Staff Correspondent
In December 2025, the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) will once again serve as a prominent platform for showcasing cutting-edge defence technologies and fostering international military-technical partnerships. Among the distinguished participants, ROSOBORONEXPORT JSC—the sole state intermediary for the export of the full range of Russian defence and dual-use products—will lead Russia’s unified national exhibit under the auspices of Rostec State Corporation. The participation of ROSOBORONEXPORT at EDEX 2025 is not only of technological and economic significance but also bears strong diplomatic undertones, symbolizing seventy years of enduring military-technical cooperation between Russia and Egypt.
EDEX, held under the patronage of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces, provides a forum for countries to display innovations in defence and security. For ROSOBORONEXPORT, this exhibition is particularly meaningful. As its Director General, Alexander Mikheev, remarked, the company celebrates seven decades of partnership founded on mutual respect, trust, and shared strategic interests. Over this period, Russia and Egypt have built a robust foundation that extends beyond mere arms supply, encompassing technology transfer, industrial development, and comprehensive national security solutions.
At EDEX 2025, ROSOBORONEXPORT’s pavilion will highlight the breadth and sophistication of Russian defence products tailored to the needs of the African market. In the field of military aviation, the company will exhibit advanced systems, including the Su-57E multirole fifth-generation fighter, which has proven its capabilities in complex combat environments. The IL-78MK-90A versatile tanker aircraft will also be featured, notable for its adaptability for transport, medical evacuation, and firefighting missions. Additionally, the Ka-52 reconnaissance and attack helicopter will be presented, showcasing Russia’s innovation in crew safety and high-precision weaponry.
The air defence segment will include systems that underscore Russia’s technological prowess in anti-aircraft and missile defence. Notably, the S-350E Vityaz system, designed for fully automated engagement of diverse aerial threats, and the Verba man-portable air defence system (MANPADS), recognized for its advanced three-spectrum seeker and resilience to electronic countermeasures, will command attention. Complementing these exhibits will be the Almaz-Antey Corporation’s range of long-, medium-, and short-range defence solutions, underscoring Russia’s comprehensive approach to airspace protection.
For ground forces, ROSOBORONEXPORT intends to exhibit equipment developed with insights gained from recent combat operations. This includes the modernized T-90MS main battle tank, the versatile BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle, the Kornet-EM anti-tank missile system, and the upgraded Lancet-E loitering munition. Each of these systems represents a blend of tested reliability and continuous innovation, reflecting the Russian defence industry’s responsiveness to evolving operational demands.
Naval representatives will be introduced to the Rubezh-ME coastal defence missile system, designed to enhance maritime security capabilities. Such offerings illustrate Russia’s capacity to provide a full spectrum of defence products for land, sea, and air—tailored to the diverse needs of its international partners.
Beyond showcasing technology, ROSOBORONEXPORT’s objectives at EDEX 2025 include forging new industrial collaborations and joint ventures. The company is prepared to discuss cooperative projects in line with global defence trends, particularly those involving knowledge transfer and local production in Egypt and other African nations. This approach not only deepens Russia’s presence in the regional defence market but also aligns with partner countries’ goals of fostering self-reliance and sustainable industrial growth.
As the central actor in Russia’s defence exports, accounting for more than 85 percent of the country’s foreign military trade, ROSOBORONEXPORT operates in coordination with over 700 domestic defence enterprises. Under Rostec’s umbrella—a conglomerate encompassing over 800 research and production entities—it channels Russian industrial innovation to global partners across more than 100 countries. EDEX 2025 thus represents both a commercial and a diplomatic milestone, reaffirming Moscow’s commitment to long-term, multidimensional partnerships across Africa and the Middle East.
Russia’s participation in EDEX 2025 through ROSOBORONEXPORT serves not only as a showcase of advanced defence technologies but also as a reaffirmation of strategic ties with Egypt. It epitomizes a continued commitment to mutual growth, stability, and security, marking seventy years of cooperation that has evolved from mere arms transactions into an enduring partnership rooted in shared vision and technological collaboration.
