Russia Seeks to Reclaim Arms Market Presence at IDEX 2025 in UAE

At the IDEX and NAVDEX defense fairs in 2025, Russia's state-owned defense companies are making a bold return to the global arms market. After a significant hiatus due to the Ukraine invasion, Russian exhibitors were granted a prominent display at the exhibition, signaling Moscow's ambitions to reassert itself as a key player in the global arms trade.

This year’s IDEX show stands in stark contrast to previous editions, such as 2023, when Russian companies were either excluded from the event or relegated to a separate pavilion due to the international backlash over the ongoing war in Ukraine. With over a dozen exhibitors showcasing upgraded weaponry, Russian defense companies are keen to show off their latest innovations, which many argue have been "combat-tested" in Ukraine.

Among the exhibitors is the renowned Kalashnikov Group, which introduced the Kub-2-E strike drone, designed for drone swarming tactics. The drone, which is equipped with guided munitions, is intended to target lightly armored military equipment, air defense systems, and helicopter basing sites. These drones are said to be launched from armored vehicles, marking an evolution in Russia's tactical approach.

Russia's defense sector has been severely impacted by the war in Ukraine, with a sharp decline in arms exports—down 92% from 2021 levels by the end of 2024, according to the Jamestown Foundation. Sanctions, shifting priorities, and a decline in foreign demand for Russian weapons have all contributed to this downturn. However, Russian state agency Rosoboronexport remains optimistic, citing record-level orders for 2024 despite the challenges.

Sam Bendett, advisor at the Center for Naval Analyses, notes that Russian defense companies are now marketing their equipment as “combat-proven,” attempting to capitalize on the international interest in their military technologies, particularly in light of their battlefield experiences in Ukraine.

Notable displays at the event also included the T-90 Proryv main battle tank, showcased with enhancements to counter the growing threat of first-person-view drones. Though Moscow has touted the tank's capabilities since 2015, its performance in Ukraine has been underwhelming, with reports showing heavy losses on the battlefield. Open-source intelligence group Oryx has recorded at least 124 T-90s destroyed in battle.