Weapons from Russia on display at IDEX 2023

For wealthy nations looking to diversify their defense strategy, IDEX 2023 is the place to be. The International Defense Exhibition is taking place this week in the United Arab Emirates. The biennial event is the largest joint defense exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa.

Chinese robot dogs at #IDEX2023 pic.twitter.com/xwzFkDlNzy

— Harry Lye (@harry_lye) February 22, 2023

Just like other trade shows, weapons manufacturers from all over the world attend IDEX with the hope of meeting new customers, and maybe schmoozing with current ones.  Despite Western pressure on UAE to isolate Moscow, Russian firms are at IDEX this year.

No Russian weapons manufacturers were officially listed as exhibitors in the IDEX literature, but Russian firms were allowed to set up in a separate pavilion as part of the Naval Defense and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX), which is held at the same time as IDEX. Kalashnikov and Rosoboronexport, two of Russia’s more well-known weapons producers, brought things like assault rifles, missiles, and drones. Oh my.

Excited to witness the incredible work of talented individuals & companies at #IDEX2023. Proud to see so many UK companies showcasing British innovation & expertise, demonstrating our commitment to this vital industry & deepening partnerships with our Emirati friends in the #UAE. pic.twitter.com/QqT5ef2p54

— Patrick Moody (@PMoodyFCDO) February 21, 2023

While the Russian firms have so far declined to do interviews with most Western media outlets, representatives from India, Pakistan and other countries were seen engaging with Russian delegates.

Russia’s state-run Tass News Agency said the country’s defense firms were actively working to pursue relevant forms of partnership with Middle East states.

According to Tass, Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev said, “Rosoboronexport is considering various options for the joint creations of modern high-tech products, including a fifth-generation fighter based on the Checkmate light tactical aircraft, further work on the development and production of aid defense systems, equipment for the navy, and weapons for the ground forces.”

IDEX 2023 will be an interesting test for Russian weapons manufacturers, at least according to some military experts. In an interview with Breaking Defense, Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, a fellow for the Middle East at Rice University, said, “The poor performance of many of Russia’s defense systems in the war in Ukraine had dented international confidence in Russia as an arms supplier.”

Reuters contributed to this report.