Russia's defense industry sets sights on Libya

MOSCOW — Despite a series of setbacks, Russia has again focused its attention on Libya's arms market.

Officials said Libya has been termed as a key potential client in the new policy by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin has launched a drive to revive Russia's defense industry based on renewing relations with clients of the former Soviet Union.

The focus on Libya is meant to diversify Russia's business away from its two leading clients. China and India comprise close to 90 percent of Russia's defense exports, which last year reached $3.8 billion. India is diversifying its suppliers and is leaning toward such countries as Israel, France and South Africa.

Putin will be lobbying for Russian arms sales when he visits Libya later this year. Officials said a date has not yet been set for what is expected to be a tour of Africa.

Still, Russia has been bested in Libya by republics of the former Soviet Union. Moscow's biggest competitors have been Belarus and the Ukraine, which beat Russia in more than 20 competitions in both Libya and other Arab countries based on far lower bids for modernization projects.

In a related development, the Moscow-based AVN news agency said Algeria will receive three Su-24 bombers from Moscow. The expected delivery is part of a larger deal for 22 Su-24 aircraft in a $120 million contract for the Algerian air force.

The first three Sukhois are now being overhauled in a Russian facility in Siberia. The aircraft are being brought to minimal operation capability and are not being modernized, defense sources said.

Algeria and Russia signed the Su-24 contract in November. Algerian President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika is expected to discuss the Sukhoi contract when he arrives on Tuesday for talks with Putin in Moscow.

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