At this week's Dubai Airshow, Russian arms manufacturers seem to have maintained a subdued presence, reflecting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) efforts to balance its relationships with the West and Moscow. Unlike previous shows, Russian participation has been confined to the far end of the outdoor area, with state arms manufacturers displaying their products in their own pavilion rather than the main hall.
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A Russian arms industry executive, who wished to remain anonymous, noted their location outside the main pavilion but was unsure why Russian firms were seemingly intentionally distanced from the main exhibition area where companies like U.S. firm Lockheed Martin were located.
Despite this, a Russian Su35S fighter jet's aerobatics display proceeded as planned, as reported by the TASS news agency on Monday. Rostec, United Aircraft Corp, and Almaz-Anty are among the Russian firms participating in the show this week.
In the past, Russian arms manufacturers have used the Dubai event to demonstrate their capabilities, often asserting that they were increasing their market share in a region traditionally aligned with the U.S. At the 2021 show, Russia showcased a Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate prototype internationally for the first time.
