Rosoboronexport (Russian arms trade national state mediator) is presenting combat-proved innovations at the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from February 8 to 12, 2026.
Rosoboronexport is organizing the national pavilion at WDS 2026 being teamed by the Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern, ZALA Company, the High Precision Weapons Holding, and the Kalashnikov Group among many.
“The World Defense Show is one of the largest arms and military equipment exhibitions in the world. For us it has become a platform for showcasing the latest developments in the Russian defense industry to the partners in the Middle East and other key regions of our operations,” said Alexander Mikheev, Rosoboronexport CEO
For the first time, Rosoboronexport unveils the latest Sarma multiple launch rocket system being shown alive at the outdoor display area. This 300mm MLRS was developed by the Rostec State Corporation on the basis of operational experience with rocket artillery.
The Sarma is a next-generation MLRS. It employs advanced home-made electronic components, which has significantly improved its performance compared to predecessors enjoying a reduced ready-to-fire time and a better target engagement accuracy at ranges of up to 120 km.
One of the Sarma key advantages is a high mobility. The vehicle can be deployed and displaced in just three minutes, while a full salvo of six missiles can be fired in 18 seconds. These are among the best indicators in the global MLRS market segment, demonstrating the vehicle's survivability in counter-battery fire conditions. The vehicle speed is up to 95 km/h. The Sarma armored cabin protects the crew against mine and shell fragments, as well as 7.62mm armor-piercing bullets.
The MLRS can fire the full range of 300mm unguided rockets of the previous generations as well as three types of most modern guided rockets: 9M543, 9M544, and 9M549 making the international debut at WDS as well.
The Sarma is showcased at the exhibition as a mean of fire of the single reconnaissance-and-strike complex which also employs the Supercam S350 UAV for target reconnaissance/recognition, and the Planshet-A artillery command and control system based on the Atlet armored chassis. All of the three components are on display.
The BTR-22, a new Russian armored personnel carrier is presented alive too. This vehicle employs the ultimate experience with wheeled armored vehicles. It features a new layout and significantly improved ballistic protection and blast resistance.
Depending on customers requirements, the BTR-22 could be equipped with either the BTR-82A’s weapon station or a new Ballista remote-controlled weapon station fitted with the 2A42 30mm cannon with a selectable rate of fire. The Ballista can also be equipped with two guided missiles, significantly increasing the APC capability to destroy armored targets and protected emplacements.
The new generation IL-76MD-90A(E) military transport aircraft has been employed to deliver the Russian hardware to Riyadh to be also seen at the display grounds.
The latest Russian loitering munitions, small arms and light weapons are on display at the national pavilion in Hall 3.
The RUS-PE, the first domestically manufactured containerized loitering munition developed and produced by the Kalashnikov Group makes debut in the loitering munitions segment. It is available in two versions: with a 1- or 2-kg warhead. The RUS-PE is equipped with a seeker, enabling its fully autonomous employment. AI algorithms are used for target detection and identification.
Rosoboronexport is also showcasing the KUB-2E loitering munition being integrated with the Skat-350M UAV to provide reconnaissance, guidance and signal relay functions. The ZALA Lancet-E reconnaissance-and-strike system, consisting of the Z-16-E reconnaissance UAV and two loitering munitions are on display as well.
The RPG-29M grenade launcher (an upgraded version of the RPG-29) is also unveiled for the first time. The new launcher weight was reduced by a third. The RPG-29M is equipped with a day/night thermal imaging sight being integrated with a fire control function to expand range of rounds it can fire.
In the small arms segment Rosoboronexport showcases the modern-generation Kalashnikov assault rifles – the AK-15 and AK-19 – and their short-barrel versions, the AK-15K, AK-15SK and AK-19K, the Lebedev RPL-20 light machine gun, and the GP-46 under-barrel grenade launcher. (LAGUK-Media; Photo © Rosoboronexport Press Service)
