From the icy expanses of the Arctic to the agricultural fields of the south, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are rewriting the rules of Russian industry. As the government pushes for technological sovereignty and the commercial sector seeks efficiency gains, the demand for drones—and the ecosystem that supports them—has never been higher.
In 2026/27, Russia will host a series of specialized exhibitions catering to this booming sector, ranging from broad aviation infrastructure events to niche regional forums. Here is your guide to the most critical drone industry trade shows in Russia this year and next.
DRONTECH & NAIS: The Premier Dual-Event in Moscow
The most significant gathering for the industry is the dual-event featuring the National Aviation Infrastructure Show (NAIS) and the dedicated DRONTECH exhibition. Held under one roof at Moscow’s Crocus Expo, these events cover everything from airport logistics to cutting-edge robotics.
2026 Edition Recap
The 13th edition of NAIS and the inaugural DRONTECH exhibition took place from February 4–5, 2026. The synergy between the two created a powerful ecosystem.
- Scale: Over 12,500 representatives from aviation enterprises, federal authorities, and research institutes attended.
- Exhibitors: More than 200 manufacturers and suppliers from Russia, Belarus, and China showcased high-tech developments.
- DRONTECH Focus: This new segment featured over 80 developers of unmanned systems, autonomous transport solutions, and AI applications.
Government Support
The event enjoys significant backing from the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia). This government seal of approval makes it a critical meeting point for regulatory discussions and state-backed procurement.
What to Expect
- Unmanned Systems: Fixed-wing and rotary UAVs, autonomous transport systems.
- Core Components: Batteries, power plants, protection systems, and ground control infrastructure.
- Aviation Synergy: Connections between drone manufacturers and traditional airport service providers.
2027 Dates
Mark your calendars: The next edition will be held February 10–11, 2027 at Crocus Expo.
Kazan Drone Expo: The Summer Industry Powerhouse
If you are looking for the largest dedicated drone exhibition in Eastern Europe, the 2026 Russia UAVS Expo (commonly referred to as the Kazan Drone Expo) is the essential event. Unlike the Moscow shows that focus on aviation infrastructure, this event is specifically designed for the civil, industrial, and commercial drone supply chain.
2026 Dates and Venue
Date: July 8–10, 2026
Location: Kazan Exhibition Center, Republic of Tatarstan.
Unprecedented Government Backing
This expo is distinguished by its high-level state support:
- Hosted under the auspices of: The Russian Federation Presidential Envoy’s Office.
- Organized by: The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Government of Tatarstan.
- Co-organized by: The Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Ministry of Agriculture, and the Federal Air Transport Agency.
Market Data
The 2025 edition of this event saw 183 participating companies (including 55 from China) and over 16,000 professional visitors. For 2026, the event is expanding its focus on specific technologies.
Core Exhibition Zones
The expo is structured around four main pillars:
- Product Showcase: Full spectrum of UAVs and supporting technologies.
- Flight Demonstration Zone: A unique feature allowing buyers to see drones in action in real-world conditions.
- Business Matching: Dedicated areas for supply and demand docking.
- Expert Lectures: Panels on regulations, certifications, and integration.
What is Hot in 2026?
Based on organizer reports, the key buying trends for 2026 include:
- Industrial & Agricultural: Automation for farming, extreme cold weather drones (critical for Siberia), and logistics delivery systems.
- Energy & Infrastructure: Inspection drones for power lines, pipelines, and industrial safety.
- Counter-Drone Tech: Civil-grade anti-drone defense systems and surveillance solutions.
Regional & Niche Events: Expanding the Map
Beyond the Moscow and Kazan mega-shows, Russia offers specialized events for specific sectors and regions.
1. UVS-TECH Moscow (Fuel & Energy Focus)
For suppliers targeting the oil, gas, and energy sectors, UVS-TECH (Unmanned Multi-Purpose Vehicle Systems for Fuel & Energy Complex) is a targeted forum held in Moscow. With Russia’s focus on Arctic development, this event emphasizes drones used for pipeline monitoring, ice reconnaissance, and infrastructure inspection in harsh environments.
2. Samara Low-Altitude Drone Show (2027)
Samara is a historical hub for Russian aerospace engineering. The Samara Low-Altitude Drone Show is scheduled for a future edition (2027) and focuses heavily on “Low-Altitude Economy” applications. Expect a heavy emphasis on logistics, air traffic management (ATM) for drones, and regional delivery networks.
3. Yekaterinburg Aviation Expo (Ural Region)
The Ural region is a manufacturing powerhouse. The Yekaterinburg Aviation Expo covers the intersection of traditional manned aviation and unmanned systems, including AI integration, 3D printing of drone parts, and emergency response UAVs.
Strategic Trends Driving the Russian Drone Market
To succeed at these shows, understanding the current business environment is essential.
The Arctic Push
The Russian government is actively deploying drones for the Northern Sea Route. In March 2026, Prime Minister Mishustin signed a resolution to launch experimental drone operations in the Arctic for ice reconnaissance. These drones use radar and optoelectronic tools to ensure navigation safety. Suppliers of long-endurance, cold-resistant UAVs have a significant opportunity.
The “Three-Year Flight” Plan
As part of the Arctic initiative, the government plans to conduct at least 600 test flights over three years across a 6,000 sq km area. This real-world testing environment is creating demand for maintenance, data analysis, and specialized logistics support.
Import Substitution & Component Sourcing
While Russian companies are building domestic systems (like those showcased by Rostec), there remains a high demand for imported components—motors, flight controllers, sensors, and lightweight composites—to fill production gaps. Chinese suppliers were notably present at the 2025 Kazan expo, and that trend is expected to continue.
Practical Advice for International Exhibitors
1. Registration is Competitive
The Kazan Expo (July 8–10) sold out many booths months in advance last year. If targeting the summer show, contact the Asia-Pacific agents (like Beijing Yingrun International) immediately.
2. Compliance is Critical
Ensure your exhibition products are cleared for export. The forums strictly divide civil/industrial tech from restricted military systems. Focus on agricultural, inspection, logistics, and anti-drone (jamming/detection) tech.
3. Prepare for the Cold
When marketing drones in Russia, “survivability” is a sales pitch. Highlighting your product’s ability to operate in low temperatures (-30°C and below) will immediately set you apart from standard commercial competitors.
Russia’s drone industry is at a strategic inflection point, driven by state megaprojects in the Arctic and a growing industrial appetite for automation. Whether you are a component manufacturer targeting the Kazan Expo in June, a software developer seeking government contracts at NAIS/DRONTECH in Moscow, or a logistics specialist eyeing the 2027 Samara event, the opportunities are substantial.
The skies above Russia are opening up—one trade show at a time.
Key Upcoming Drone Events in Russia
| Event | Date | Location | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russia UAVS Expo (Kazan) | July 8–10, 2026 | Kazan Expo Center | Civil, Industrial & Agritech Drones |
| UVS-TECH | TBD (Check schedule) | Moscow | Oil, Gas & Energy Infrastructure |
| NAIS & DRONTECH | February 10–11, 2027 | Crocus Expo, Moscow | Aviation Infrastructure & Robotic Systems |
| Samara Drone Show | TBD (2027) | Samara | Low-Altitude Economy & Logistics |
