Defence events in Saint Petersburg

NEVA is the dominant gateway event for any supplier seeking access to Russia's civil shipbuilding, Arctic/Northern Sea Route, and inland-waterways procurement pipeline, drawing state corporations such as USC and Rosatom as programme organisers and anchor exhibitors. For SMEs and international suppliers, the 100%-sold-out exhibition space and 700+ exhibitor roster signal a highly competitive but commercially active market where deals and framework agreements are signed on the floor. Despite Western sanctions constraining some participation, the event continues to attract 30+ countries and remains the primary B2B matchmaking platform for the Russian maritime supply chain.

Fleet/IMDS is Russia's flagship naval export showcase and the primary venue at which Rosoboronexport and Rostec-affiliated shipbuilders present export-configured warships, submarines, and unmanned maritime systems to delegations from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. For non-Western defence suppliers and dual-use technology firms, it is one of the few remaining major naval shows offering direct access to Russian Navy procurement officials and partner-nation delegations. Attendance or monitoring of the show provides insight into Russian naval export priorities, technology transfer offers, and the competitive landscape for maritime UAS and counter-drone systems.

This is Russia's primary closed-format annual gathering where UAS and counter-UAS suppliers meet industrial procurement decision-makers and federal regulators in a single room — before requirements crystallize into formal tenders. The scenario-session format on Day 2 gives vendors direct insight into buyer selection criteria, while the live polygon demonstration on Day 3 allows technology to be evaluated under operational conditions rather than on a trade-show stand. For SMEs and startups, the 'Industry Premieres' slot and investment session provide structured access to both customers and capital in one event.