russia's defence charm offensive set for peru's SITDEF 2025
Russia will participate in the International Defence Technology Exhibition SITDEF 2025 in Lima, Peru. In South America, it will exhibit its advanced military equipment, including the MiG-35 fighter jet, T-90MS tank, and Pantsir-S1M air defence system.
On Tuesday, 22 April 2025, the Russian state arms export agency Rosoboronexport announced its participation in the International Defence Technology Fair SITDEF 2025, which will take place in Lima from 24 to 27 April. As noted by Bulgarian Military, the decision to showcase the MiG-35 in Peru, a country that leans towards Western platforms such as the Swedish Gripen, is a bold move by Russia.
Russian ambitions in Latin America
According to the agency, the exhibition in Lima might be an attempt to regain influence in a region traditionally considered a US sphere of influence. Especially since Peru has a considerable history of military collaboration 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 noted by Bulgarian Military.
Peru, planning to modernise its national air force, has recently focused on Western options, particularly the Saab Gripen, a lightweight, versatile fighter jet compliant with NATO standards. It is worth noting that interest in this aircraft has significantly increased among potential buyers worldwide after concerns arose 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 boasts advanced avionics systems and manoeuvrability, and its price is competitive compared to Western counterparts. Nevertheless, 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 of 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 unveiled in 2017, with its primary aim being 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 1,300 knots, and its combat range with an additional fuel tank is up to 1,080 nautical miles. The aircraft was designed with high manoeuvrability in mind, attributed to thrust vectoring in the RD-33MK engines and an advanced control system. The takeoff weight of the aircraft reaches 24.5 tonnes, and the payload capacity is about 6.5 tonnes, 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 option 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 utilise electronic warfare systems, including a modern passive and active protection complex.
