Russia seeks influence in Latin America with defence showcase
Russia is set to participate in the International Defense Technology Exhibition SITDEF 2025 in Lima, Peru. In South America, it plans to showcase its advanced military equipment, including the MiG-35 fighter jet, T-90MS tank, and Pantsir-S1M air defense system.
On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the Russian state arms export agency Rosoboronexport announced its participation in SITDEF 2025, which will be held in Lima from April 24 to 27. As Bulgarian Military notes, Russia's decision to present the MiG-35 in Peru, a country showing a preference for Western platforms like the Swedish Gripen, is a bold move.
Russian ambitions in Latin America
According to the service, the exhibition in Lima might be an effort to regain influence in the region, traditionally considered a US sphere of influence. Peru, in particular, has a long history of military cooperation with Russia, dating back to Soviet times. The country still operates over 100 Russian-made helicopters, including the Mi-8 and Mi-17, making it the largest importer of Russian rotorcraft in Latin America, as Bulgarian Military points out.
Peru, which is planning to modernize its national air force, has recently focused on Western options, particularly the Saab Gripen, a lightweight, versatile fighter jet compliant with NATO standards. It's worth noting that interest in this aircraft has significantly increased among potential buyers worldwide following concerns about the American F-35 fighters and their potential "grounding" by the Donald Trump administration.
MiG-35 as an alternative to Western fighters
The MiG-35 offers advanced avionics systems and maneuverability, and its price is competitive compared to its Western counterparts. However, this fighter jet has not yet secured significant export orders, raising questions about its future in the international market. Despite its attractive offer, Russia faces challenges such as US sanctions, which may deter potential buyers. Additionally, the preferences in Latin American countries often lean towards Western systems, making it difficult for Russia to secure new contracts.
The MiG-35 is a Russian multirole fourth-generation fighter jet, sometimes referred to as generation 4++ – this designation suggests that the aircraft approaches the parameters of fifth-generation fighters, although it does not formally belong to this class. The plane was developed by the MiG Design Bureau as an evolution of the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29K/KUB models. It was officially presented in 2017, and its main goal was to offer a competitive, modern, and more economical solution for the Russian air force and export clients.
The MiG-35 can reach a maximum speed exceeding 2,400 km/h (approximately 2.25 Mach), and its combat range with an additional fuel tank is up to 2,000 km. The aircraft was designed with high maneuverability in mind, attributed to thrust vectoring in the RD-33MK engines and an advanced control system. The takeoff weight of the aircraft is about 24,500 kg, and the payload capacity is about 6,500 kg, allowing it to carry a wide range of weapons.
The MiG-35 can be equipped with medium-range R-77 air-to-air missiles and short-range R-73 missiles, as well as various types of bombs and air-to-ground guided missiles, including Kh-38, Kh-29T missiles, and KAB-500 and KAB-1500 bombs. There is also the possibility of carrying precision-guided weapons with laser and satellite guidance.
Onboard is the AESA Zhuk-A radar, which enables simultaneous tracking of up to 30 targets and the ability to attack up to 6 of them. The MiG-35 is also equipped with an integrated OLS-UEM electro-optical system for infrared target detection and an OLS-K system for ground observation. Additionally, the aircraft can utilize electronic warfare systems, including a modern passive and active protection complex.
