Moscow has long been a cockpit for Russian aviation, and its industry-specific trade shows offer a rare window into the engines, infrastructure, and innovations keeping the sector aloft. From the sprawling international air shows that draw global giants to focused B2B infrastructure salons, the Russian capital hosts a dynamic calendar of events that cater to engineers, defense contractors, airport managers, and aerospace investors.
While the legendary MAKS air show has faced scheduling shifts in recent years, the Moscow aviation exhibition landscape is adapting, focusing heavily on sovereign technology, import substitution, and the modernization of domestic infrastructure. Here is a guide to the most significant aircraft industry trade shows in Moscow.
The Legend: MAKS International Aviation and Space Salon
No discussion of Russian aerospace events is complete without the International Aviation and Space Salon (MAKS) . Held at the Gromov Flight Research Institute airfield in Zhukovsky, just 40 km southeast of Moscow, MAKS is the flagship event of the Russian aviation industry.
History and Status: Founded in 1992 (with the first official show in 1993), MAKS is held biennially. For decades, it has been the premier platform for Russian aerospace companies to negotiate export contracts, unveil top-secret prototypes, and compete with major global air shows like Le Bourget and Farnborough. It was here that the public first saw the Su-57 stealth fighter and the Su-75 “Checkmate” light tactical aircraft.
Recent Schedule Changes: The show has experienced turbulence regarding its recent schedule. Originally slated for 2023, the event faced postponements. While there were announcements regarding an online event in 2025, official government resolutions have confirmed that MAKS is scheduled to return to Zhukovsky in 2026 and 2027.
What to Expect: When MAKS is live, it is massive. The exhibition covers over 42 hectares, featuring more than 40,000 square meters of indoor pavilions and extensive static displays of aircraft on the tarmac. The event is split into business days (for industry professionals) and public weekends featuring aerobatic displays from the Russian Knights and Swifts.
The Infrastructure Hub: NAIS (National Aviation Infrastructure Salon)
If MAKS is about the aircraft themselves, NAIS (National Aviation Infrastructure Salon) is about where they land, park, and refuel. This is the only professional exhibition in Russia dedicated exclusively to civil airport and airline infrastructure.
Focus and Audience: NAIS is a strictly B2B event aimed at airport managers, airline executives, government authorities (including the Ministry of Transport and Federal Air Transport Agency), and technology providers. It is the primary meeting point for the air transport community to discuss operational challenges.
What’s on Display: The show floor at the Crocus Expo is a blueprint for a modern airport. Exhibitors showcase:
- Airfield Equipment: Lighting systems, snow removal gear, and ground handling vehicles.
- Terminal Tech: Passenger flow management systems, security scanning solutions, and baggage handling robotics.
- IT & Navigation: Flight information systems, air traffic control software, and meteorological equipment.
- UAV Integration: A growing sector focused on drone ecosystem management and anti-drone technology.
Recent Highlights: The 2026 edition featured a plenary session titled “Our own height: how Russia’s sovereign aviation model is being formed,” highlighting the industry’s push toward independence from imported technologies and materials. The event is heavily supported by the state and sees participation from international delegations, including those from China, Iran, and the UAE.
Upcoming Dates: NAIS typically takes place every February. The next scheduled event is set for February 10-11, 2027, at Crocus Expo.
The Specialists: RUBAE and Defense Exhibitions
Beyond the massive salons, Moscow hosts niche events catering to specific verticals of the aircraft industry.
RUBAE (Russian Business Aviation Exhibition):
Located at the prestigious Vnukovo-3 Business Aviation Center, RUBAE is the dedicated event for the VIP side of flying. Unlike the military-heavy MAKS, RUBAE focuses on private jets, corporate fleets, and luxury aviation services. The event brings together representatives of state corporations, private investors, and aircraft management companies to discuss the needs of the business aviation market. The next event is planned for September 2026.
Defense & Military Integration:
The aircraft industry is intrinsically linked to the defense sector. Moscow and the surrounding region host events like the “ARMY” International Military-Technical Forum (scheduled for 2027) and the “FLOT” International Naval Show (scheduled for 2026). While these are multi-domain defense events, they feature significant aerospace components, including aviation weapons systems, naval aviation assets, and drones.
Navigating a Changing Industry
The current theme running through all of Moscow’s aviation trade shows is adaptation. Following sanctions and supply chain disruptions, the focus has shifted dramatically toward “sovereign aviation”—developing a model as independent as possible from imported technologies and materials.
At NAIS, this manifests as a search for domestic ground handling equipment. At MAKS, it means a heavier reliance on domestic Rostec corporations and partnerships with non-Western nations. For attendees and exhibitors, these trade shows are no longer just about buying and selling; they are about survival and strategic realignment in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.
Final Boarding Call
Moscow’s aircraft industry trade shows offer a unique, unfiltered look at the state of Russian aviation. Whether you are a supplier looking to break into the Russian market, an engineer tracking the latest composite materials, or an aviation enthusiast hoping to see a prototype fighter jet, Moscow remains a critical destination.
Key Takeaway: While MAKS remains the crown jewel for aerospace glamour, NAIS is arguably the most important working exhibition for the practical future of Russia’s civil aviation. Check the official schedules carefully, as dates have shifted significantly post-2024, but the direction is clear: the industry is flying forward on domestic power.
