Russia to debut Su-57E weapons S-71M and S-71K at Egypt
Russia's United Aircraft Corporation will display two new air-launched weapons for the Su-57E fighter at the El Alamein International Airshow.
Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) will publicly display two new air-launched weapons for the Sukhoi Su-57E fighter for the first time. The debut is scheduled for the El Alamein International Airshow 2026, which opened on September 8, 2026, at El Alamein International Airport in Egypt.
UAC identified the weapons as the S-71M and S-71K. Both are designed for use by fifth-generation fighters. The corporation's announcement provided no specifications on dimensions, range, or payload.
S-71K Cruise Missile and S-71M Attack Weapon
The S-71K, known as Kovyor, is an air-launched cruise missile. It incorporates a conventional aircraft bomb as its warhead. This bomb delivers an explosive payload inside a powered, guided airframe.
In an assessment published on April 27, 2026, Ukraine's military intelligence agency (GUR) noted specific details. The agency stated the weapon carries a 250-kilogram fragmentation bomb. It uses an R500 turbojet engine and inertial navigation. According to the GUR, Russia first used this weapon in combat in late 2025.
The S-71M, or Monokhrom, is intended to add autonomous target search and engagement capabilities. A related UAC patent published on March 28, 2024, describes the concept. It outlines an air-launched weapon using optical sensors and onboard target-recognition software to search within a designated area. This system allows attacks to be authorized either autonomously or by a human operator.
Su-57E and Yak-130M on Display
The Su-57E is a central part of the Russian display, participating in both the flying program and static exhibition. Rosoboronexport, the state arms exporter organizing the joint Russian exhibit, listed the armaments displayed with the fighter. The Su-57E is exhibited with the following missiles:
| Missile Type | Designation |
|---|---|
| Short-range air-to-air | RVV-MD2 |
| Long-range air-to-air | RVV-BD |
| Air-to-surface | Kh-38MLE |
| Cruise missile | Kh-69 |
| Anti-radiation missile | Kh-58UShKE |
UAC also highlighted the regional debut of the upgraded Yak-130M combat trainer on static display. The first Yak-130M completed its maiden flight at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant on June 25, 2026.
Export Prospects and Regional Interest
Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation stated that 35 Russian organizations are exhibiting more than 500 military items at the El Alamein show. Rosoboronexport chief executive Alexander Mikheev has made claims regarding export success. He stated that the agency holds new contracts for the Su-57E, but did not identify the customers or quantities involved.
Algeria has been identified as a potential customer in reporting based on leaked Rostec documents. This order has not been officially confirmed by the parties involved.
UAC chief executive Vadim Badekha commented on regional market strategy. He said North Africa is one of the most important regions for promoting the company's products. Badekha claimed interest in Africa and the Middle East has risen substantially following the combat use of its aircraft.
