OREANDA-NEWS. July 1, 2011. The 5th International Maritime Defense Show (IMDS 2011) has begun in St. Petersburg. It will work at “Lenexpo” exhibition and congress center on June 29-July 02, 2011. The first navy watercrafts have already arrived at Nevskaya Harbor.

IMDS Business program will start today. It will consist of field conferences, seminars; the exposition will be introduced to the specialist. The official opening ceremony will take place on June 30 and will be attended by the representatives of the Russian Navy, Federal ministries and departments and St. Petersburg administration.

The exposition introduces over 70 foreign companies from 29 countries, 409 novelties are demonstrated by different companies and enterprises. For the first time in the history of IMDS it will host the plenary session of NNAG - NATO Naval Armaments Group.  At present IMDS is included into the top list of the main military trade fairs.

Over 40 water crafts will be demonstrated in the Gulf of Finland in front of “Lenexpo”.  3 foreign warships are expected to arrive at the event: German frigate “Hamburg”, Dutch “Van Amstel” “Carr” from the USA.

“Rzhevka” land filed will demonstrate shooting sessions from 10 artillery systems to the representatives of accredited media and official foreign delegation.

Traditional air show will take place above the waters of the Gulf of Finland and demonstrate “Rus” team, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.