Kathrine Frich
The name “Army-2025” was quietly removed from Patriot Park’s official event listings.
The name “Army-2025” was quietly removed from Patriot Park’s official event listings.
Russia Cancels Flagship Military Expo
Russia has quietly pulled the plug on its biggest annual defense showcase, Army-2025.
The event was scheduled for mid-August at Patriot Park near Moscow but has vanished from the venue’s calendar without explanation.
No Official Word
The cancellation hasn’t been publicly confirmed by Russia’s Ministry of Defense.
There’s been no statement on the forum’s official website, its Telegram channel, or Contact page.
According to Hotnews the silence has only fueled speculation and concern within defense and diplomatic circles.
A Forum That Survived COVID
Army-2025 would have marked the 10th edition of the annual forum, which debuted in 2015 and had never missed a year, not even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sudden decision to cancel it now, without reason, is raising eyebrows worldwide.
Patriot Park Scrubs the Calendar
The event’s disappearance was first noted when the name “Army-2025” was quietly removed from Patriot Park’s official event listings.
Archived versions of the site confirm it was once listed. Now, it’s simply gone, with no replacement event in sight.
Rumors Swirl: A Secretive, Closed-Door Version?
Reports from Russian outlets like Kommersant and Meduza suggest the event might still go ahead, but behind closed doors, with no public access or foreign guests.
If true, it would mark a radical departure from the forum’s traditionally flashy format.
Once a Showpiece, Now a Shadow
The Army forum has long been the Kremlin’s premier venue for unveiling cutting-edge weapons and military tech.
Over 800 companies were reportedly lined up to participate this year.
Some international firms had also reserved spaces before the plug was pulled.
Security Fears Loom Large
The cancellation comes amid an uptick in Ukrainian drone strikes deep inside Russian territory.
With Patriot Park just outside Moscow, tightened security protocols and mobile internet shutdowns at recent public events may have made the military fair too risky to host.
Cuts Began Before the Cancellation
The once-grand forum had already been shrinking.
The 2024 edition, originally a week-long affair, was trimmed to just three days.
Analysts say the forum’s role as a showcase for military confidence may have been faltering even before 2025’s abrupt axe.
Industry Left in the Dark
Russian defense firms were caught off guard, with many still preparing for the forum.
Sources say planning and booth reservations were underway, with no indication the event was in jeopardy. Now, suppliers are left uncertain about what happens next.
