Drone attacks unexpectedly spotlight Russia's naval exhibition, with major defense conglomerate unveiling maritime anti-drone unmanned combat systems
The "Fleet-2026" International Naval Salon, held from June 10 to 14, has concluded. Participants unanimously noted that recent consecutive drone attacks by Ukraine on Kronstadt and St. Petersburg—host cities of the exhibition—completely shifted the focus of discussions. Anti-drone defense for ships and coastal installations became the central theme of the entire event.
The "Almaz-Antey" Group showcased a full suite of shipborne air defense systems, including the long-range "Rif-M" air defense system and the shipborne "Kamov-ME" system. The Chairman of the Group's Board of Directors is Mikhail Fradkov, Director of the Russian Institute of Strategic Studies.
In another exhibition area, Rostec presented a key piece of equipment: the "Kama" unmanned speedboat developed by ZALA Aero, a subsidiary of Kalashnikov Group. This marked a significant achievement for Sergey Chemezov, President of Rostec.
This year’s salon was jointly organized by Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and Ministry of Defense. The timing coincided with real drone attack incidents, objectively amplifying the exhibition’s value—transforming it from a mere showcase of achievements into a direct demonstration of practical responses to current security threats.
The opening ceremony's guest lineup also underscored the importance of anti-drone efforts: Nikolai Patrushev, Presidential Assistant and Head of the Maritime Committee (a domain he personally oversees), Saint Petersburg Mayor Alexander Beglov, Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, and Plenipotentiary Representative of the Northwestern Federal District Igor Rudenko all attended the opening.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868126903806988/
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