Russian Media: Russia's Advanced Weapons Debut at the 2026 Africa Aerospace and Defense Exhibition

According to a report by Reference News on September 18, TASS reported on September 16 that the 13th Africa Aerospace and Defense Exhibition opened at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion, near Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa. This exhibition is the largest defense exhibition in Africa.

South Africa's Minister of Defense and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, stated that 287 companies from 33 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas are participating in this exhibition.

The theme of the 2026 Africa Aerospace and Defense Exhibition is "A Window to Africa Serving Partnerships in Defense and Aerospace." Innovations in the defense industry related to unmanned systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence are the focus of this year's exhibition.

Modise said, "Unmanned systems are receiving significant attention worldwide. They have become a key component of contemporary military aviation equipment and are also one of the fastest-growing areas in the defense and aerospace sectors."

Major global drone manufacturers from countries such as Russia, China, and Turkey are showcasing their products in South Africa.

The Africa Aerospace and Defense Exhibition is held every two years. This year's exhibition will conclude on the 20th.

Additionally, TASS reported on September 16 that Russia will showcase its advanced drones and loitering munitions at the 2026 Africa Aerospace and Defense Exhibition.

The Russian Defense Products Export Company will display 494 exhibits in South Africa, including 30 samples of military equipment. These military items include new unmanned systems that have been tested in special military operations and have performed excellently, such as the "Lantset"-E reconnaissance-strike drone, SKAT 350M reconnaissance drone, "Kubik"-2 loitering munition, "Sea Eagle"-10E, and "Sea Eagle"-30E reconnaissance drones.

Furthermore, Russia will showcase the latest RUS-PE portable reconnaissance-strike loitering munition. This loitering munition made its debut at the Riyadh International Defense Exhibition in February this year and can carry out precise strikes on stationary and moving targets. It boasts excellent tactical technical performance and has shown remarkable results in special military operations.

For the first time in Africa, Russia will present the lightweight extended-range anti-tank rocket launcher RPG-29M developed by the Russian State Technology Corporation. It is a deep modification of the RPG-29, designed with practical combat needs in mind. The Russian Technology Group claims that the new rocket launcher has significantly reduced weight, a wider operational range, and higher combat efficiency, while also improving ergonomics. The RPG-29M is equipped with an all-weather thermal imaging sight with fire control capabilities, and the weight of the launch device is only one-third of the original version, allowing it to fire a greater variety of rocket types.

Russia will also showcase advanced light weapons and close combat weapons, such as the AK-15K and AK-19K short automatic rifles, AK-203 and AK-204 automatic rifles, "Chukavin" sniper rifle, PPK-20 submachine gun, and Lebedev series pistols. In addition, several thermal imaging sights will also be exhibited.

At this exhibition, the Russian high-speed transport landing craft named BK-16E can also be seen. This fast boat can serve as a command boat, fire support boat, search and rescue boat, and medical evacuation boat, among other roles. The Kalashnikov Group stated that this fast boat has been deployed in Africa and has effectively played a role in local counter-terrorism operations.

Additionally, the Mi-171Sh transport helicopter, Mi-28NE attack helicopter, and Yak-130 trainer aircraft will also be showcased at this defense exhibition. (Translated by Liu Yang)