Africa has become one of the key regions for the expansion of Russia’s military-technical cooperation. Rosoboronexport is already working on more than 20 projects involving maintenance, repairs and localized production for ground forces, naval forces, aviation and air defense. Some of these programs are already underway, while others are being prepared for launch.

Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheev outlined the company’s plans ahead of the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026 exhibition in Pretoria. He described Africa as one of the world’s most promising regions for further military-technical cooperation.

Russia is offering African countries modern weapons while also expanding technological partnerships, Mikheev said. These projects include developing local production capabilities and modernizing the industrial base of partner countries. The cooperation is also aimed at strengthening their defense capabilities and helping them counter current security threats, TASS reported.

During the exhibition’s business program, Rosoboronexport representatives plan to hold talks with delegations from different branches of the armed forces and security agencies of African countries. The company also intends to deepen cooperation with local defense manufacturers as part of its broader technological partnership efforts in the region.

The modernized RPG-29M grenade launcher will be displayed in Africa for the first time. Its upgrade incorporated combat experience: the launcher’s weight was reduced threefold, while the system received an all-day thermal imaging sight with fire-control functions and support for a wider range of ammunition.

The BK-16E high-speed transport and landing craft will also be presented at the exhibition. Designed to support special operations forces in coastal areas, it can serve as a command craft, provide fire support, and perform search-and-rescue and medical evacuation missions.

The BK-16E can be equipped with 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns, grenade launchers and remotely controlled weapon stations. Rosoboronexport expects the craft to draw interest from representatives of naval forces and other security agencies.