Abu dhabi: Alexander Mikheev, Director-General of Rosoboronexport, announced that demand for unmanned aerial vehicles is expected to rise by 120 percent, while demand for loitering munitions is forecast to increase by 400 percent by 2030. This highlights Russia’s intention to enhance military and technological cooperation with global partners within the defense industries.
According to Emirates News Agency, Rosoboronexport, a subsidiary of the Russian state-owned Rostec Corporation, is organizing a unified Russian pavilion for the first time at the Unmanned Systems, Autonomous Systems, Simulation, and Training Exhibition and Conference (UMEX and SIMTEX 2026), currently being held in Abu Dhabi. The pavilion showcases advanced national solutions in unmanned aerial vehicles and loitering munitions, facilitating discussions on the future potential of this sector with delegations from various countries.
The company is displaying some of the most in-demand Russian drones and loitering munitions on the global market, which have undergone confirmed combat testing and demonstrated their operational capabilities. Mikheev emphasized that Russia’s participation in UMEX 2026 is part of the company’s marketing and promotional campaign for 2026, aiming to present the latest unmanned solutions and explore cooperation prospects with partners in the region.
Exhibits include Kub-2-2E and Lancet-E loitering munitions, Skat-350M and Supercam S350 reconnaissance drones, as well as Karakurt and Goliath unmanned aerial vehicles produced by the Kalashnikov Group. These systems are noted for their reduced radar cross-sections, high maneuverability, resistance to electronic warfare, rapid deployment, and ease of use.
The exhibition also provides Rosoboronexport an opportunity to hold meetings and negotiations with Middle Eastern delegations to strengthen military and technological cooperation and exchange expertise in the development of Russian unmanned aerial technologies.