JSC Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state-owned arms export agency and a key subsidiary of the Rostec State Corporation, is preparing to present a broad array of next-generation and combat-tested defence technologies at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from February 8 to 12.
The International Defence and Security Exhibition has rapidly emerged as one of the most significant global platforms for military and security technologies, drawing defence officials, industry leaders, and procurement delegations from across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and beyond. At the 2026 edition, Rosoboronexport will organise Russia’s single national exhibit, bringing together the country’s leading defence manufacturers under one coordinated showcase.
According to Rosoboronexport, the Russian exhibit will highlight weapons and military equipment developed and refined through recent operational experience, with several systems making their world debut on the international stage in Riyadh.
Rosoboronexport’s pavilion at WDS 2026 will serve as a consolidated platform for Russia’s major defence holdings, reflecting Moscow’s strategy of presenting integrated, end-to-end military solutions rather than individual platforms.
Participating companies include the Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern, unmanned systems specialist ZALA, Rostec’s High Precision Systems holding, the Kalashnikov Group, and several other major enterprises spanning missile systems, armoured vehicles, drones, small arms, and fire control technologies.
“The World Defense Show is one of the largest arms and military equipment exhibitions in the world, and for Rosoboronexport it has become a platform for showcasing the latest developments in the Russian defence industry to partners in the Middle East and other key regions of our operations,” Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev said in a statement ahead of the exhibition.
He added that the 2026 event in Riyadh will host world premieres of Russian weapons systems developed on the basis of real combat experience, underscoring a central theme of the Russian presentation.
A defining feature of Rosoboronexport’s presence at WDS 2026 will be the unveiling of multiple systems shown abroad for the first time, many of which have been shaped by lessons learned from modern high-intensity conflicts.
Among the headline debuts are full-scale versions of the Sarma multiple rocket launcher with new guided munitions, the BTR-22 armoured personnel carrier, the Ballista remote-controlled weapon station, the RUS-PE containerised loitering munition, and the upgraded RPG-29M anti-tank grenade launcher.
Rosoboronexport has emphasised that these systems are not conceptual prototypes but mature platforms designed for near-term export and operational deployment.
“We will hold public presentations of new products and negotiations on cooperation with countries friendly to Russia,” Mikheev said, signalling the company’s intent to translate exhibition exposure into concrete defence partnerships.
For the first time, Rosoboronexport will unveil the latest Sarma multiple rocket launcher system in the outdoor display area of the exhibition. Developed by Rostec, the 300mm Sarma system represents a new generation of Russian rocket artillery, designed to improve mobility, survivability, and precision compared to earlier systems.
Sarma was developed using operational experience gained from the employment of multiple rocket launcher systems in modern warfare, where speed of deployment, accuracy, and protection against counter-battery fire have become critical.
The system incorporates advanced Russian-made electronic components that significantly enhance its performance. Among the key improvements are a reduced ready-to-fire time and increased accuracy at engagement ranges of up to 120 kilometres, placing Sarma among the longest-range systems in its class.
High mobility is one of Sarma’s defining features. The launcher can be emplaced and displaced in just three minutes, allowing rapid “shoot-and-scoot” operations. A full salvo of six missiles can be fired in only 18 seconds, enabling the system to deliver a concentrated strike and relocate before enemy counter-fire can be directed.
With a maximum road speed of up to 95 kilometres per hour, Sarma offers operational flexibility across wide theatres. Its armoured cabin provides protection against mines, shell fragments, and 7.62mm armour-piercing ammunition, enhancing crew survivability in contested environments.
In addition to firing the full range of existing 300mm unguided rockets used by legacy systems, Sarma is capable of employing three new guided munitions: the 9M543, 9M544, and 9M549 rockets. These guided rockets will be exhibited abroad for the first time at WDS 2026.
The integration of guided munitions significantly expands Sarma’s role beyond area saturation fire, enabling precision strikes against high-value targets such as command posts, logistics hubs, and air defence assets.
At the exhibition, Sarma will be presented as part of an integrated reconnaissance-and-strike system. Supporting elements include the Supercam S350 unmanned aerial vehicle, used for reconnaissance and target designation, and the Planshet-A automated artillery fire control system mounted on the Atlet armoured chassis. Together, these components demonstrate Russia’s approach to networked artillery operations.
Another major highlight of the Russian exhibit will be the world premiere of the BTR-22 armoured personnel carrier, displayed in the outdoor area of WDS 2026.
The BTR-22 has been developed based on operational experience gained from the use of wheeled armoured vehicles in modern combat conditions, where threats from mines, improvised explosive devices, and precision anti-armour weapons have reshaped design priorities.
Compared to earlier platforms, the BTR-22 features a new internal layout and significantly improved ballistic protection and blast resistance. These enhancements are intended to improve troop survivability while maintaining the mobility required for rapid deployment and manoeuvre operations.
The vehicle is designed with modularity in mind. Depending on customer requirements, it can be equipped with the proven BTR-82A crew compartment or fitted with the new Ballista remote-controlled weapon station.
The Ballista remote-controlled weapon station represents a notable upgrade in firepower and crew protection. Armed with a 30mm 2A42 cannon with a selectable rate of fire, Ballista allows the BTR-22 to engage a wide range of targets, from infantry and light vehicles to fortified positions.
The system can also be equipped with two anti-tank guided missiles, significantly increasing the platform’s ability to defeat heavily armoured targets at extended ranges. Remote operation enables the crew to engage threats from within the protected hull, reducing exposure on the battlefield.
Rosoboronexport has highlighted that all combat equipment presented at WDS 2026 can be transported to the deployment area by the Il-76MD-90A(E) military transport aircraft, underscoring the expeditionary potential of the showcased systems.
Loitering munitions and unmanned systems will feature prominently at Rosoboronexport’s booth in Hall 3, reflecting their growing importance in modern warfare.
The major world premiere in this segment will be the RUS-PE, Russia’s first domestically produced containerised loitering munition developed by the Kalashnikov Group. The system is designed for flexible deployment and rapid launch from containerised platforms.
RUS-PE is available in two versions, equipped with either a one-kilogram or two-kilogram warhead, allowing customers to tailor the system to specific mission requirements. It is fitted with a seeker that enables fully autonomous employment, reducing operator workload and increasing resilience against electronic warfare.
In addition to RUS-PE, Rosoboronexport will showcase the KUB-2E loitering munition, which is integrated with the Skat-350M unmanned aerial vehicle. The UAV performs reconnaissance, guidance, and signal relay functions, forming a coordinated reconnaissance-strike package.
The Lancet-E reconnaissance-and-strike system will also be on display. This system combines the Z-16-E reconnaissance UAV with two loitering munitions manufactured by ZALA, demonstrating Russia’s layered approach to unmanned precision strike capabilities.
Close-combat and infantry weapons will form another key element of the Russian exhibit. The RPG-29M grenade launcher, a heavily upgraded version of the widely used RPG-29, will be unveiled internationally for the first time at WDS 2026.
Drawing on operational experience, Rostec designers have reduced the launcher’s weight by approximately one third, improving portability and ease of use. The RPG-29M is equipped with a day-and-night thermal imaging sight integrated with a fire control function, enhancing accuracy under all lighting conditions.
The range of ammunition compatible with the launcher has also been expanded, increasing its versatility against modern armour and fortified targets.
In the small arms segment, Rosoboronexport will display new-generation Kalashnikov assault rifles, including the AK-15 and AK-19, as well as their shortened variants such as the AK-15K, AK-15SK, and AK-19K. These rifles reflect ongoing refinements in ergonomics, accuracy, and modularity.
Additional infantry weapons on display will include the Lebedev RPL-20 light machine gun and the GP-46 under-barrel grenade launcher, further highlighting Russia’s focus on equipping infantry units with modernised, combat-ready systems.
Rosoboronexport has scheduled a series of public presentations during the exhibition. On February 9 at 11:30 a.m., the Sarma-based reconnaissance-and-strike system will be presented in the outdoor display area, followed by the presentation of the BTR-22 armoured personnel carrier at 12:00 p.m.
On February 10 at 11:00 a.m., the RUS-PE reconnaissance-and-strike system will be presented at Rosoboronexport’s booth in Hall 3.
Beyond the hardware on display, the company will use WDS 2026 as a platform for high-level meetings and negotiations with delegations from the defence, security, and law enforcement agencies of Saudi Arabia and other participating countries. Discussions will also involve regional defence industry companies.
Rosoboronexport has indicated that talks will focus not only on the supply of Russian defence products but also on expanding technology partnerships aimed at joint development and production of weapons and military equipment.
Rosoboronexport remains Russia’s sole state agency authorised to export the full range of defence-related and dual-use products, services, and technologies. The company accounts for more than 85 percent of Russia’s total exports of arms and military equipment and cooperates with over 700 Russian defence industrial enterprises and organisations.
Its participation in World Defense Show 2026 reflects both Russia’s continued engagement with Middle Eastern defence markets and its emphasis on showcasing systems shaped by contemporary battlefield realities.
As Riyadh prepares to host one of the world’s most prominent defence exhibitions, Rosoboronexport’s expansive and combat-focused display is set to draw significant attention from military planners and procurement officials seeking proven, adaptable solutions for modern and future conflicts.
