Russia is heading to the LAAD 2025 arms show in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with its “battle-proven” weapon systems, including the Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation stealth aircraft.
Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport has confirmed its participation in the LAAD 2025 arms show, which will kick off on April 1. The Russian arms exporter has not participated in the event since 2019.
“Rosoboronexport will present in Rio de Janeiro the latest Russian military products for all arms of forces that trigger the most interest in the region. All the exhibits were engaged in real combat. They were upgraded according to the feedback from the military and other law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation engaged in the special military operation,” Tass reported.
Russian arms heading to Brazil include combat aircraft (Mi-171Sh and Ka-52E helicopters, an Il-76MD-90A(E) air lifter, and Su-57E and Su-35 fighter jets); ground-based systems (Tank support combat vehicles (BMPTs) and T-90MS tanks); air defense systems ( S-400 Triumph, S-350 Vityaz, Tor-M2K launchers, and Igla-S MANPADS); (naval systems (BK-16E landing speedboat and BK-10 assault boat, patrol ship of project 22160, and light floating Sprut tank for).
The Su-57 ‘Felon’ aircraft will be displayed in Brazil after making two high-profile debuts recently: the China Air Show in Zhuhai in November 2024 and the Aero India 2025 Air Show in Bengaluru.
The Su-57’s debut in India was accompanied by a renewed offer to sell the stealth aircraft to India. The offer includes the supply of ready-made aircraft, the transfer of technology and joint production of the aircraft in India, and assistance in developing India’s fifth-generation fighter.
Russian Su-57 Under Spotlight Again
The Su-57 is heading to Brazil when Russia has been making concerted attempts to export cutting-edge stealth aircraft, which has struggled to take off in the export market.
Recently, an Algerian state broadcaster aired a report hinting that it had become the first customer of the Su-57 aircraft. However, neither side has officially confirmed the purchase.
Russia has not expressly stated if it will pitch the Su-57 to Brazil or any other Latin American country. Nonetheless, Russian officials had earlier indicated that Moscow was exploring joint production with countries interested in purchasing the aircraft.
The Su-57 is a supersonic, twin-engine, fifth-generation aircraft designed to destroy air, ground, and naval targets. Its stealth has increased due to the broad use of composite materials, and it can reach a supersonic cruising speed.
The Su-57 is said to have cutting-edge onboard radio-electronic equipment, including a potent onboard computer. Its radar system is spread across its body, and its armament is placed inside its fuselage. Additionally, the aircraft’s AI system assumes some of the pilot’s functions, including piloting and preparations for the use of weapons.
The aircraft is armed with beyond-visual-range missiles and two short-range missiles for air-to-air combat missions. The fighter’s primary medium-range missile is the active radar-homing K-77M (Izdeliye 180). An upgraded version of the R-77 medium-range missile, the K-77M is a radar-guided beyond visual range (BVR) missile equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar seeker.
The Su-57 is also being integrated with some sixth-generation technologies to expand its capabilities and service life further.
Despite these cutting-edge features, the aircraft was deployed in the Ukraine war in a very limited role, unlike the other systems displayed at the arms show in Brazil. As previously reported by the EurAsian Times, the Su-57 was deployed to conduct combat patrols and launch stand-off attacks on Ukraine without entering Ukrainian airspace.
Nevertheless, Russia is promoting the aircraft at air shows worldwide to attract potential buyers. It may target countries looking to modernize their air forces, albeit without the restrictions that come with Western-origin weapons.
It is also pertinent to note that while production-related difficulties earlier held up the aircraft’s export, Russia says it has overcome that challenge by addressing most technology development issues and supply chain bottlenecks.
Russia To Promote Weapon Exports In Latin America
The recent announcement by Rosoboronexport concerning the display of weapons at LAAD 2025 comes as Russia has registered a steep fall in arms exports over the last few years owing to slowed manufacturing, its preoccupation with the Ukraine War, and industrial difficulties caused by international sanctions. According to the latest SIPRI report, Russia’s arms exports decreased by 64% between 2015–19 and 2020–24.
However, there is an indication that things might finally look good for the country. Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev said last month that by the end of 2024, the company’s order book had reached US$57 billion and was continuing to grow. He noted that Rosoboronexport has signed contracts worth over US$4.5 billion with 15 allied nations in 2025 alone.
The state arms exporter said the country has signed several contracts with Middle East and Northern African (MENA) countries. The region accounts for approximately 50% of Rosoboronexport’s total order portfolio.
Interestingly, despite being a significant supplier of weaponry to the region earlier, Russian arms exports to Latin America have continued to fall—a trend that Russia may now be looking to reverse.
It has been courting Latin American countries that are not firmly aligned with the West, especially in the wake of the Ukraine War. For instance, Russia is already building a plant to produce Kalashnikov rifles in Venezuela. Participation in the Brazilian arms show might further lend momentum to Russian arms export efforts.
Russia intends to collaborate with Latin American nations on initiatives, including designing and manufacturing precision arms, rifles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Rosoboronexport stated that it intends to discuss collaborative projects at the LAAD 2025 show, including with Latin American governments and private companies.
“The main aim of Rosoboronexport’s participation in LAAD 2025 is the discussion of technological cooperation with Latin American countries. The main trend in arms and hardware production has shaped today – strategic autonomy through the development of the national defense industry. Due to this, the share of projects in technology transfer in the global arms market will grow dramatically, Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev said.
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