ROSOBORONEXPORT Unveils Next-Generation Russian Weapons at World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — JSC Rosoboronexport, part of the Rostec State Corporation, will present key innovations from the Russian defence industry at the World Defense Show 2026, the International Defence and Security Exhibition, to be held from February 8 to 12, 2026, in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Rosoboronexport is organising Russia’s single national exhibit at WDS 2026, where the country’s largest domestic defence holding companies will present their products.

Among the companies participating in the Russian exhibit are the Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern, ZALA, Rostec’s High Precision Systems division, the Kalashnikov Group, and other major defence enterprises.

“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,” said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport JSC.

“In 2026, Riyadh will host world premieres of Russian weapons developed on the basis of combat experience,” he said.

“For the first time, we are showcasing full-scale versions of the Sarma multiple rocket launcher with new guided rockets, the BTR-22 armoured personnel carrier, the Ballista remote-controlled weapon station, the RUS-PE loitering munition, and the RPG-29M grenade launcher,” Mikheev added.

“We will hold public presentations of new products and negotiations on cooperation with countries friendly to Russia,” he said.

For the first time, Rosoboronexport will unveil the latest Sarma multiple rocket launcher in the outdoor display area of the exhibition.

The 300mm Sarma multiple rocket launcher was developed by Rostec State Corporation based on operational experience gained from the employment of rocket artillery systems.

Sarma is a next-generation multiple rocket launcher.

It incorporates advanced Russian-made electronic components that significantly improve its performance compared to legacy multiple rocket launcher systems.

These improvements include reduced ready-to-fire time and improved target engagement accuracy at ranges of up to 120 kilometres.

One of Sarma’s key advantages is its high mobility.

The vehicle can be emplaced and displaced in just three minutes.

A full salvo of six missiles can be fired in 18 seconds.

These performance parameters place Sarma among the leading systems in the global multiple rocket launcher market segment.

Such capabilities enhance the system’s survivability under counter-battery fire conditions.

The vehicle can reach road speeds of up to 95 kilometres per hour.

Sarma’s armoured cabin protects the crew against mines, shell fragments, and 7.62mm armour-piercing ammunition.

The launcher can fire the full range of 300mm unguided rockets used by legacy multiple rocket launcher systems.

It can also employ three types of guided rockets—9M543, 9M544, and 9M549—which will be exhibited abroad for the first time at World Defense Show 2026.

At the exhibition, Sarma is presented as part of an integrated reconnaissance-and-strike system, where it serves as the primary fire platform.

Supporting systems on display include the Supercam S350 unmanned aerial vehicle for target reconnaissance and designation and the Planshet-A artillery fire control automation system mounted on the Atlet armoured chassis.

The BTR-22, a new Russian armoured personnel carrier, will make its world premiere in the outdoor display area of World Defense Show 2026.

The vehicle was developed based on operational experience gained from the use of wheeled armoured vehicles in modern combat conditions.

It features a new internal layout and significantly improved ballistic protection and blast resistance.

Depending on customer requirements, the BTR-22 can be equipped with the BTR-82A crew compartment or fitted with the new Ballista remote-controlled weapon station.

The Ballista weapon station is armed with a 30mm 2A42 cannon featuring a selectable rate of fire.

It can also be equipped with two anti-tank guided missiles, significantly increasing the armoured personnel carrier’s ability to destroy armoured targets and fortified positions.

All combat equipment presented at the exhibition can be transported to the deployment area by the Il-76MD-90A(E) military transport aircraft.

The latest Russian loitering munitions, small arms, and close-combat weapons will be displayed at Rosoboronexport’s booth in Hall 3.

The RUS-PE, Russia’s first domestically produced containerised loitering munition developed by the Kalashnikov Group, will be the major world premiere in the loitering munitions segment.

The RUS-PE is available in two versions, equipped with either a one-kilogram or two-kilogram warhead.

The system is fitted with a seeker that enables fully autonomous employment.

Artificial intelligence algorithms are used for target detection and identification.

Rosoboronexport will also showcase the KUB-2E loitering munition at its booth.

The KUB-2E is integrated with the Skat-350M unmanned aerial vehicle, which performs reconnaissance, guidance, and signal relay functions.

The Lancet-E reconnaissance-and-strike system will also be on display.

The system consists of the Z-16-E reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle and two loitering munitions manufactured by ZALA.

The RPG-29M grenade launcher, a heavily upgraded version of the proven RPG-29, will be unveiled for the first time at World Defense Show 2026.

Drawing on operational experience, Rostec designers have reduced the launcher’s weight by one third.

The RPG-29M is equipped with a day-and-night thermal imaging sight integrated with a fire control function.

The range of ammunition compatible with the launcher has also been expanded.

In the small arms segment, Rosoboronexport will showcase the new-generation Kalashnikov assault rifles AK-15 and AK-19.

Their shortened variants, including the AK-15K, AK-15SK, and AK-19K, will also be displayed.

Additional infantry weapons on display include the Lebedev RPL-20 light machine gun and the GP-46 under-barrel grenade launcher.

During the exhibition, Rosoboronexport will hold presentations of its new products.

On February 9 at 11:30 a.m., the Company will present the Sarma-based reconnaissance-and-strike system in the outdoor display area.

At 12:00 p.m. on the same day, the BTR-22 armoured personnel carrier will be presented.

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.

As part of the exhibition’s business programme, Rosoboronexport will hold meetings and negotiations with delegations from the defence, security, and law enforcement agencies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other participating countries.

Meetings will also be held with defence industry companies from across the region.

The Company will discuss the supply of Russian defence products and the expansion of technology partnerships.

These partnerships are aimed at the joint development and production of weapons and military equipment using Russia’s unique technologies and expertise.

Rosoboronexport is 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 exports of arms and military equipment.

Rosoboronexport cooperates with more than 700 Russian defence industrial enterprises and organisations.

The geographical scope of Russia’s military-technical cooperation through Rosoboronexport spans more than 100 countries worldwide.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA