types, providing a comprehensive defense shield. Despite mixed combat effectiveness in the Ukraine conflict, these systems have shown enough capability to remain desirable in a competitive market.
The S-400 Triumf, known for its long-range precision and versatility, has garnered international acclaim over the past decade. With capabilities that include intercepting cruise missiles, drones, and even low-flying stealth targets, the S-400 stands out as a significant rival to other high-end air defense systems, such as the U.S.-manufactured Patriot. Russia has sold the S-400 to several countries, including India, China, Turkey, and Algeria, and it has often been touted as one of the most sophisticated systems available globally.
Notably, the S-400’s effectiveness has been scrutinized in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The UK Ministry of Defense reported in November 2023 that Ukrainian forces had successfully destroyed three S-400 units, signaling potential vulnerabilities. Despite these losses, the system’s technological prowess continues to attract attention, particularly for its ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously over vast distances. According to Almaz-Antey, the S-400’s radars and missiles can track and engage up to 36 targets at once, including targets as close as 40 kilometers, with homing capabilities that adapt to stealthy or low-altitude objects.
The S-350 Vityaz, Russia’s latest addition to its air defense lineup, is specifically designed to defend against aircraft, drones, and both cruise and ballistic missiles at medium ranges. First deployed in 2022, the Vityaz system has proven to be a formidable asset on the frontlines, with analysts noting its ability to engage threats up to 150 kilometers away at speeds approaching two kilometers per second. Its mobility and ease of deployment make it a strong candidate for countries seeking a versatile, cost-effective system.
The Vityaz system’s performance has also been enhanced by artificial intelligence, which allows it to operate autonomously. In May 2023, it reportedly achieved a milestone by autonomously detecting, tracking, and eliminating Ukrainian air targets without operator assistance, a first in Russian air defense history. This feature has positioned the S-350 as a technologically advanced yet affordable alternative to Western systems, like the U.S. Patriot.
Completing Russia’s air defense trio is the Buk-M3, also known in its export version as the Viking. Designed as a medium-range system, the Buk-M3 is highly capable of engaging maneuverable targets under heavy electronic warfare conditions. During the Ukraine conflict, the system has frequently come under attack but has also demonstrated resilience in defending against aerial threats, including drones and helicopters. Almaz-Antey has claimed the Buk-M3 possesses almost twice the efficiency of previous iterations due to its upgraded missile technology.
While the Buk-M3 has suffered losses in combat, similar challenges face most air defense systems, especially in environments dense with drones and precision weapons. Analysts have suggested that these vulnerabilities underscore the complexity of modern warfare, where no system is immune to attack. Russian officials emphasize that the Buk-M3 is designed to perform well in contested environments, boasting anti-jamming technologies and the ability to counter low-flying, fast-moving targets.
The timing of this high-profile demonstration at the Zhuhai Air Show is strategic. Over the past few years, Russia’s arms export industry has faced significant setbacks. Sanctions, production delays, and the shifting priorities due to the Ukraine conflict have strained its capacity to meet export commitments. The S-400 systems ordered by India, for example, have seen delays, raising concerns among other potential buyers. Meanwhile, traditional customers like Vietnam, Egypt, and Iraq have reportedly been exploring alternative suppliers, citing production issues and delivery delays as primary reasons.
This decline in export capacity has not only impacted Russia’s economy but has also opened doors for competitors, particularly Western and Chinese defense firms. At the Zhuhai Air Show, however, Russia aims to counteract this decline by demonstrating the battlefield-proven effectiveness of its systems. Pro-Russian analysts argue that Moscow’s hardware—having seen extensive combat in Ukraine—now holds a unique appeal: battle-tested resilience that rivals may lack.
China’s Zhuhai Air Show is expected to draw crowds in the hundreds of thousands, including military officials, defense contractors, and arms purchasers from around the world. Analysts predict that Russia’s display may attract interest from Middle Eastern and Asian countries seeking affordable yet capable air defense systems. Given the escalating demand for these systems amid geopolitical tensions, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, Moscow may have the opportunity to rekindle its global arms trade.
Yet, even with this opportunity, Russia’s systems face stiff competition from Western and Chinese counterparts. The Patriot system, for example, boasts a global reputation and the backing of a well-established supply chain, something Russia currently struggles with due to logistical disruptions and sanctions. China’s own air defense systems, such as the HQ-9, are also emerging as attractive options for countries looking for cost-effective alternatives to Western arms.
The Zhuhai exhibition has sparked mixed reactions among military experts. While some are optimistic that Russia’s display of resilience and battlefield-tested hardware will entice buyers, others are skeptical, pointing to the performance issues experienced by these systems in Ukraine. Additionally, the broader economic impact of the Ukraine war has pushed Russia into a challenging position in the global arms market, which may undermine its capacity to compete.
Regardless of the varied opinions, Russia’s participation at the Zhuhai Air Show illustrates its determination to remain a leading player in the global defense market. The country’s push to advertise the S-400, S-350, and Buk-M3 at a time when sanctions and production challenges have stifled its exports reveals a strategy focused on leveraging technological appeal and combat experience. Moscow appears committed to positioning itself as an alternative to U.S. and European defense technology, despite its recent setbacks.
An emerging trend in the defense industry is the growing emphasis on combat-tested systems. As more countries seek assurance that their purchased weapons can perform under actual battle conditions, Russia’s experience in Ukraine could bolster its sales pitch. Combat-tested equipment offers a degree of credibility and reliability that simulated testing cannot fully replicate. The appeal of these Russian systems, particularly for countries with limited defense budgets, lies not only in their relative affordability but also in their established track record on the battlefield.
Looking forward, Russia’s efforts at Zhuhai may partially rejuvenate its global defense sales. The S-400, S-350, and Buk-M3, despite their limitations, still offer competitive options for countries looking to build or enhance their air defense capabilities. However, the challenges posed by Western sanctions, production setbacks, and logistical complications cannot be underestimated. Russia’s reputation as a reliable arms supplier has been tested, and it will need to restore buyer confidence to regain market share.
Russia’s presence at Zhuhai, bolstered by its flagship air defense systems and other technologies like the Su-57, signifies its determination to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving arms market. This high-profile display is more than a simple exhibition; it is a strategic maneuver in an industry where credibility, performance, and timely delivery are paramount.
