Russia reports increased arms exports

MOSCOW -- Russia continues to increase exports of weapons despite competition from far more advanced systems available by U.S. and European competitors.

Rosvooruzheniye, the state-owned weapons authority, said exports now comprise sales of $2.8 billion to 49 countries, according to Middle East Newsline. The figure makes Russia the world's fourth-largest weapons supplier. In first place is United States, followed by Britain and France.

Until 1991, Russia was the world's leading arms exporter. But the collapse of the Soviet Union was accompanied by a decline in the republic's huge arms industry.

Russian sources said Rosvooruzheniye increased its sales effort by offering far cheaper systems than similar weapons in the West. At the same time, the authority has improved the technology in Soviet systems and has offered virtually unlimited technology transfers.

The major customers of Russia are China and India. Earlier this week, officials said 24 upgraded Moskit anti-ship missiles -- meant for the Russian-built Sovremenny-class destroyers -- were delivered to China. Another delivery will be made by the end of the year.

Regarding India, Rosvooruzheniye is completing a $700 million contract for the export of 124 T-90S tanks, officials said. The authority also plans to grant India a license to assembly 186 T-90S tanks. India also wants to license production of Su-30 fighters.

But Russian projects remain unreliable because of a lack of spare parts and bureaucratic efficiency. Several projects, including an upgrade contract of Indian MiG-21 fighters, have been delayed. India wants to upgrade 125 such aging fighters.