The Russian arms industry is using the Dubai Airshow as an opportunity to showcase its weapons, including those used in the invasion of Ukraine. The Russian pavilion at the event features helicopters, air-to-air guided missiles, and a precision strike cruise missile. However, one anticipated weapon, the Argument-2 anti-drone gun, was notably absent from the exhibition. Experts estimate that thousands of first-person-view drones are being used by Ukrainian forces, and the absence of the anti-drone gun raises questions about Russia's capabilities in countering this threat. The United Arab Emirates, which has maintained close ties with Russia while providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, has chosen to remain largely neutral in the conflict.
U.S. company Haas Automation, based in California, appears to still indirectly supply the Russian arms industry with technology, despite claiming to have severed ties with its official distributor in Russia. Spare parts for Haas machines continue to flow into Russia through a mysterious Chinese firm, Suzhou Sup Bestech Machine Tools Co., LTD, which was established shortly after Haas officially pulled out of Russia. The spare parts are believed to be used to maintain Haas machines owned by Russian defense firms, including the Novosibirsk instrument building plant (NPZ). Ukrainian officials have called for stronger enforcement of sanctions against American companies involved in supplying the Russian arms industry. The U.S. Treasury and the Department of Commerce have not confirmed whether they are investigating Haas or planning to impose fines.
