Russia showcases hybrid drone-missiles for Su-57 at Egypt airshow

Russia's state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, has used an airshow in Egypt to publicly display a new class of hybrid weaponry designed for its Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter. The S-71M and S-71K munitions, which blend cruise missile and low-cost attack drone characteristics, were shown at the El Alamein International Airport exhibition on Wednesday.

The event marked the first public showing of the missiles, though a company representative indicated they have seen combat use previously. Describing the hybrid nature of the weapon, the official said, "It's not a drone, it's not a missile, it's something both."

The Su-57's appearance at the show was its debut at an African air display. The export version of the jet, which competes with the American F-35, has previously been exhibited in China, India, and the UAE. In 2024, Ukraine claimed it struck an Su-57 at a base inside Russia.

The airshow, now in its second edition, is designed to position Egypt as a commercial gateway to African and Middle Eastern defence markets. Beyond Russian hardware, China brought its J-16 fighter, weeks after that aircraft participated in joint exercises with Egypt—its first deployment to Africa.

Companies from Turkey, the UAE, and Egypt also had a significant presence, showcasing products geared toward modern warfare, where drones play an increasingly central role. Military delegations from countries including Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Kuwait were seen browsing the exhibits.

Mohammed Al-Sayed, a consultant with Egyptian firm Amstone International Group, said the strong turnout underscored Egypt's appeal as a hub for defence trade across the region.