Russia's Army 2024 Arms Fair to Feature "Special Military Operation"

With an attempt to draw international attention to its weapons used successfully in Ukraine, the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declared the theme of the Army 2024 event as "Special Military Operation (SVO)."

To be held from August 12-14 in the Patriot Park exhibition area outside Moscow, under the threat of increasing Ukrainian attacks, this year's Army 2024 will have only business visitors and is closed to the general public.

Besides, an accompanying aviation display held at Kubinka Airfield nearby has been cancelled and so is the live firing of Russian tanks and artillery equipment at the Alabino training ground. Cultural, artistic, and entertainment events have also been excluded.

The ministry stated, "The forum's format has been optimized and updated, with a reduced duration and changes to the number of events, their format, and content. The thematic focus this year is the special military operation."

According to a source cited by Russian state media, the forum’s main goals will now be "to consolidate the efforts of product developers and manufacturers working for the special military operation, as well as to promote Russian weapons on foreign markets and demonstrate new solutions created based on the experience of the military operation."

The outdoor exhibition will feature 15 samples of military equipment, while Rosoboronexport will display 242 export samples of weapons and military equipment. The ministry added, "This year, guests and participants will be shown the advantages of Russian military equipment, the increased technical capabilities of Russian defense industry organizations, and new solutions developed based on experience gained during the SVO."

The Army forum has been held annually in Patriot Park since 2015.