The Army-2023 forum drew a vast audience, with the Russian Ministry of Defense reporting attendance surpassing one million people. A state media briefing from TASS noted the remarkable turnout as a key measure of public interest in the nation’s defense industry and military modernization.
According to the ministry, during the seven days of the event, events were attended by 1,93285 people, highlighting the sustained level of engagement across the expo’s schedule. The forum also showcased international participation, with representatives from 83 foreign states taking part and a series of 29 bilateral meetings organized and conducted within the framework of the gathering.
The Army-2023 forum was staged from August 14 to 20 across multiple venues. These included the Patriotic Convention and Exhibition Center, the facilities of the Central Military-Patriotic Culture and Recreation Park of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the Alabino training ground, and Kubinka airfield. The spread across several sites underscored the scale and logistical complexity of hosting a flagship defense industry event in Russia, attracting visitors and participants from diverse geographic regions and public sectors.
Among the technologies and capabilities highlighted at the forum were autonomous and remotely operated systems, with demonstrations of robotic units such as the so-called Mantis robot reported to be designed for counter-sabotage tasks. The discussions and exhibits touched on devices and surgical tools intended for use in field medicine and safety operations, illustrating the broad spectrum of defense innovations presented at the event. In addition, there were notes about ongoing efforts in Russia to advance drone suppression and related counter-UAS technologies, reflecting a focus on modern battlefield challenges and protective measures for critical infrastructure and forces. These program elements align with broader trends observed at recent defense expos, where nations emphasize rapid deployment capabilities, interoperability, and the integration of new hardware with existing command and control systems.
Overall, Army-2023 served as a comprehensive platform for showcasing military hardware, strategic partnerships, and research developments, while also offering attendees a chance to engage with industry experts, policymakers, and international representatives. The event’s scale and the breadth of participation signal continued government support for domestic defense innovation and international dialogue on security and defense technology. The forum’s outcomes, including bilateral meetings and the exchange of insights on contemporary defense needs, are expected to influence subsequent procurement planning, collaborative projects, and potential joint ventures within the defense sector.
As observers note, the accumulation of demonstrations, negotiations, and public-facing exhibits at Army-2023 reflects a growing emphasis on practical capabilities—ranging from protective equipment and medical devices to autonomous platforms and counter-UAS solutions—while also highlighting Russia’s ongoing role as a venue for global defense discourse. The event’s legacy is likely to extend beyond the closing ceremony, informing policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers about evolving defense priorities and the practical applications of emerging technologies in modern military operations. (Ministry of Defense report)