MOSCOW — Russia has reported $6 billion in arms exports in 2005.
Officials said the export figure defied predictions of a drop in sales during 2005, and marked a new record for Moscow.
In March, Russia was reported to have completed a $7.5 billion deal with
Algeria for aircraft and main battle tanks as well as upgrades. Neither
government has formally announced the accord.
"The aggregate plan of supplies has been surpassed by 20 percent,"
Russian President Vladimir Putin said. "The geography of supplies has
expanded to 61 countries."
Putin told the Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation on March 31
that the arms exports include platforms as well as military equipment and
spares. He said Russia increased exports to several regions, including the
Middle East.
Officials said Russia has sought to diversify its clients amid an
assessment of a decline in its two key markets. They said China and India
were increasingly moving to either indigenous development or — in the case
of India — Western suppliers.
