Strength. Security. Power.
Putin’s Visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became a highly resonant event in both international and domestic media. The presence of Russian Su-35 fighters during the visit added to the intrigue. Russian fighters accompanied the presidential convoy, and interestingly, the UAE did not scramble its Air Force to intercept, despite having a substantial fleet of 69 military aircraft. This uncommon occurrence is indicative of the trust and partnership Russia enjoys with countries along the route, including Azerbaijan and Iran.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, justified the presence of Su-35s by citing regional instability. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the lack of complete stability in Syria contribute to a challenging and unpredictable regional environment. Moreover, the proximity to neutral waters in the Persian Gulf, where the U.S. has an aircraft carrier group, adds an element of uncertainty.
The presence of Su-35s not only ensures the security of Russia’s head of state but also serves as a demonstration of the capabilities of Russian military aviation in real-world, non-training conditions. This was particularly evident during the extensive flight from Russia to the UAE without landings or refueling stops. Notably, the American F-35, touted by the Pentagon as the best in its class, can cover only about 2,500 kilometers without refueling, significantly less than the Su-35.
The Su-35’s participation in the escort is seen as both a political and commercial move. Russia’s military technology, including fighter jets, is a global brand highly popular in Arab countries. During the Dubai Airshow, Russia secured contracts worth $22 billion, showcasing 250 military, civilian, and dual-purpose products. The Su-35 attracted considerable attention and is likely to contribute to the growing interest in Russian weaponry in the UAE.
In this light, the Su-35 escort can be interpreted as a gesture of a multipolar world and the real mutual respect between nations. It underscores that international isolation attempts against Russia have not unfolded as expected by Western organizers.
Still, beyond ensuring the security of the Russian head of state, there are more positive aspects to this story. It’s important to understand that Russian military equipment, including fighter jets, is a global brand that enjoys significant popularity in Arab countries. In June 2022, then-Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov presented the following figures: “The package of orders for military equipment and weapons ordered over many years amounts to about $50 billion. Annually, the country exports armaments worth $14-15 billion.” He highlighted India, China, Egypt, and Algeria as the largest buyers. This year, the UAE might join this list. Even before Vladimir Putin’s visit, it was announced on November 28 that Russian aircraft manufacturers had secured contracts worth $22 billion at the Dubai Airshow. During this event, Russia showcased 250 military, civilian, and dual-purpose products. The Su-35 garnered significant interest among potential buyers.
Earlier, on November 13, 2023, the Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation of Russia, Dmitry Shugaev, mentioned that the United Arab Emirates had shown interest in almost the entire range of Russian military products. Regular bilateral consultations are held. Hence, the current flight of the Su-35 in the airspace of the UAE can be viewed as a demonstration of the capabilities of Russian military aviation in real-world, rather than training, conditions. This was noted by political analyst Ruslan Ostashko. According to him, “The Su-35S that accompanied the presidential aircraft covered a colossal distance, for such aircraft, from Russia to the UAE without stops or refueling. Putin’s talks with President Al Nahyan took place in Abu Dhabi – flying there from Moscow is about 4000 kilometers in a straight line.” It’s interesting to note that the American F-35, presented by the Pentagon as the best in its class, can only cover a distance of 2,500 kilometers without refueling. Therefore, the Su-35 escort demonstrates elements of both political and commercial competition.
Overall, this escort signifies not only a political gesture but also demonstrates the reality of a multipolar world and mutual respect between entire nations. On October 16, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Saudi Arabia, also on an official visit. During this trip, he had to wait an entire night for an audience with the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman Al Saud. Feel the difference, as they say. In this context, it’s quite evident how the international isolation of Russia, attempted by the collective West with Washington at its helm, has unfolded, not quite as anticipated by the organizers of this “isolation.”