Rostec Showcases Yak130M AnsatM and Su57E at Dubai Airshow 2025

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