Russia is demonstrating its latest Viking air defense missile system (the export version of the Buk-M3 complex) for the first time abroad at the Airshow China 2018 in Zhuhai on November 6-11, the press office of Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport reported.
The Russian arms exporter will also demonstrate the latest military hardware from its export list: the Il-78MK-90A aerial refueling tanker and the Il-76MD-90A military transport plane, the press office said.
“In Zhuhai, the latest Viking air defense missile system, a follow-up of the family of the famous Buk surface-to-air missile complexes, is on display for the first time at international exhibitions,” Rosoboronexport said.
Russia’s newest military products for the Air Force include the Su-35 multirole super-maneuverable fighter jet, MiG-29M/M2 multi-purpose fighters, the Su-32 fighter-bomber, and also the new products on Rosoboronexport’s list: the Il-78MK-90A aerial refueling tanker and the Il-76MD-90A military transport plane.
At the Airshow China 2018, Russia will also launch a demonstration tour of Mi-171A2 and Ansat helicopters across South-East Asia, Rosoboronexport said.
“The tour will be held by Russian Helicopters [rotorcraft maker] with Rosoboronexport’s support. The visitors and participants in the exhibition at Zhuhai can see the capabilities of these helicopters and ask any questions about their technical and operational characteristics to representatives of both companies,” the company’s press office said.
Overall, the Russian arms exporter will demonstrate over 100 weapon systems at its exhibition stand. The Russian exposition at Zhuhai is one of the most representative and biggest displays of all the international exhibitions, in which the company has taken part," the press office said.
The Viking air defense missile complex is the export modification of the latest Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile system accepted for service in the Russian Army. The weapon system is a follow-up of medium-range air defense missile systems and is designed to protect troops and infrastructure facilities against modern and future air attack weapons amid jamming and counter-fire.
As compared to its predecessor, the Buk-M2E, the Viking’s firing range has increased by almost 1.5 times to 65 km. The number of simultaneously engaged targets has risen by 1.5 times to six for each self-propelled launcher while the number of ready-for-launch surface-to-air missiles in a firing position of two combat units has increased from 8 to 18.
The Viking air defense missile system features an option of its integration with the Antey-2500 surface-to-air missile complex. The Viking is capable of striking with high accuracy not only aircraft and elements of precision weapons but also tactical ballistic and cruise missiles and also sea and ground targets.
