For global defense and security professionals, Moscow remains an essential—if complex—destination. Despite shifting geopolitical landscapes, Russia’s defense industry continues to innovate and expand, with a clear emphasis on technological sovereignty, import substitution, and showcasing advanced capabilities to domestic and select international partners. The 2026/27 trade fair calendar offers three distinct platforms for engagement, each targeting a specific segment of the security spectrum.
Here is your essential guide to Moscow’s premier defense industry events in 2026/27.
The Flagship: ARMY International Military-Technical Forum
If your calendar has room for only one Russian defense event, the ARMY International Military-Technical Forum is the undisputed heavyweight. Organized by the Russian Ministry of Defence, this is the largest and most prestigious military exhibition in the country, often described as Russia’s answer to Eurosatory.
Key Details at a Glance
- Dates: August 2026 (exact dates TBD; previous editions held mid-August)
- Venue: Patriot Congress and Exhibition Centre, Kubinka, Moscow Region
- Frequency: Annual
- Organizer: Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation
Scale and Significance
ARMY is not merely an exhibition—it is a national spectacle. The forum traditionally features a massive indoor exposition, dynamic live-fire demonstrations at the adjacent Alabino training ground, and a robust business program. While the 2027 edition has been confirmed, the 2026 schedule remains subject to official announcement following a government resolution on defense exhibitions.
What to Expect
The forum comprehensively covers the entire defense spectrum:
- Land Systems: Armored vehicles, artillery, missile systems, and tactical vehicles.
- Aerospace & Air Defense: Fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and integrated air defense solutions.
- Naval Technologies: Naval systems, shipboard weapons, and marine equipment.
- Precision-Guided Munitions: Missiles, smart bombs, and targeting systems.
- Unmanned Systems: A major focus on drones, counter-UAV technologies, and autonomous platforms.
- Electronic Warfare & C4ISR: Communications, command-and-control systems, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
The Audience
Representatives from large Russian and foreign companies of the military-industrial complex, leading research institutes, design bureaus, and government procurement officials. In previous years, the event attracted delegations from over 80 countries.
2026 Outlook
It is important to note that a Russian government resolution on defense exhibitions has listed ARMY 2027 as a confirmed event, while the 2026 schedule features other specialized shows such as the FLOT naval show and MAKS aerospace salon. Professionals should monitor the official forum website (rusarmyexpo.ru) for confirmation of the 2026 dates.
The Security Specialist: INTERPOLITEX-2026
For those focused on homeland security, law enforcement, and state security systems, INTERPOLITEX is the definitive event. Now celebrating its 30th edition, this exhibition has grown into the largest law enforcement and homeland security showcase in Russia.
Key Details at a Glance
- Dates: November 24–26, 2026
- Venue: VDNH (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy), Pavilion 20, Moscow
- Frequency: Annual
- Organizer: Exhibition Companies Group “BIZON”
A Growing Gathering
The 30th jubilee edition builds on significant momentum. In 2025, INTERPOLITEX hosted over 110 exhibitors from Russia, China, and Belarus, with an exhibition area exceeding 6,000 square meters. The event drew more than 12,500 specialists from government agencies, the military-industrial complex, and security services representing over 75 regions of Russia and 25 foreign countries.
Exhibition Focus: The Full Security Spectrum
INTERPOLITEX covers an extensive range of thematic sections , including:
- Weapons & Special Equipment: Firearms, optics, specialized gear, and special vehicles.
- Unmanned Systems & Robotics: UAVs, drones, anti-drone solutions, detection, monitoring, and control systems.
- Electronic Warfare & C4ISR: Communication systems, navigation equipment, information technologies, and cybersecurity.
- “Safe City” Systems: Integrated urban security complexes, fire and alarm systems, and road safety equipment.
- Forensics & Investigation: Judicial expertise equipment, crime scene investigation tools, and forensic technologies.
- Combat Training & Simulation: Simulators, training equipment, and combat courses.
- Life Support & Field Medicine: Survival gear, protective armor, camouflage, and military field surgery equipment.
Specialized Exposition: Critical Infrastructure Protection
A significant feature of INTERPOLITEX 2026 is the specialized exposition on “Integrated Protection Systems for Facilities.” This section targets direct customers from Russia’s largest industrial organizations, including Gazprom, Rosneft, Rosatom, Russian Railways, and Transneft. The goal is to demonstrate technologies ensuring the safety of energy facilities, urban infrastructure, and transport hubs—making it a critical meeting point for cybersecurity and physical security providers.
The Audience
This is a highly curated, government-heavy audience. Invited attendees include representatives from:
- Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM)
- Federal Security Service (FSB), Federal Protective Service (FSO)
- National Guard (Rosgvardia), Federal Customs Service
- Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Digital Development
- State corporations: Rosatom, Rostec, Gazprom, Rosneft
- Foreign military attachés and official delegations from CIS and CSTO member states
The Ancillary Event: Integrated Safety & Security Exhibition (ISSE)
While primarily held in various Russian cities, the Integrated Safety and Security Exhibition (ISSE) is another notable event on the defense calendar. According to government resolutions, an ISSE event is scheduled in Kazan for 2026, though dates have yet to be confirmed. This exhibition typically focuses on comprehensive safety solutions for industrial and urban environments.
What About MAKS and ORЁLEXPO?
Two additional events warrant mention for defense professionals:
MAKS (International Aviation and Space Salon) : The premier aerospace exhibition in Russia. The government has confirmed MAKS will take place in Zhukovsky, Moscow Region, in both 2026 and 2027. This is essential for aviation, space, and advanced weapons systems professionals.
ORЁLEXPO (Moscow International Exhibition of Arms and Hunting Gear) : Scheduled for October 22–25, 2026, at Gostiny Dvor (near Red Square), this exhibition focuses on civilian, sporting, and hunting arms, as well as self-defense goods. While not purely a defense industry event, it attracts major dealers, distributors, and security professionals, and serves as a B2B platform for the broader arms industry.
Strategic Recommendations for 2026
For Military Systems & Heavy Defense Contractors:
Your primary target is ARMY-2026 (August) at Patriot Expo. This is where major procurement decisions are influenced and where Russia showcases its latest armored, missile, and unmanned systems. However, confirm dates via official channels as the 2026 schedule may shift.
For Homeland Security, Cybersecurity & Law Enforcement Suppliers:
INTERPOLITEX (November) at VDNH is your essential event. The concentration of FSB, MVD, Rosgvardia, and regional security directors is unmatched. The specialized critical infrastructure protection section also opens doors to state-owned energy and industrial giants.
For Aerospace & Aviation Specialists:
MAKS (Zhukovsky, 2026) remains unmissable. It is Russia’s showcase for military and civil aviation, space technologies, and advanced materials.
For the Broader Arms & Gear Sector:
ORЁLEXPO (October) at Gostiny Dvor provides excellent networking with distributors, dealers, and shooting sports professionals in a central Moscow location.
Practical Considerations
Venues:
- Patriot Expo: Located in Kubinka, Moscow Region (approx. 1 hour from central Moscow). Accessible by dedicated shuttle services or car.
- VDNH: Pavilion 20, accessible via VDNH metro station (brown line).
- Gostiny Dvor: Located near Red Square (Ilyinka St. 4); nearest metros are Ploshchad Revolyutsii and Kitay-Gorod.
Registration & Access:
Defense exhibitions in Russia are typically restricted to trade professionals only. Pre-registration is mandatory, and foreign attendees should expect enhanced security screening. Government-issued identification and business credentials are required.
International Participation:
While Western participation has diminished, exhibitors from China, Belarus, India, and other friendly nations have increased their presence. INTERPOLITEX reported strong Chinese participation in 2025.
Moscow’s 2026/27 defense exhibition season offers a comprehensive landscape for professionals seeking to understand or engage with the Russian security and military-industrial complex. From the massive ARMY forum to the specialized INTERPOLITEX showcase, each event serves a distinct purpose and audience.
For those able to navigate the current environment, these platforms provide unparalleled access to decision-makers, a firsthand look at Russia’s latest technological developments, and a window into the future direction of one of the world’s most significant defense markets. Early preparation, official registration, and a clear understanding of your target audience will be key to a successful mission to Moscow in 2026/27.