Defense & Military
Rostec Showcases Yak130M AnsatM and Su57E at Dubai Airshow 2025
Rostec debuts Yak-130M, Ansat-M, and Su-57E at Dubai Airshow 2025, highlighting import-substitution and advanced aerospace tech.
Rostec’s High-Stakes Showcase at Dubai Airshow 2025
The Dubai Airshow stands as a premier global stage for the aerospace and defense industries, a place where innovation, strategy, and international partnerships converge. For the 2025 event, scheduled for November 17-21, Russia’s State Corporation Rostec is set to make a significant statement. The corporation is not merely presenting its latest hardware; it is showcasing a strategic pivot towards technological sovereignty and a targeted appeal to the Middle Eastern market. This year’s exhibition will be marked by the international debuts of two key platforms: the modernized Yak-130M combat trainer and the fully domestically produced Ansat-M helicopter.
These unveilings are more than just product launches; they represent a calculated response to a shifting geopolitical landscape. The emphasis on “import-substituted” components, particularly in the Ansat-M, underscores a broader push for self-reliance within Russia’s defense industry. By presenting aircraft that are independent of foreign supply chains, Rostec aims to offer its partners a degree of reliability and operational security. Alongside these premieres, the Middle Eastern debut of the Su-57E, the export version of Russia’s fifth-generation fighter, signals a clear intent to compete at the highest echelon of military aviation and capture the attention of nations seeking advanced aerial capabilities.
The Yak-130M: A Trainer Evolved for Modern Combat
The Yakovlev Yak-130 has long been respected as an advanced jet trainer, designed to prepare pilots for the complexities of flying 4th and 5th generation fighters. However, the Yak-130M represents a significant evolution of this platform, transforming it from a dedicated trainer into a versatile and potent light combat aircraft. This modernization effort is aimed squarely at international clients who require a multi-role, cost-effective solution that can perform both training and combat missions without the expense and logistical footprint of a heavier fighter.
Upgraded Firepower and Advanced Avionics
The core of the Yak-130M’s transformation lies in its enhanced combat systems. The aircraft is fitted with a new aviation weapons system, enabling it to carry a combat load of up to 3,000 kg across nine hardpoints. This allows for a wide array of munitions, including sophisticated air-to-air missiles and high-precision air-to-ground weapons guided by satellite and laser systems. This expanded arsenal turns the trainer into a credible threat in a variety of combat scenarios.
To effectively deploy these weapons, the Yak-130M features a completely new suite of airborne equipment. This includes a BRLS-130R airborne radar and a SOLT-130K electro-optical/laser targeting system, which together provide the pilot with superior situational awareness and targeting capabilities. Complemented by a modern KSS-130 communications unit, these systems ensure the aircraft can operate effectively day or night and in all weather conditions, a critical requirement for modern military operations.
Further bolstering its capabilities, the aircraft is equipped with a “President-S130” onboard defense system designed to counter missile threats, enhancing its survivability in contested airspace. A new SM-100 engine option, derived from the AI-222-25, has also been developed, reportedly delivering a 20% increase in thrust and doubling the service life, which translates to improved performance and lower operational costs over the aircraft’s lifespan.
The Yak-130M is engineered to bridge the gap between pilot training and active combat, offering a single, versatile platform for air forces seeking to optimize their fleets and budgets.
Ansat-M: A Testament to Technological Sovereignty
The Ansat-M helicopter is perhaps the clearest example of Rostec’s strategic focus on “import substitution.” This upgraded version of the Ansat light multipurpose helicopter has been systematically redesigned to eliminate reliance on foreign components, a direct response to international sanctions that previously halted the supply of its engines. The successful maiden flight with its new Russian-made engines in the autumn of 2025 marked a critical milestone in this endeavor.
A Russian Heart: The VK-650V Engine
The most significant upgrade in the Ansat-M is the replacement of its Canadian-made Pratt & Whitney engines with two domestically produced VK-650V turboshaft engines. Developed by UEC-Klimov, each engine provides approximately 650 horsepower, ensuring the helicopter maintains its performance characteristics while being completely independent of external supply chains. This move is not just a technical achievement but a powerful selling point for international customers concerned about the long-term sustainability and serviceability of their equipment.
Beyond the new powerplants, the Ansat-M features a modernized airframe with a significant increase in the use of composite materials, rising from 15% to 35%. This change enhances structural strength while reducing overall weight, contributing to improved efficiency and performance. The helicopter’s maximum takeoff weight has been increased to 3,800 kg, and its flight range is approximately 400 km, which can be extended to 600 km with the installation of auxiliary fuel tanks, making it suitable for a wider range of missions.
The modernization extends to its internal systems, with the Ansat-M now equipped with Russian-made avionics, a modern autopilot, and an upgraded fuel system. It boasts the most spacious cabin in its class, capable of carrying 7-8 passengers or a payload of over 1.2 tons. This versatility makes it an ideal platform for various roles, including passenger and cargo transport, medical evacuation, and operations in dense urban environments.
The Su-57E: Russia’s Fifth-Generation Pitch
While the Yak-130M and Ansat-M highlight versatility and self-reliance, the Su-57E represents the pinnacle of Russia’s current aerospace technology. The export variant of the country’s fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter, its participation in the Dubai Airshow’s flying display marks its first public demonstration in the Middle East. Rostec is positioning the Su-57E as a battle-tested platform, claiming it is the only fifth-generation fighter to have proven its efficiency in large-scale combat operations.
The Su-57E is defined by its advanced features. Powered by two AL-41F1 turbofan engines with thrust vectoring, it can achieve speeds of up to Mach 2 and has supercruise capability, allowing it to maintain supersonic flight without the use of fuel-guzzling afterburners. Its design incorporates stealth technology to reduce its radar and infrared signature, making it difficult to detect and track. The aircraft’s sensor suite is built around the advanced N036 Byelka Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems, with a reported range of 400 km, and the L402 Himalayas electronic warfare system, providing comprehensive situational awareness and self-protection.
As an export version, the Su-57E may have some differences compared to the model used by the Russian Air Forces. These could include variations in cost, materials, available weaponry to comply with export regulations, and potentially certain sensitive avionics systems like Identification Friend or Foe (IFF). Nevertheless, its presence and performance in the skies over Dubai are intended to send a clear message to potential buyers in the region about its availability and formidable capabilities.
Concluding Section: A Strategic Display of Resilience and Ambition
Rostec’s lineup for the Dubai Airshow 2025 is a clear reflection of a dual strategy. On one hand, it demonstrates a commitment to technological resilience through the development of import-substituted platforms like the Ansat-M. This addresses a practical need for sanction-proof supply chains and offers customers a guarantee of operational continuity. On the other hand, with the modernized Yak-130M and the advanced Su-57E, Rostec is showcasing its ambition to compete across the full spectrum of the global defense market, from cost-effective multi-role aircraft to cutting-edge fifth-generation fighters.
The reception these aircraft receive in Dubai will be a crucial barometer for the future of Russia’s aerospace exports. The focus on modularity, domestic production, and proven performance is tailored to meet the evolving demands of international partners, particularly in the Middle East. As nations seek to diversify their military assets and secure their supply chains, the platforms unveiled by Rostec offer a compelling, and strategically independent, alternative. The success of this showcase will not only impact sales figures but will also shape perceptions of Russia’s role as a key player in the global defense industry for years to come.
FAQ
Question: What are the main new aircraft Rostec is debuting at Dubai Airshow 2025?
Answer: Rostec is holding the first international presentation of the modernized Yak-130M combat trainer and the fully domestically produced Ansat-M helicopter.
Question: What is the most significant upgrade to the Ansat-M helicopter?
Answer: The most critical update is the replacement of its previous Canadian-made engines with new, Russian-made VK-650V turboshaft engines, making the helicopter independent of foreign suppliers.
Question: What makes the Yak-130M different from the original Yak-130?
Answer: The Yak-130M is a significant modernization that enhances its combat capabilities, turning it into a light combat aircraft. Key upgrades include a new airborne radar, an electro-optical targeting system, and the ability to carry a wider range of high-precision weapons.
Question: Is the Su-57E being shown for the first time?
Answer: While not its first-ever appearance, the Dubai Airshow 2025 will mark the Su-57E’s debut in the Middle East, where it will participate in the event’s flying display.
Sources: Rostec
Photo Credit: Rostec
Defense & Military
USAF Launches EPAWSS Speedline to Accelerate F-15E Modernization
The USAF establishes an EPAWSS Speedline at Warner Robins to rapidly upgrade F-15E Strike Eagles with advanced electronic warfare systems starting June 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.
Air Force Launches EPAWSS Speedline to Accelerate F-15E Modernization
On May 26, 2026, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) announced the establishment of a dedicated “Speedline” facility at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex (WR-ALC) in Georgia. This new initiative is designed to rapidly accelerate the installation of the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) on the U.S. Air Force’s F-15E Strike Eagle fleet.
According to the official press release, the Speedline facility is slated to receive its first F-15E aircraft for installation in June 2026. By decoupling these critical electronic warfare upgrades from standard Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) schedules, the Air Force aims to field advanced defensive capabilities much faster than previously possible.
We note that this shift in maintenance strategy allows the military to upgrade jets up to five to seven years ahead of their routine maintenance cycles. This collaborative effort between the AFLCMC’s F-15 System Program Office and the WR-ALC is expected to significantly boost fleet readiness against modern electromagnetic threats.
Breaking the Maintenance Bottleneck
Operational Independence
Historically, major system upgrades for fighter aircraft have been tied to their routine depot maintenance schedules, which can create bottlenecks for fielding urgent technology. The AFLCMC’s new Speedline operates entirely independently of the standard PDM line.
This operational independence provides the F-15 System Program Office and WR-ALC the flexibility to install the EPAWSS on aircraft that are not due for routine maintenance for another five to seven years. By treating the electronic warfare upgrade as a standalone priority, the Air Force can modernize its fleet at a pace dictated by tactical necessity rather than logistical routine.
Understanding the EPAWSS Upgrade
Replacing Cold War-Era Technology
The Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System is a next-generation, all-digital electronic warfare suite. Based on the provided research data, it is designed to replace the legacy Tactical Electronic Warfare System (TEWS), which relies on Cold War-era analog equipment.
Developed by prime contractor BAE Systems, with Boeing serving as the prime contractor for integration, EPAWSS provides fully integrated radar warning, geolocation, situational awareness, and self-protection solutions. The system allows the aircraft to detect, identify, and defeat surface and airborne threats in highly contested, dense signal environments.
Financial and Production Milestones
The U.S. Air Force officially cleared EPAWSS for full-rate production in early 2025. Concurrently, the Air Force awarded a $615.8 million contract to Boeing to cover the installation of these systems. Shortly after this award, the first fully equipped F-15E was delivered to the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, marking a major milestone in the modernization of the 4th-generation fleet.
Strategic Importance and Lethality
Expanding the F-15E’s Capabilities
The integration of EPAWSS is not merely a defensive measure; it is a comprehensive upgrade to the aircraft’s survivability and lethality. In the official AFLCMC release, military leadership emphasized the strategic necessity of the system.
“The F-15E Strike Eagle remains a cornerstone of our tactical airpower and deep strike capabilities. The integration of advanced electronic warfare suites, such as the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System, ensures the F-15E will not just survive, but actively disrupt and dismantle adversary kill chains in the most highly contested, electromagnetically dense environments.”
, Lt. Col. Matthew Heil, F-15 Program Office, EPAWSS Materiel Leader
AirPro News analysis
We observe that the creation of the EPAWSS Speedline reflects a broader Department of Defense trend toward agile logistics and sustainment. By separating critical combat upgrades from time-consuming depot maintenance, the military is demonstrating a commitment to fielding new technologies to the warfighter at a much faster pace.
Furthermore, as the U.S. Air Force continues to develop and field 5th-generation fighters like the F-35 and F-22, alongside future 6th-generation platforms, maintaining the survivability of 4th-generation “workhorse” aircraft is a strategic priority. EPAWSS ensures that older airframes like the F-15E can safely and effectively operate alongside stealth fighters in modern, highly contested combat scenarios, bridging the gap between legacy platforms and future air dominance initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EPAWSS Speedline?
The EPAWSS Speedline is a dedicated installation facility at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex designed to rapidly equip F-15E Strike Eagles with the new Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System, independent of standard maintenance schedules.
When will the first aircraft be upgraded at the Speedline?
According to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the facility is slated to receive its first F-15E aircraft for installation in June 2026.
Who are the primary contractors for EPAWSS?
BAE Systems is the prime contractor that developed the EPAWSS, while Boeing serves as the prime contractor for the system’s integration and installation on the F-15E.
Sources
Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Codie Trimble
Defense & Military
Final A-10 Engine Build Marks End of Davis-Monthan Maintenance Era
Davis-Monthan AFB completes last A-10 engine build as USAF extends aircraft service life through 2030, ending a 50-year maintenance mission.
This article is based on an official press release from Air Combat Command.
On May 21, 2026, Airmen at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona officially completed their final A-10 Thunderbolt II engine build. According to an official release from Air Combat Command, this milestone marks the end of a decades-long maintenance mission for the 355th Component Maintenance Squadron (CMS) and serves as a symbolic closing chapter for the base’s 50-year legacy with the iconic close-air-support aircraft.
While the U.S. Air-Forces recently announced a partial extension of the A-10’s operational life through 2030, the formal training and heavy maintenance pipelines, including the dedicated Davis-Monthan engine shop, are officially shutting down. As the military transitions to future platforms, the completion of this final General Electric TF34 turbofan engine represents the end of an era for the maintainers who kept the “Warthog” flying.
We at AirPro News have reviewed the official military releases and supplementary research to provide a comprehensive look at what this final build means for the U.S. Air Force, the maintainers on the ground, and the future of the A-10 fleet.
A Historic Final Build for the 355th CMS
A standard A-10 engine build is a rigorous, multi-stage operation that typically takes 30 days to complete. The process involves meticulous inspection, repair, rebuilding, and testing of the General Electric TF34 turbofan engines that power the A-10C Thunderbolt II. According to military reports, a single crew of five maintainers usually handles the entire process for a given engine.
Hands-On Participation
For this historic final build, the 355th CMS broke from tradition. Every member of the shop participated, ensuring that all personnel had the opportunity to put their hands on the final engine throughout its diagnostic runs and final inspection. The final engine test was successfully conducted in the test cell on April 30, 2026, verifying its performance and flight readiness.
The process officially concluded on May 21, 2026, when Tech. Sgt. Logan Lamb, a 355th Maintenance Group quality assurance inspector, stamped the final inspection form. Wing leadership and the 355th CMS gathered to celebrate the completion, reflecting on the gravity of their work.
“Some, if not all these engines have saved lives on the ground through close air support missions, and some have carried pilots home while the other engine was damaged. All members of the shop put eyes and hands on this engine throughout the build, testing, diagnostic runs and final inspection. Typically, only one crew of five would work on any one engine, but this engine has been touched by everyone.”
The Warthog’s Legacy and Future Operations
Davis-Monthan AFB has served as the primary hub for A-10 operations and training for nearly 50 years. However, the base began divesting its A-10 fleet in February 2024, sending the first aircraft to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, commonly known as the “Boneyard.” On April 3, 2026, the 357th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan graduated its final class of A-10 pilots, permanently closing the formal training pipeline for the aircraft.
Service Extension Through 2030
Despite the closures at Davis-Monthan, the A-10 will continue to fly. On April 20, 2026, Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink announced that the Air Force will extend the service life of the remaining A-10 fleet through 2030, reversing a previous plan to retire the aircraft by 2029. According to defense reports, this decision was heavily influenced by the A-10’s recent combat performance in Operation Epic Fury, a U.S. campaign against Iran in late March and April 2026, where the aircraft successfully struck naval vessels and provided critical close air support.
AirPro News analysis
The decision to extend the A-10’s service life through 2030 while simultaneously closing its primary heavy maintenance and training facilities presents a unique logistical scenario. The Air Force is utilizing what it calls a “fleet management strategy.” Because the Davis-Monthan engine shop and the pilot “schoolhouse” are now closed, operational squadrons at bases like Moody AFB and Whiteman AFB will be operating on borrowed time. They will have to rely entirely on existing experienced personnel, stockpiled parts, and the durability of engines like the one just completed by the 355th CMS to sustain operations until the final retirement date. This strategy underscores the military’s confidence in the robust engineering of the TF34 engines and the meticulous groundwork laid by aerospace Propulsion Airmen over the past decades.
The Unsung Heroes of Aerospace Propulsion
The longevity and survivability of the A-10 Thunderbolt II are directly tied to the expertise of aerospace propulsion Airmen. These maintainers are responsible for ensuring the aircraft remains lethal and capable of returning pilots home safely, even after taking heavy fire.
Their daily responsibilities include conducting borescope inspections to identify internal engine issues early and prevent catastrophic failures. They also manage test cell operations, running the engines in a controlled environment while monitoring critical readings from a control cab to verify performance before the engine is ever attached to an airframe.
“I think the legacy of the A-10 is going to be remembered for generations. The A-10 will be missed here in Arizona.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What engine does the A-10 Thunderbolt II use?
The A-10 is powered by twin General Electric TF34 turbofan engines. These engines are renowned for their durability and ability to sustain damage while still bringing pilots home safely.
Why is the A-10’s service life being extended to 2030?
Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink announced the extension on April 20, 2026, following the aircraft’s highly successful combat performance during Operation Epic Fury in early 2026. The extension reverses previous plans to retire the fleet by 2029.
Is Davis-Monthan AFB still training A-10 pilots?
No. The 357th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan graduated its final class of A-10 pilots on April 3, 2026, officially closing the formal training pipeline for the aircraft.
Sources: Air Combat Command
Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Ornelas Jr.
Defense & Military
Airbus Explores Helicopter Manufacturing in Canada for Global Export
Airbus SE is evaluating manufacturing helicopters in Canada to support federal defense contracts amid Canada’s $81B defense investment and new industrial strategy.
This article summarizes reporting by Bloomberg and Laura Dhillon Kane. This article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.
According to reporting by Bloomberg, Airbus SE is evaluating the potential to manufacture helicopters in Canada for the global export market, provided the European aerospace giant secures upcoming federal procurement contracts. This strategic proposition arrives as Canada embarks on an unprecedented defense spending expansion aimed at modernizing its military and stimulating domestic manufacturing jobs.
We note that Airbus is leveraging a unique political and economic window. By pitching a “local for global” manufacturing approach, the company hopes to decentralize its production while satisfying the Canadian government’s increasingly stringent demands for domestic economic benefits in exchange for lucrative defense contracts.
Canada’s Historic Defense Spending Surge
Following years of underfunding, the Canadian government has recently injected an $81.1 billion multi-year investment into national defense, according to comprehensive industry research. Under the administration of Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canada officially reached the 2% NATO spending benchmark in March 2026 and has committed to escalating defense expenditures to 5% of GDP by 2035.
The 2026 Defence Industrial Strategy
A major catalyst for Airbus’s proposal is the Canadian government’s first-ever Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), launched in February 2026. Research reports indicate that the DIS introduced a strict “Build-Partner-Buy” framework designed to maximize domestic economic activity. The strategy ambitiously aims to direct 70% of defense contracts to Canadian firms, create 125,000 jobs, and boost defense exports by 50%.
To win contracts under this new framework, foreign vendors are required to provide sustainable domestic economic activity and transfer intellectual property. Furthermore, Canada is actively seeking to diversify its defense procurement to reduce its historical reliance on U.S. suppliers, pivoting toward European partnerships and joining the EU’s €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) fund.
Airbus’s “Local for Global” Pitch
Airbus is no stranger to the Canadian aerospace sector, having operated in the country for over 40 years. According to industry data, the company currently employs over 5,300 people in Canada. Its helicopter division, based in Fort Erie, Ontario, is already a recognized center of excellence for composite manufacturing, shipping approximately 34,000 parts globally each year to support Airbus’s worldwide supply chain.
Targeting Key Government Contracts
Airbus is actively pursuing three major helicopter procurement projects in Canada: fleet replacements for the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). To bolster its position, Transport Canada officially certified the Airbus H175 helicopter in February 2026, a super-medium aircraft tailored for search and rescue and defense missions in harsh environments. Additionally, Airbus is currently delivering 19 H135 helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
Airbus executives have made it clear that winning these new contracts would justify expanding their Canadian manufacturing base to assemble complete helicopters for the global market.
“Clearly, if Airbus helicopters are selected for any of the big upcoming campaigns and there is an industrial project which is tied to this contract, it’s an opportunity to export what would be manufactured here to the worldwide market.”
“We see that the H175 is very well positioned for several of those ambitions… We really see that as an aircraft for Canada, but… it would also be a helicopter from Canada.”
Balancing Economic Demands with Aerospace Realities
While Airbus is willing to expand its manufacturing footprint, company leadership has cautioned against overly transactional government demands. Michalon noted that while Airbus can offer research, development, and local procurement, there are practical limits to quid-pro-quo arrangements in aerospace manufacturing.
“If you ask us, ‘Can you bring a car plant in exchange for us selecting [an Airbus helicopter]?’ the answer is ‘Probably not, no.'”
AirPro News analysis
We observe that Canada’s deliberate pivot toward European defense partnerships represents a significant geopolitical shift. Historically, over 90% of Canada’s military helicopters and 100% of its fighter aircraft have been sourced from the United States. While diversifying procurement builds sovereign capacity and integrates Canada into European supply chains, defense experts suggest it could introduce interoperability friction with U.S. forces, particularly concerning joint North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) operations.
Furthermore, establishing a Canadian export hub would provide Airbus with much-needed supply chain redundancy. By decentralizing production from its primary plants in France and Germany, Airbus can better insulate itself from European supply chain bottlenecks. Canada’s 2025 entry into the NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) initiative also positions the country as a long-term collaborator alongside European nations to manage the rising development costs of future military rotorcraft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Airbus considering building helicopters in Canada?
According to Bloomberg reporting, Airbus is exploring Canadian manufacturing for global export as a strategic incentive to win upcoming federal procurement contracts for the Canadian Armed Forces, Coast Guard, and RCMP.
What is Canada’s current defense spending target?
Under Prime Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canada officially hit the 2% NATO spending benchmark in March 2026 and has committed to reaching 5% of GDP by 2035, backed by an $81.1 billion multi-year investment.
What is the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS)?
Launched in February 2026, the DIS is a Canadian government framework aiming to direct 70% of defense contracts to domestic firms, create 125,000 jobs, and boost defense exports by 50% by requiring foreign vendors to invest locally.
Sources:
Bloomberg
Provided Industry Research Report
Photo Credit: Airbus
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