Photo: Andrey Alekseev
The Army International Military-Technical Forum was held in the Moscow region in August 12 - 14. The forum celebrated its anniversary this year – it was held for the tenth time. Notwithstanding the difficulties and restrictions, the Army-2024 was held successfully and the products made by Rostec’s companies traditionally constituted the major part of the exposition.
The special military operation was taken as the main theme of the forum this year. Almost all Rostec’s holdings demonstrated their expositions: UAC, Russian Helicopters, UVZ, Tecmash, High-Precision Systems, Ruselectronics, Kalashnikov, etc. A total of 1000 products were exhibited at Rostec’s pavilion and full-scale exposition.
Aircraft premieres: Combat Yak-130M and UAV truck
Presentation of the upgraded Yak-130M is the most remarkable event among the news of the forum’s aviation program. The Russian Yak-130, on the basis of which a new aircraft is being created, is the world’s first training and combat aircraft whose performance makes its possible to train pilots for the fourth and fifth generation fighters. In addition, it can fulfill the functions of a light attack fighter by engaging targets on ground and in air.
Photo: United Aircraft Corporation
The upgraded Yak-130М version will get additional weapons, including air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface high precision air-launched weapons with satellite and laser guidance systems. All this is aimed at increasing the export potential of the solution.
Photo: United Aircraft Corporation
A full-scale specimen of a new off-aerodrome-based heavy lift unmanned aerial system (OAB HLUAS) with the S-76 vertical take-off and landing aircraft was the second premiere of Rostec’s United Aircraft Corporation. This vehicle is able to carry loads up to 300 kg at a distance up to 1000 km. Sukhoi Design Bureau also develops a small vehicle – S-76 (MBS) – designed to carry loads up to 50 kg at a distance up to 400 km.
Antidrone systems: the Surikat (suricate) under the Pantsyr (carapace) in the Lesochek (forest)
Anti-UAV systems aroused high interest Rostec’s exposition visitors. The Surikat portable system will help detect and suppress drones. It includes detection/suppression modules and a battery. Due to their light weight of 2.75 kg and dimensions, the modules may be attached to a soldier’s load bearing vest or bulletproof vest. The solution detects a hostile drone at a distance of at least 1 km and suppresses it at a safe distance of 300 m.
The Surikat. Photo: Ruselectronics
To protect armored vehicles against radio-controlled explosive devices, the upgraded Lesochek electronic warfare system was presented. Ability to suppress the operating channels of commercial UAVs that are often used in combat and reconnaissance purposes is the key difference of this version. The device is mobile and compact, can be placed in a briefcase or backpack, therefore it may be used to safeguard protected persons indoors or in motion.
Pantsyr-SMD-E. Photo: Andrey Alekseev
High-Precision Systems holding has demonstrated a new representative of the Pantsyr family – Pantsyr-SMD-E very short range air defense system. Its main purpose is to protect stationary objects against mass drone attacks. Due to the extended set of equipment, the system is able to detect and engage air targets at medium and short distances, and to automatically assess fire effectiveness.
Robots on the warpath: Karakal crawler and wheel-mounted Depesha
By continuing the hot topic of robotics, Rostec has presented several robotic devices for the first time at the forum. The Karakal robotic crawler named after a carnivorous wild cat (caracal) is one of the new products. The ‘iron carnivore’ is controlled by the operator at a distance of 2 km and is able to carry 500 kg with a fuel distance of 150 km. The maneuverable and compact Karakal will carry loads, evacuate wounded soldiers, provide fire support, etc.
The Karakal. Photo: High Precision Systems
Mining robot and medical robot versions of the Depesha wheel-mounted platform were shown at the forum. Both professions are associated with high risk and the robot can help keep people alive. Such robot with a remote mining system is a kind of mini Zemledeliye system with remote control.
The Depesha
A small and agile Depesha can deliver food, ammunition and fuel in a stealthy manner, and even serve as a ground suicide drone. Wireless and wire operation is the main advantage of the platform that makes it less vulnerable to jamming.
