Russia plans on taking part in Africa’s biggest defense exhibition
Date
7/30/2024 6:08:14 AM
(MENAFN) Russia is gearing up to make a significant presence at Africa’s largest defense and aerospace exhibition, Africa Aerospace and Defense 2024, scheduled to be held in South Africa this September. The event promises to be a major showcase of defense technology and military cooperation on the continent.
In preparation for the exhibition, a delegation of Russian military officers recently visited an airfield near Pretoria to explore the possibility of deploying Tu-160 long-range bombers for the event. The officers were welcomed by the chief of the South African Air Force, signaling the strong military ties between the two nations.
Captain Tebogo August, a spokeswoman for the South African Air Force, highlighted the deep-rooted diplomatic relationship between South Africa and Russia. She noted that both countries, as members of the BRICS group alongside China, India, and Brazil, share extensive economic, political, and military cooperation. “Russia and South Africa have enjoyed diplomatic relations since time immemorial,” August remarked, underscoring the longstanding alliance.
Several prominent Russian defense companies will be featured at the exhibition, including Aeroscan, Katod, Roscosmos Corporation, Rosoboronexport, Technodinamika, and United Aircraft Corporation. This will provide a platform for showcasing advanced defense technology and fostering military collaborations.
The Africa Aerospace and Defense 2024 exhibition, set to run from September 18 to September 22, will also include an air show during the final two days. This event marks a continuation of Russia's engagement with Africa, following the visit of two Russian Tu-160 bombers to South Africa in October 2019, which coincided with the inaugural Russia-Africa summit in Sochi.
The participation of Russian military assets and defense companies at this prominent event underscores the strengthening of military and defense ties between Russia and South Africa, reflecting broader strategic interests in the region.
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