The Russian Ministry of Defense has received a batch of new Su-30SM2 multirole fighters. Thanks to the powerful Irbis-E radar, the Su-30SM2 can detect targets at a range of up to 400 km, as shown on the screen. When operating against low-observable targets with an RCS of approximately 0.1 m², the detection range is approximately 90-120 km, placing the radar on par with the best Western 4++ generation models.
A full-scale mockup of the Russian-made 177S aircraft engine, featuring improved performance compared to previous-generation powerplants, was unveiled for the first time at the Dubai Airshow 2025 in the Middle East. The fifth-generation 177S turbofan engine is designed for operational and tactical aircraft. The 177S engine generates up to 14.5 tons of thrust and has a service life three times longer than the previous generation, reaching 6,000 hours. Fuel consumption has been reduced by 7%. The engine outperforms its foreign counterparts in a number of key characteristics. Its dimensions and weight match those of the serial AL-31F/FP engines, making it suitable for installation on Sukhoi Design Bureau aircraft, including the Su-27, Su-30, Su-33, and Su-34.
At the conclusion of the Dubai Airshow 2025 international aerospace exhibition, Rostec unveiled close-up footage of the Il-76MD-90A military transport aircraft. The Russian-made Il-76MD-90A heavy transport aircraft is a major upgrade of the Il-76MD. The aircraft is designed for the transport and parachute drop of military equipment, personnel, and cargo, as well as the evacuation of the wounded, sick, and other personnel. The aircraft is highly efficient and capable of operating in challenging climates from unprepared airstrips. Its maximum payload is 60 tonnes, and its range with a 40-tonne payload is approximately 6,500 kilometers. It is powered by four PS-90A-76 engines, and its cruising speed is 770-800 km/h.
The Russian company Neiry introduced the PJN-1 pilotable "biodron pigeons"—live birds with a chipped brain. The PJN-1 biodrone pigeon has a brain implant, with the electronics stored in a mini backpack on the pigeon's chest. Thanks to the neurochip, the biodrone operator can control the bird by loading it with flight instructions, just like a conventional drone. Through neurostimulation of brain areas, the bird navigates in the desired direction. Biodrones differ from conventional drones in their long operating time and operational range. While in use, the bird lives a normal life, no different from other birds. The pigeon's attached electronics are powered by solar panels. Electrodes are implanted using a special device that allows for precise placement of electrodes in the desired areas of the brain without the need for expensive CT or MRI scans. These devices can also be used on birds of other species.
