Russia has plans to develop a fifth-generation light combat aircraft with the UAE, according to Sergey Chemezov, chief executive of Rostec, Russia’s largest military industrial complex.

Speaking at IDEX this week, Chemezov said an agreement had been signed and that work could begin soon. The project is reportedly to be based on an advanced version of the MiG-29. Chemezov also reported that the UAE was in a separate discussion with Rostec regarding the supply of Sukhoi Su-35 fighters.

Russia is making considerable efforts to grow its defence business in the Middle East region. On Monday, the UAE and the Russian Federation signed an agreement at the IDEX show covering co-operation in defence industries.

The agreement was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Denis Manturov, Russian Minister of Trade and Industry. Manturov commented: “One of the fields of this co-operation is the creation, development and supply of the fifth-generation fighter jet.”

Another deal has been struck between the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Middle East investors to create a consortium to buy a minority stake in Russian Helicopters, which is part of the Rostec conglomerate. Source janes.com

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