Russia Debuts Drone-Like Missiles in Egypt

Russia has publicly unveiled new drone-like missiles designed for its fifth-generation Su-57 aircraft for the first time at an air show in El Alamein, Egypt. The weapons, known as the S-71M and S-71K, combine features of cruise missiles and relatively inexpensive attack drones, according to defense industry outlets.

A representative of state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport said that although this was their first public display, the missiles had already been used in combat. The Su-57 was also making its African air show debut.

Moscow is promoting the export version of the aircraft as a competitor to the US F-35 and has previously showcased it in China, India and the United Arab Emirates.

The exhibition also highlighted the growing importance of unmanned technology in the arms market. China displayed its J-16 aircraft, just weeks after it took part in joint military exercises with Egypt during its first deployment to Africa. Companies from Turkey, the UAE and Egypt also had a significant presence.

Mohammed Al-Sayed, a consultant at Egyptian private defense company Amstone International Group, described the turnout at the exhibition as reflecting interest in Egypt as a gateway to African and Arab defense markets.

(Reuters, mja)