The 2021 edition of the biennial MAKS—Russian for “International Aviation and Space Show”—will be held at Zhukovsky International Airport, located on the outskirts of Moscow, from July 20–25.

MAKS has long been a prime venue for Russian aircraft exporters to advertise their products to prospective foreign clients. During MAKS 2019, Russian president Vladimir Putin treated Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to an ice cream cone while the two discussed prospective fighter import options. Erdogan was shown Russia’s Su-35 air superiority fighter, but the real prize for the Kremlin was the export version of Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter. Both the Su-35 and Su-57 are highly likely to make an appearance at this year’s show, with the Kremlin ramping up its efforts to negotiate a slew of export contracts for the latter. Russian officials have not identified the states currently engaging in Su-57 import talks, but the ranks of those who previously expressed interest include Algeria, India, and Turkey.

Although much of the exhibition will inevitably consist of current Russian aviation staples, leading manufacturers are reportedly planning a few surprises. Russian defense giant Rostec’s press office told reporters that it plans to show a “fundamentally new” aircraft. “We would like to present as vividly as possible all the achievements of Russia in both military and civilian aviation, including prospective models of aircraft, helicopters, engines, and other equipment, [including] advanced on-board systems,” Rostec’s press statement read. “There are also plans for new products, in particular, we will show a fundamentally new aircraft.” 

It was reported late last year that Russia’s aircraft industry is working on a light, affordable next-generation fighter to complement the Su-57 and upcoming MiG-41 stealth interceptor, but there is currently no indication that any such aircraft will be unveiled at MAKS 2021. Still, at least one of Rostec’s “fundamentally new” products has already been confirmed by Russian officials. Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov told reporters earlier this week that Rostec will unveil the “world’s first” aircraft with an electric engine at MAKS 2021: "This is the thing we were working on jointly with the Foundation for Advanced Research Projects, an electric plane based on the principles of superconductivity," Borisov told reporters. The Su-30SM2, an advanced variant of the Su-30 air superiority fighter equipped with an upgraded N035 Irbis radar, AL-41F1S engines, and new weapons options, is likewise slated to make an appearance.  

Dozens of other countries are expected to participate in the upcoming air show, though their planned contributions remain largely unclear. "Representatives of more than 40 countries from almost all continents, first of all Russia’s EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) partners, of course, have expressed intention to participate in MAKS-2021," according to a press statement released by Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov. “Moreover, foreign partners, despite the coronavirus pandemic, have announced plans to show their recent advances and send official delegations to participate in the show," Manturov added in his statement.  

Mark Episkopos is a national security reporter for the National Interest. 

Image: Reuters