Lancet-E munition, helicopters, robotic platforms debut at Russia’s Army 2024 conference

Army 2024 is held at Patriot Exhibition and Convention Center in Moscow from 12 to 14 August.

The forum reportedly gathers official military delegations from 83 countries to inspect more than 1,000 businesses and organisations from Russia and other countries, showcasing military and dual-use products, models and information.

Of particular importance this year is the addition of a Lancet-E loitering munition system, Sprut upgraded light amphibious tank, MGTT-LB robotic multipurpose tracked transporter, Spartak and Tigr-M SpN wheeled armoured vehicles equipped with unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as the KA-52 combat scout helicopter with pilot ejection system and Z-ASPN Titan ballistic, mine protected armoured combat vehicle.

The forum also features a display of destroyed Western vehicles, including tanks and armoured vehicles from America, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Ukraine, and Germany, among others.

“We treasure our partnerships and are committed to developing them by working together with others in order to ensure equal and indivisible security and build a new, fairer multipolar world order,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an opening address to the Army 2024 International Military-Technical Forum.

“We can see that our commitment to promoting constructive cooperation has resonated with others who were sincere and proactive in their positive response. This year, dozens of countries sent their high-level delegations to Russia, led by heads of their defence agencies. Over 120 foreign companies registered to take part in the event.

“In addition to this, we offered several foreign exhibitions an opportunity to set up their stands at the forum.

VIEW ALL

“The forum’s agenda includes grand-scale presentations of the most advanced and largely unique and unrivalled achievements of Russia’s defence manufacturers and its leading, internationally acclaimed corporations. This includes over 240 export versions of weapons, as well as all kinds of military and specialised hardware.

“Let me emphasise that many of Russia’s advanced, unique and innovative solutions have already proven their worth on the battlefield. Moreover, we improve their basic performance all the time. Designers, engineers, scientists and teams working at defence manufacturing plants have been proactive in their efforts to take into account the combat experience we acquired during the special military operation.

“It is also essential that small businesses, the civil society and patriotic organisations, as well as a massive volunteer movement and the people of Russia in general have all gone to great lengths and have been proactive in supporting the defence industry in the interests of the Russian Army and Navy.

“Priorities in terms of these joint efforts include modern gear, communications, protection and electronic warfare means, unmanned systems and artificial intelligence.

“I have no doubt that this event will help strengthen the existing ties and forge new ones by signing mutually beneficial contracts with Russia’s Defence Ministry and defence industry enterprises.

“It can also enhance the effectiveness of our cooperation with our close and friendly countries on security matters and in terms of defending our national interests. I wish the participants in this forum every success and all the best.”

The export-ready Lancet-E loitering munition system is reportedly expected to be a major success from the show and deliver at least 1,000 orders from state-owned defence exporter Rosoboronexport, a subsidiary of Rostec.

Also being marketed is a Kub-E loitering munition manufactured by Rostec’s Kalashnikov Group, alongside Orlan-10E, Orlan-30 and Orion-E reconnaissance and reconnaissance/strike unmanned aerial systems.

JSC Kalashnikov chairman Alan Lushnikov has also reportedly confirmed the company is currently working to integrate Vikhr anti-tank missiles onto unmanned aerial vehicles. Russia’s Vikhr guided missiles have already seen heavy use on KA52 helicopters against Ukraine.

In other news at the show, Ruselectronics, a subsidiary of Rostec, is presenting a Lemma satellite radio station designed to be compactly installed on vehicles and provide communications with a phased antenna array in the field.

“We have prepared about 1,000 exhibits, including weapons samples in almost all key segments: from combat aircraft and artillery systems to communications equipment and small arms. Of course, there will be a number of new products,” said Rostec first deputy CEO Vladimir Artyakov, speaking to RIA Novosti about new products, including a new version of the Pantsir air defence system.

“I would like to mention the newest air defence system ‘Pantsir-SMD-E’ … a pure anti-aircraft missile system.

“There will also be a premiere of two ground robotic platforms … this is very promising combat equipment. It will be possible to see the small-sized wheeled robot ‘Depesha’. Its advantages include various control options - both via radio and wires. The drone can be used as a vehicle, a carrier of appropriate weapons systems or as a kamikaze drone.

“Another new product is the universal remote-controlled platform ‘Caracal’. This is a tracked vehicle, on which various modules can be installed. In one version, ‘Caracal’ is equipped with a missile system for destroying enemy positions, command posts, manpower and armoured vehicles. Such robots will allow flexible execution of fire missions on the battlefield without endangering military personnel.”

In the small arms category, there is a variety of Kalashnikov rifles such as the AK-19 and AK-308, the Kord assault rifle, 5.45mm ADS amphibious assault rifle, 9mm SR.1M semi-automatic pistol, 9mm PP-2000 submachine gun and precision sniper rifles.

The show features a Ka-52E scout and attack helicopter in the aircraft category (with emergency pilot ejection system, as well as new fold-away rotors and wings for the naval version), as well as the Su-35 multipurpose fighter jet, IL-76MD-90A(E) military transport aircraft and a new modernised Mi-24P-1M combat helicopter.

The modified Mi-24P-1M helicopter reportedly uses advanced digital technologies from Ka-52 and Mi-28MN helicopters, an expanded arsenal of long-range weapons, has an installed onboard defence system, and better adaptions for night, low-altitude and adverse weather flying.

A President-S optical-electronic aircraft and helicopter defence system, on show, reportedly counteracts air-to-air missiles, as well as missiles from portable anti-aircraft missile systems. President-S is understood to automatically detect a missile launch and activate passive and active interference in the infrared and radio ranges, which disrupts the operation of the missile’s homing systems and causes it to be redirected to false targets.