Moscow remains a pivotal hub for the global aviation industry, hosting several major trade shows that connect aircraft manufacturers, infrastructure developers, maintenance providers, and technological innovators. Despite facing unprecedented sanctions pressure, the Russian aviation sector is actively transforming, with its exhibition landscape reflecting a decisive shift toward technological sovereignty, import substitution, and the development of fully domestic aircraft and components.
Here is your guide to the most significant aircraft industry events in Moscow and the trends driving them.
NAIS: The National Aviation Infrastructure Show
The National Aviation Infrastructure Show (NAIS) is Russia’s premier event dedicated entirely to civil aviation infrastructure. The 13th edition took place on February 4–5, 2026, at Crocus Expo and was described as the largest exhibition in its history.
Key Facts and Figures
NAIS 2026 gathered more than 200 companies from Russia, Belarus, and China. The event drew over 10,000 professional visitors and featured an exposition covering the full spectrum of aviation infrastructure solutions—from aerodrome lighting and power supply systems to ground handling equipment, security systems, digital platforms, biometric technologies, and unmanned aircraft systems.
An important statistic: 92% of exhibitors were Russian manufacturers, developers, and integrators, underscoring the event’s role as the country’s largest specialized platform focused on developing national aviation infrastructure.
What Was on Display
Rostec, the Russian state corporation, used NAIS 2026 to debut the Mi-34M1 light helicopter, a 100% domestically produced aircraft fitted with the new VK-650V engine. According to Rostec, this helicopter “closes a niche with the high demand, where only foreign models were present before”. Also on display was the PD-8 engine for the Superjet passenger aircraft, which has accumulated over 4,700 hours of testing.
The Business Program
The business program was anchored by a plenary session titled “Our own height: how Russia’s sovereign aviation model is being formed”. Attendees heard from representatives of government agencies and industry companies about the aviation industry’s readiness to introduce new types of Russian aircraft and implement an aviation development model as independent as possible from imported technologies and materials.
The forum Drontech: an ecosystem for unmanned aviation was another major highlight, discussing the integration of UAVs into Russia’s common airspace. The event also featured award ceremonies for the industry’s prestigious “Air Gates of Russia” and RuSky Awards.
HeliRussia: The Helicopter and UAS Exhibition
Now in its 19th edition, HeliRussia has evolved significantly from its origins as a pure helicopter industry show. Scheduled for June 4–5, 2026, at Crocus Expo, the exhibition has officially repositioned itself with a stronger emphasis on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and import substitution.
What to Expect in 2026
Organizers expect more than 8,000 industry participants and over 50 companies from Russia and abroad. The exhibition space will cover approximately 3,000 square meters, with up to 90% already booked ahead of the event.
Confirmed participants include manufacturers of helicopters and unmanned systems, component suppliers, operators, maintenance providers, logistics firms, and training organizations. Over 50 foreign delegations and more than 200 specialized media representatives are also expected.
Key Focus Areas
The 2026 agenda pivots decisively toward applied industry challenges. The five core tracks of the business program are:
- Regional transport and low-altitude mobility concepts
- Flight safety and regulatory frameworks
- Emergency aviation and medical operations
- Workforce development (including a recruitment fair)
- Infrastructure and transport efficiency
A dedicated track will examine the use of aviation in regional transport, logistics, and medical operations, aligning with Russia’s long-term development objectives through 2030 and extending to 2036.
MRO Russia & CIS: The Technical Maintenance and Repair Event
Aviation isn’t just about new aircraft—it’s about keeping existing fleets airworthy. The 21st edition of the MRO Russia & CIS Exhibition (branded as TOиР) took place on March 16–17, 2026, at the Congress Centre of the World Trade Center Moscow.
Event Scope
This annual event is organized by ATO Events with the support of the Russian Association of Air Transport Operators (AEVT). The 2026 edition brought together dozens of specialized companies, from global MRO providers to niche players.
Participant Mix
The exhibition attracted a comprehensive cross-section of the MRO ecosystem:
- Government regulators (Rosaviatsia, Ministry of Transport)
- Airlines (technical directors, engineering staff)
- Aircraft manufacturers (including Yakovlev)
- Leasing and insurance companies
- MRO providers and repair plants
- Parts suppliers and engineering firms
- Software developers for digital platforms
Conference Themes
The accompanying conference featured top managers from key industry players. Major discussion topics included:
- The impact of sanctions on fleet maintenance and the infrastructure challenges
- Digitalization in MRO (data monitoring, predictive maintenance)
- Import substitution—developing domestic components and localizing repairs
- Airworthiness control under new regulatory approaches
- Life extension technologies for aging aircraft components
Speakers included leaders from Yakovlev, Rosatom Science, Volga-Dnepr Engineering, Tulpar Technik, and Moscow State Technical University of Civil Aviation.
MAKS: The Flagship International Air Show
The International Aviation and Space Salon (MAKS) is Russia’s largest and most prestigious aerospace exhibition. Following cancellations in 2024 and 2025, the Russian government has officially scheduled MAKS for July–August 2026 and again in 2027.
Event Profile
MAKS takes place at the Zhukovsky airfield (Ramenskoye Airport) in the Moscow region, home to the Gromov Flight Research Institute. The event is organized by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Rostec State Corporation.
The show is biennial by tradition, founded in 1990. The 2026 edition will be a major comeback after a multi-year hiatus.
What Makes MAKS Unique
Unlike the infrastructure-focused NAIS or the MRO-specific TOиR, MAKS is a true air show featuring flight demonstrations of both military and civil aircraft. The event’s purpose has historically been to demonstrate Russian high technologies and the openness of Russia’s domestic market for joint projects with foreign partners.
The exhibition profile includes:
- Aerospace technology and space systems
- Airport construction and equipment
- Security systems
- Airport catering technology
Strategic Importance
MAKS is included in the official Russian government resolution on defense and technology exhibitions for 2026–2027, alongside other major events like the ARMY international military-technical forum and the Hydroaviasalon in Gelendzhik. Its return signals a strategic commitment to showcasing Russia’s aerospace capabilities on an international stage.
Other Aviation Events in Moscow and Beyond
While Moscow hosts the majority of Russia’s aviation trade shows, several other exhibitions of note take place in the region:
| Event | Location | Frequency | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARMY Forum | Kubinka (Moscow region) | Annual | Military technology and defense |
| Hydroaviasalon | Gelendzhik | Biennial | Seaplanes and amphibious aircraft |
| Integrated Safety and Security Exhibition | Kazan | Annual | Security systems for transport |
Key Trends Across All Shows
Reviewing the 2026–2027 season of Moscow aviation exhibitions reveals several consistent themes:
1. Technological Sovereignty
Following the withdrawal of many Western OEMs, Russian exhibitions are heavily promoting domestic solutions. The Ministry of Industry and Trade actively supports events showcasing Russian-made aircraft, engines, and components. The Mi-34M1 helicopter debut at NAIS is a prime example. Plenary sessions explicitly address how a “sovereign aviation model” is being formed.
2. Import Substitution in MRO
The MRO Russia & CIS event placed import substitution at the center of its conference program. Discussions focused on developing domestic components, localizing repairs previously done abroad, and extending the service life of existing fleets through indigenous engineering.
3. The Rise of Unmanned Systems
Both NAIS and HeliRussia have integrated UAS as core themes. NAIS featured the Drontech forum, while HeliRussia has officially renamed itself to include “Unmanned Aerial Systems” in its title. This reflects the global trend toward drone integration and the specific challenges of integrating UAVs into Russia’s shared airspace.
4. Digitalization and Predictive Analytics
From MRO software platforms to digital twins of airport infrastructure, digitalization is a recurring theme across all exhibitions. Exhibitors include developers of monitoring systems, data analytics platforms, and predictive maintenance solutions.
5. Regional and International Participation
While European participation has diminished, China, Belarus, and other Eurasian Economic Union partners are increasingly visible. NAIS 2026 featured exhibitors from all three countries, and HeliRussia expects over 50 foreign delegations.
Practical Information for Attendees
| Venue | Crocus Expo (NAIS, HeliRussia) / World Trade Center (MRO TOиR) / Zhukovsky Airfield (MAKS) |
|---|---|
| Registration | Most shows offer free electronic registration for professional visitors via official websites |
| Language | Russian is primary; major events offer simultaneous interpretation |
| Dates to Watch | NAIS: February (annually) / MRO TOиR: March (annually) / HeliRussia: June (annually) / MAKS: July–August (biennial, 2026 and 2027) |
Moscow’s aircraft industry trade shows have weathered significant geopolitical turbulence and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. The focus has shifted decisively inward—toward building domestic supply chains, developing indigenous technologies, and creating a sovereign aviation ecosystem.
For international participants, these exhibitions offer a unique window into one of the world’s largest aviation markets. While the composition of foreign exhibitors has changed, the demand for technology, components, and expertise remains high. Whether you are in airport infrastructure, MRO, helicopter manufacturing, or unmanned systems, Moscow’s trade show calendar provides unparalleled access to decision-makers and a clear view of where the Russian aviation industry is heading.
The message from the 2026 exhibition season is clear: Russian aviation is building its own future, and Moscow is where that future is on display.