Russia held its annual Army-2024 International Military-Technical Forum in Moscow earlier this week. The event, which includes an arms sales exhibition, normally attracts russian and foreign defense manufacturers, although international attendance has reduced since russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In previous years, the event had run alongside russia’s International Army Games which was called-off again this year, according to the UK Defense Intelligence.
The event was opened by russian President Vladimir Putin and russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. In his address Andrei Belousov stated that the special military operation in Ukraine is an “armed conflict between russia and the collective West”.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence Analyzes Why russia Cancels 2024 Military Competition
This year’s shortened event focused on attracting business delegates from defense industries rather than the mass audiences of past events. A variety of national delegations attended, including delegations from Belarus, Iran and North Korea; the latter two currently significant arms suppliers to russia. Russia’s arms producers are under pressure to increase their output to sustain the war in Ukraine. Some foreign sales contracts to key international partners have been delayed because of the imperative to supply russian forces.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence Analyzes How the Offensive on Bakhmut Has Left the City in Ruins
