Article Posted on : - Oct 05, 2009

Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E of the Russian Air Force. A File Photo

TRIPOLI (BNS): Russia will exhibit a wide range of aircraft, air defence systems and high-precision guided missiles at LAVEX-2009 air show in Libya, beginning on Monday.

The state arms exporter Rosoboronexport will showcase in Tripoli a wide range of Russian aircraft, air defence systems and other advanced weaponry due to their high popularity in the Middle East and North Africa, a company official told RIA Novosti.

The official said the countries in the region are particularly interested in the Russian Su-35 Flanker-E multi-role heavy fighter.

The Su-35 fighter, powered by two 117S engines with thrust vectoring, combines high maneuverability and the capability to effectively engage several air targets simultaneously using both guided and unguided missiles and weapon systems.

The aircraft also features the new Irbis-E radar with a phased antenna array, which allows the pilot to detect and track up to 30 air targets, while simultaneously engaging up to eight targets.

It is equipped with 30-mm cannon with 150 rounds, and can carry up to eight metric tons of combat payload on 12 external mounts.

According to the report, Russia plans to export at least 160 Su-35 fighters to several countries, including Algeria.

“We will also exhibit the new S-400 Triumf air defense system, developed to counter all existing and future types of airborne threat,” the Rosoboronexport official said.

The S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler) is capable of intercepting and destroying airborne targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometers (250 miles), and can simultaneously engage up to six targets.

Rosoboronexport will also promote high-precision "air-to-air" and "air-to-ground" missiles, guided bombs, on-board radars and fire-control systems, navigation and communications equipment and computer-assisted training systems for air defence personnel.

“We are expecting to sign a number of new, in certain respect breakthrough, deals during the airshow in Libya,” the news agency quoted Alexander Mikheyev, deputy general director of Rosoboronexport, as saying.

The 4th Arab-African Aviation Exhibition and Conference LAVEX-2009 will be held in Tripoli, the capital of Libya, till 8th October.