The US efforts to press other countries into suspending military cooperation with Russia are inefficient. The number of customers, especially in the Middle East and Africa, is growing. The demand for Russia’s military production is especially high in the Asia-Pacific Region, accounting for almost 70% of all arms sales, including India (35%), China (12%) and Vietnam (10%).Today, Russia’s overall military exports are equal to around $15 billion, with the global order book of $55 billion. According to Alexander Mikheev, the head of Rosoboronexport, the sole state intermediary agency for Russia's defense exports / imports, Russia has already exported arms to over 40 countries, signing 1,100 contracts worth about $19 billion in 2018 – a 25% increase compared to the last year.

The president’s speech coincided with the opening ceremony of Airshow China 2018 (Nov. 6-11), one of the five largest aerospace exhibitions in the world, Russian manufacturers scored a big success. 14 defense producers displayed over 200 units of hardware.

China has defied US threats to go through with the large deal to buy S-400 air defense systems and Su-35 multifunctional fighters (ten jets already delivered). The joint programs, such as the development of a heavy AHL helicopter and a long-range powerful aircraft, are in force. The order book of China’s imports exceeds $7 billion, growing from 5% to 14-15%. The two nations are involved in a joint project to produce diesel-electric submarines Amur-1650 (export version of Lada Project 677). This is a $2 billion deal. China confirmed the plan to purchase six Mi-171A2Y “Ansat” helicopters, which will make a 5,000 km long demonstration tour across Southeast Asia, including stops at Hanoi (Vietnam), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Bangkok (Thailand) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

VKO concern "Almaz-Antey" used the Airshow China 2018 event to introduce the Viking – the export version of the Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile system. Viking boasts the range of 65 km. 36 targets can be tracked and engaged simultaneously. It has the capability of striking tactical ballistic and cruise missiles as well as sea and ground targets. The Radioelectronic Technologies Company (KRET) presented over 40 exhibits, including the multipurpose airborne multipurpose radar with AFAR "Beetle-AME" designed to  detect and track aerial, surface and ground targets at the same time. The Russian-Chinese long-overhaul CR929 jet attracted public attention at the air show. Its basic version will carry 280 passengers over a distance of 12,000 km.

India has also defied the US pressure and will start receiving receive S-400s in the fall of 2020. The $5 billion deal was signed in October during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi. Russia and Vietnam have signed a $4.5 billion package of deals, including the $1 billion purchase of a batch of Russian Su-30 MK2 fighters and a $2 billion agreement on the sale of six Russian diesel-electric Project 636.1 Varshavyanka (Kilo) submarines. A Mi-35M attack helicopters deal with to Bangladesh is expected to be inked soon. In February, Russia signed a $ 1.14 deal with Indonesia to supply 11 Su-35 4++ generation fighters.

2018 is rich in international defense shows. As of November 12, Russia has taken part in about 20 international exhibitions and forums, such as the Eurasian Air Show in Turkey’s Antalya, International Far Eastern Maritime Show in Vladivostok and ADAS-2018 defense exhibition in the Philippines (for the first time). It intends to attend some more large ones till the end of the year.

Russia has also taken part in the Indo Defense 2018 show (Nov.7-10) to display over 200 systems and equipment units. There were two weapons presented for the first time ever in Jakarta: the 122 mm projectile for Tornado-G MLRS and 140 mm projectile for ship-based Ogon flame throwing launcher.

There will be the IDEAS-2018  exhibition in Pakistan in late November, EDEX-2018 will be held in Egypt in mid-December, and Chile will host the EXPONAVAL – 2018 naval exhibition in early December. Russia will take an active part in all of them though its presence at Le Bourget Paris air show in June was very limited and it decided to take no part in Farnborough – 2018 air show in July. Moscow prefers the shows where it has more potential customers. This year, some new systems were offered to potential buyers, such the Viking and Tor-E2 anti-aircraft missile systems, Sprut-SDM1 light floating tank, Karakut and Sarsar vessels, Il-78MK-90A aerial tanker and Il-76MD-90A (E) military cargo aircraft. The Sprut-SDM1 light tank is a special case. The airborne light amphibious tank with firepower of MBT has no rivals in the world.

The US-imposed sanctions have failed to reduce the demand for Russian weapons. China, India as well as many other countries refuse to bow. New ways to pay for the deals without dollars are sought. For instance, India will pay for S-400s in Russian rubles. The talks to get around dollars are underway with China. Some deals may be temporarily postponed, some talks frozen, but all in all, the US policy of using sanctions to reduce Russia arms exports and thus weaken the competitor has failed. The most important agreements, including the S400 deal with Turkey, a NATO country, have not been affected. This agreement will also skirt dollar payments. The Russian arms sales are on the rise. 

Russia’s exposition at the Dubai Airshow 2017 included the combat helicopter Ka-52, multi-mission fighter MiG-29M, Su-35 supermaneuverable air defense fighter, Be-200 multipurpose amphibious aircraft, combat-transport helicopter Mi-35M, long-range air defense system S-400 Triumph, and short-range air defense missile system Pantsir–S1. The 'Russian Knights' aerobatic demonstration team performed extraordinary stunts riding through the skies to greatly impress spectators.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is interested in procuring the Sukhoi Su-35 multi-role fighter. The country is considering the purchase of 10 or more of such aircraft. The UAE and Russia signed a letter of intent on the purchase of Su-35 fighter jets in Feb. 2017. The talks are in progress. The Emirates will be the second country after China to buy the plane.

The UAE has already purchased Russian ground weapons, such as BMP-3 infantry combat vehicles and Pantsir S1 air-defense systems. In February, the Emirates entered into military contracts with Russia worth $1.9 billion. The deal includes 5,000 anti-armor missiles in addition to training and logistic support. The UAE started talks with Rostec company on the development of light fighter based on the MiG-29 twin-engine aircraft with development set to kick off in 2018.

The military cooperation with the UAE is a good example to illustrate the increasingly growing demand for Russian weapons in the Middle East. Orders from Arab countries account for roughly 20 percent of Russian weapons' exports. Last year, Russia delivered more than $1.5 billion in arms to Algeria, $37 million to Egypt, $374 million to Iran and $300 million to Iraq. Today, the Russia's portfolio of weaponry orders from the countries of the region is $8 billion. In 2017, the Russian defence industry has been making major inroads in the Middle East and North Africa. Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Tunisia are interested in purchasing Russian weapon systems.

This year, Moscow started delivery of 50 MiG-29 fighter aircraft to Egypt. Cairo is to start receiving 46 Ka-50 combat helicopters. It was reported in September that Algeria is going to buy over 300 Russian-made BMPT-72 Terminator-2 tank support combat vehicles (TSCV) in order to support T-90SA main battle tanks bought from Russia earlier. Now, the Algerian military uses technical vehicles equipped with Kornet ATGM launchers and ZSU Shilka self-propelled, radar guided anti-aircraft weapon systems.

In early October, Russia had signed a number of landmark arms contracts with Riyadh, following President Vladimir Putin's talks with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The deal includes the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system, as well as Kornet-EM anti-tank missile systems, TOS-1A "Buratino" heavy flame systems, AGS-30 grenade launchers and Kalashnikov AK-103 assault rifles. The parties agreed to organize the licensed production of Kalashnikov AK-103 assault rifles and ammunition in Saudi Arabia.

On September 12, Moscow and Ankara reached an agreement on the delivery of S-400 systems to Turkey, a NATO member. Czech Gen. Petr Pavel, the chairman of NATO's Military Committee, recently said that Turkey's purchase of the S-400 may bar it from any integrated air-defense system with NATO allies but Ankara stands tall, refusing to succumb to pressure.

The already agreed on sales of S-400 air defense system to Saudi Arabia and Turkey are groundbreaking deals. The system appears to be in great demand internationally, including India, not a Middle East country but a very important customer. No way would Russia miss out on its slice of air defense systems’ market share.

Bahrain and Russia are also in talks on the purchase of S-400. Further arms deals will be discussed during the talks with Bahraini Prince Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, commander of the country's Royal Guard, who is expected to visit Russia soon.

Morocco is standing in line to acquire the S-400. Rabat and Moscow are in talks on the Sukhoi Su-34 tactical bomber and Amur-1650 diesel-electric submarine deal.

Last month, Russia and Qatar signed a memorandum-of-understanding (MoU) calling for increased military and technical cooperation. Doha has recently expressed interest in purchasing the S-400 missile defence system.

It’s not S-400 only. Russian weapons, especially aircraft and air defense systems, have proven to be a cost effective alternative to much more expensive Western systems. They are reliable and have better characteristics. The military campaign in Syria demonstrated they could be used to alter the course of a high-stakes conflict. With Syria having become a department store window displaying the latest in Russian weapons systems offered for sale to other countries, Moscow is significantly expanding its arms sales to the Persian Gulf states with their leaders going with greater regularity to Moscow.

All in all, the spike in Middle East arms sales is a success story for Russia’s defense industry. A big exporter of natural resources, Russia also exports high-tech products with many countries in line to purchase them. 

The Su-35S is a 4++ generation advanced capability multirole air superiority fighter developed from the Su-27. Equipped with new avionics, modern radar and advanced engines, it is known for its incredible maneuverability outpacing all rivals in its class. The plane can accomplish incredible tricks without deceleration. It flies a gamut of missions ranging from the suppression of enemy air defenses to air superiority. It boasts high manoeuvrability (+9g) with a high angle of attack, and is equipped with high-capability weapon systems that contribute to the aircraft's exceptional dogfighting capability.

The Su-35 weighs 18,400 kg and has a maximum takeoff weight of 34,500 kg. Its service ceiling is 20,000 meters. The service life is 6,000 hours or 30 years. The maximum speed is 2,390km/h or Mach 2.25. A maximum flying range of 3,600 km without external fuel tanks and 4,500 km with external fuel tanks. With its long legs and high speed, the Su-35S easily outruns every Western fighter.

The aircraft has 12 hardpoints for carrying external weapons and stores. Each wing has four hardpoints – one on the wingtip and three under-wing stations. There are two hardpoints on the underside of the fuselage on the centerline and one under each engine. The aircraft’s weapons suite includes a wide range of air-to-surface and anti-ship missiles, including long-range types. The aircraft can be armed with a range of guided bombs and rockets. The ordnance load is 8,000 tons. The 30mm GSh-30-1 gun is fitted in the starboard wing root with 150 rounds of ammunition.

The Irbis-E sophisticated phased-array radar control system allows the plane to detect targets at distances of up to 400 kilometers. It can simultaneously track up to four ground targets or up to 30 airborne targets, as well as engage up to eight airborne targets at the same time. The radar has a friend-or-foe identification capability for aerial and maritime objects, is capable of identifying the class and type of airborne targets and can take aerial photos of the ground. The Irbis-E is the most powerful radar control system on par with the best state-of-the-art international designs, and ahead of most US and European active and passive phased array radars.

The «Khibiny-M» electronic warfare system suite includes a radar warning system, radar jammer, co-operative radar jamming system, missile approach warner, laser warner and chaff and flare dispenser. A relatively small container in the shape of a torpedo is mounted on the wingtips of the aircraft to make it invulnerable to all modern means of defense and enemy fighters.

The OLS-35 IRST infrared search and track fire control system, includes an infrared sensor, laser rangefinder, target designator and television camera. The accuracy of the laser rangefinder is 5m circular error probability, to a maximum range of 20km against airborne targets and 30km against ground targets.

The cockpit has a central control column and is fitted with a Zvezda K-36D-3.5E zero-zero ejection seat which allows the pilot to eject at zero speed and at zero altitude. The aircraft has a quadruplex, digital fly-by-wire control. The cockpit is fitted with two 230mmx305mm high-resolution MFI-35 liquid crystal displays with a multifunction control panel and the IKSh-1M head up display with a wide 20°x30° field of view. The pilot has two VHF/UHF encrypted radio communications systems and a jam-resistant military data link system between squadron aircraft and between the aircraft and ground control. The navigation system is based on a digital map display with a strapdown inertial navigation system and global positioning system.

High-strength, low-weight, composite materials have been used for non-structural items such as the radomes, nose wheel, door and leading-edge flaps. Some of the fuselage structures are made of carbon fiber and aluminium lithium alloy.

The Su-35 is equipped with two AL-41F1S turbojet engines with an afterburner and a controlled thrust vector. The nozzles of its Saturn AL-41F1S turbofans can independently point in different directions in flight to assist the aircraft in rolling and yawing. As a result, the Su-35 can achieve very high angles-of-attack, moving in one direction while its nose is pointed in another. It allows the aircraft to more easily train its weapons on an evading target and execute tight maneuvers. A controlled vector thrust of the Su-35 is quite capable of «pivot turning» and deceiving enemy missiles. The plane is capable of amazing maneuvers that seem to defy the laws of physics at times, such as maneuvering at the post-stall end of the envelope.

For in-flight refueling, the aircraft is equipped with a refuelling probe on the port side of the nose. Two external fuel tanks, type PTB-2000, provide an additional 4,000 L of fuel.

The aircraft was deployed to Syria in early February to display its unique capabilities. The National Interest cited a senior US military official with extensive experience on fifth-generation fighters as saying «It’s a great airplane and very dangerous, especially if they make a lot of them. I think even an AESA [active electronically scanned array-radar equipped F-15C] Eagle and [the Boeing F/A-18E/F] Super Hornet would both have their hands full». German magazine Stern stated that the Su-35S can be considered the world's deadliest fighter jet other than the fifth-generation US F-22. According to Stern, the Su-35 is significantly superior to its competitors, combining the best features of the fourth generation fighter and the basic features and properties of a fifth generation warplane.

While in Syria, the planes used to suck in small pebbles and small debris from the runway during takeoff, and also had problems with the searchlight and computer screens, all of which have since been addressed and rectified. A set of screens will be installed in the Su-35’s inlets that are designed to prevent the ingestion of foreign object debris. The Su-35 might also receive some upgrade of its avionics hardware and software—particularly those systems pertaining to air-to-ground missions. In the future, it is planned to arm the Su-35S with Р-37М (AA-13 Arrow) long-range air-to-air missile. The range depends on the flight profile, from 150 km for a direct shot to 398 km for a cruise glide profile. The missile can attack targets ranging in altitude between 15–25,000 metres. Russia is developing the KS-172 air-to-air missile with a range of 460 km.

Unrivaled maneuverability and unique and versatile weapons capabilities make the top air-superiority fighter a deadly adversary.

The Syrian Armed Forces and their allies have been steadily advancing in the Palmyra (Tadmur) countryside thanks in large part to the Russian Air Force’s relentless bombardment of IS positions that were considered impregnable 6 months ago.

Russian airstrikes were an important factor to contribute to the victory. This is the time the Russian brand new generation Su-35S, deployed to Syria in early February, took part in a combat action to display the unique capabilities of the aircraft (the «S» indicates the production model, which incorporates the latest features and modifications). Experts believe that the transfer of Su-35 to Syria solves several issues, including the protection of attack aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces from many threats, ensuring the necessary tests of the plane in combat conditions, as well as increasing the level of training of personnel and increased demand for fighter aircraft from foreign customers. Based on the results of combat tests of the aircraft, it may well form the basis for many technical solutions for aircraft of the fifth generation, tests of which are in the home stretch.

The National Interest reported that US defense officials were quite impressed with this the aircraft’s performance. It cited a senior US military official with extensive experience on fifth-generation fighters as saying «It’s a great airplane and very dangerous, especially if they make a lot of them. I think even an AESA [active electronically scanned array-radar equipped F-15C] Eagle and [the Boeing F/A-18E/F] Super Hornet would both have their hands full».

German magazine Stern stated that the Su-35S can be considered the world's deadliest fighter jet other than the fifth-generation US F-22.

According to Stern, the Su-35 is significantly superior to its competitors, combining the best features of the fourth generation fighter and the basic features and properties of a fifth generation warplane.

The Washington Post writes that the Su-35S will add significantly to Russia's ability to protect its aircraft in any area of the Middle East in light of Turkey's downing of a Russian bomber in Syria in November 2015. «The deployment also sends a message to Turkey that, in combination with the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system, Russia can defend its aircraft anywhere in theater with weapon systems equal to or even more capable than NATO can field», the newspaper said.

The Su-35S is a 4++ generation one-seater known for its incredible maneuverability outpacing all rivals in its class. Equipped with new avionics, modern radar and advanced engines, it can accomplish incredible tricks without deceleration. The potent multirole warplane flies a gamut of missions ranging from the suppression of enemy air defenses to air superiority.

By its aerodynamic design, the Su-35 is a two-engine high-wing aircraft with retractable tricycle-type landing gear and the nose gear strut. The Su-35 is equipped with AL-41F1S turbojet engines with an afterburner and a controlled thrust vector. Due to the special design of the engines, a controlled vector thrust of the Su-35 is quite capable of «pivot turning» and deceiving enemy missiles.

The one pilot jet is 21.9 meters long, has a wing span of 14.75 meters and a height of 5.9 meters. The Su-35 weighs around 18,400 kg and has a maximum takeoff weight of 34,500 kg, a maximum speed of 2,400 km/h and a maximum flying range of 3,600 km without external fuel tanks and 4,500 km with external fuel tanks. With its long legs (nearly 4000 km range) and high speed (Mach 2.4) the Su-35 easily outruns every Western fighter. This allows it to perform repeated probes and U-turns that can leave its opponent confused, exhausted and vulnerable in a dogfight.

Its service ceiling is 20,000 meters. The service life is 6,000 hours or 30 years.

The aircraft has 12 external bays for precision missiles and air bombs and two bays for electronic warfare containers.

The armament includes 30mm guns, a huge number of missiles and rockets. The combat load is 8 tons. The aircraft has 12 hardpoints for carrying external weapons and stores. Each wing has four hardpoints – one on the wingtip and three under-wing stations. There are two hardpoints on the underside of the fuselage on the centreline and one under each engine.

The aircraft's air-to-air missiles can include the Vympel R-27 (NATO designation AA-10 Alamo), the Vympel radar-guided medium-range R-77 (AA-12 Adder) and the Vympel short-range infrared-guided R-73E (AA-11 Archer).

The aircraft's air-to-surface missiles include the Molniya Kh-29 (AS-14 Kedge) tactical missiles, the Kh-31P (AS-17 Krypton) anti-radiation missiles and the long-range Kh-58UShE (AS-11 Kilter) anti-radiation missiles.

The Su-35 anti-ship missiles include Kh-31A, the long-range Kh-59MK (AS-18 Kazoo), the long-range Kalibr and the heavy long-range Yakhont missile.

The aircraft can be armed with a range of guided bombs, including the KAB-500Kr TV-guided bomb, KAB-500S-E satellite-guided bomb, LGB-250 laser-guided bomb, Kab-1500Kr TV-guided bomb and KAB-1500LG laser-guided bomb.

The Su-35 can also be armed with 80mm, 122mm, 266mm and 420mm rockets.

Western military experts were especially impressed with the Su-35S's sophisticated phased-array radar control system Irbis-E, which allows the plane to detect targets at distances of up to 400 kilometers. It can simultaneously track up to four ground targets or up to 30 airborne targets, as well as engage up to eight airborne targets at the same time. The radar has a friend-or-foe identification capability for aerial and maritime objects, is capable of identifying the class and type of airborne targets and can take aerial photos of the ground. An oscillator with peak power output of 20 kW used in the passive phased array radar makes Irbis-E the most powerful radar control system on par with the best state-of-the-art international designs, and ahead of most US and European active and passive phased array radars.

The Su-35S sent to Syria are also equipped with a state-of-the-art electronic warfare equipment. The «Khibiny-M» suite includes a radar warning system, radar jammer, co-operative radar jamming system, missile approach warner, laser warner and chaff and flare dispenser. A relatively small container in the shape of a torpedo is mounted on the wingtips of the aircraft to make the jets invulnerable to all modern means of defense and enemy fighters.

The cockpit is fitted with two 230 mm x 305 mm high-resolution MFI-35 liquid crystal displays with a multifunction control panel and an IKSh-1M head up display with a wide 20°x30° field of view.

The pilot has two VHF/UHF encrypted radio communications systems and a jam-resistant military data link system between squadron aircraft and between the aircraft and ground control. The navigation system is based on a digital map display with a strapdown inertial navigation system and global positioning system.

For in-flight refuelling the aircraft is equipped with a refuelling probe on the port side of the nose. Two external fuel tanks, type PTB-2000, provide an additional 4,000 L of fuel.

High-strength, low-weight, composite materials have been used for non-structural items such as the radomes, nose wheel, door and leading-edge flaps. Some of the fuselage structures are of carbon fibre and aluminium lithium alloy.

At the end of 2015 the Russian Air Force ordered fifty Su-35S fighter bombers to enter service before 2020.

The aircraft is a success on the world market.

In November 2015, Russia and China signed a contract, estimated to be worth $2 billion, on the delivery of 24 Su-35 fighter jets.

The delivery of the jets is expected to begin this year.

The Indonesian Air Force intends to buy 16 Su-35S fighters from Russia. A contract for 10 Su-35S is reportedly to be signed in April 2016.

Vietnam and Algeria are also interested in this aircraft. In February 2015, one of the Su-35 was tested at Tamanrasset Airport in Algeria. According to Russian Kommersant daily, the Algerian military were satisfied with the fighter's flight characteristics and now Moscow is waiting for a formal application. It is expected that the first phase will focus on the acquisition of at least 12 aircraft.

The success of Russian weapons systems tested on Syria’s battlefields has become an eye-opener for many defense experts. It shows that the country's ambitious rearmament program is in full swing. On March 11, President Vladimir Putin said that the Russian armed forces received 96 new planes, 81 helicopters, two multi-purpose submarines, 152 air defense systems, 291 radar stations, as well as more than 400 armored vehicles and artillery systems in 2015.

«Modern Russian military hardware has been on full display in recent conflicts from Ukraine to Syria, where the Russian armed forces are battle testing new hardware and refining tactics. NATO has been surprised at the Russian show of new military capability. From launching cruise missiles to attack Syria from the Caspian Sea to SU-35 fighter aircraft deployed in northern Syria along the NATO, Turkish border, NATO military planners and strategists are noticing», says Todd Wood, a Washington Times staff writer.

«Putin can take a victory lap. The campaign to shore up president Bashar al-Assad's faltering army has been a success, and it has accomplished another major goal for Moscow: It has shown the world that an immensely expensive, multi-decade program to rebuild Russia's armed forces is working», Vice News reported recently.

The military operation in Syria showcased some of the best weapons in the inventory of Russian military. The Su-35S is a good example of the success story.