Russia cancels flagship arms expo without explanation
Russia has abruptly cancelled its annual arms expo — a defence industry showcase used by the Kremlin to project military strength — citing no reason for the decision.
The Army-2025 forum, scheduled for August 11–14 in the Patriot military park outside Moscow, has been postponed to an unspecified later date, state news agency TASS reported on Saturday, citing event organizers.
The cancellation includes the forum’s trademark arms exhibition, which was set to feature military hardware and new technologies such as drones.
More than 1,500 participants were expected at this year’s event, according to the forum’s website, with over 28,000 items set to be displayed. In 2024, delegations from more than 100 countries were invited.
Since its launch in 2015, the forum has been regarded as the Russian Defence Ministry’s most important platform for promoting military exports and partnerships.
The announcement comes amid growing security concerns in the Moscow region, where Ukrainian drones are being shot down almost daily, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. Air traffic restrictions have become increasingly frequent due to the persistent drone threat.
However, it remains unclear whether safety fears prompted the postponement.
Russia is also heavily occupied by its war against Ukraine, now in its third year. Despite the ongoing conflict, President Vladimir Putin has insisted that the Russian arms industry must continue to meet its export commitments to foreign clients.
