At the World Defense Show 2026, taking place from February 8 to 12, 2026, in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Russia’s Rosboronexport showcased for the first time its latest developments in the field of multiply rocket launcher systems (MLRS) and loitering munitions – 300 mm Sarma MLRS and RUS-PE drone.
300mm next-generation MLRS was developed by the Rostec State Corporation on the basis of operational experience with rocket artillery, underlined Russian special exporter. It utilizes advanced electronic components, which has significantly improved its performance compared to legacy MLRSs, including a reduced ready-to-fire time and a better target engagement accuracy at ranges of up to 120 km.
One of the Sarma’s key advantages is its mobility. The vehicle can be emplaced and displaced in just three minutes, and a full salvo of six missiles can be fired in 18 seconds. These are among the best indicators in the global MLRS market segment, demonstrating the vehicle’s survivability in counter-battery fire conditions, said Rosoboronexport. The vehicle can reach 95 km/h on roads. The Sarma’s armored cabin protects the crew against mine and shell fragments, as well as 7.62mm armor-piercing bullets.
The MLRS can fire the full range of 300mm unguided rockets for legacy multiple launch rocket systems as well as three types of guided rockets – 9M543, 9M544, and 9M549.
The Sarma is showcased at the exhibition as part of a single reconnaissance-and-strike system, serving as a fire weapon. Along with it, the Supercam S350 UAV, designed for target reconnaissance and recognition, and the Planshet-A command and control system for artillery units on the Atlet armored chassis are on display.
As Igor Korotchenko, editor-in-chief of the National Defense magazine, noted in an interview with RT, Sarma system was created taking into account real combat operations.
“Sarma is a successor to the Smerch and Tornado heavy MLRS line. The media has already dubbed it the “Russian HIMARS,” although its performance significantly outperforms its American counterpart. Furthermore, the system was developed with real combat in mind and meets all modern requirements,” Korotchenko stated.
He also noted the increased strength of the Russian military industry. He believes that the domestic defense industry is capable of meeting the needs of Russia’s partners.
“The capacity of the Russian defense industry allows us, in addition to primarily meeting the needs of the Russian army, to also produce a number of weapons systems for export to Moscow’s strategic partners and allies,” Korotchenko concluded.
The latest Russian loitering munitions, are also on display at World Defense Show.
Kalashnikov Group’s RUS-PE is the first Russian domestically produced containerized loitering munition developed. It is said to be available in two versions: with a 1- or 2-kg warhead. The RUS-PE is equipped with a seeker, enabling its fully autonomous employment. AI algorithms are used for target detection and identification.
As military expert Alexander Khrolenko noted in a conversation with RT, given the experience of the special military operation, drones have become one of the fastest-growing segments of the Russian defense industry.
“During the special military operation, Russian loitering munitions destroyed several thousand targets, based on objective control alone. The West hasn’t yet developed anything similar,” Khrolenko said.
As a representative of the Kalashnikov Group told TASS, the newest loitering munition has already been tested in combat operations.
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