Abu Dhabi: Russia is expected to be the world's second-largest weapons exporter, according to some of the country's exhibitors at the International Defence and Exhibition (Idex) 2013. "The Russian defence industry is in a good position to sell aircraft and other military equipment to emerging defense markets in Africa and Latin America as well as to more traditional buyers in south-east Asia," the Institute for Near East & Gulf Military Analysis (Inegma) told Gulf News. However, Inegma added that contractual details remain a hindrance to Russian arms sales. "The only problem in selling Russian equipment is how the deals are structured, including post-sales maintenance and training," Inegma said. "Improvements are being made in this contractual system but more work and guarantees need to be done." Russia holds leading positions on the global arms market. In 2012, exports of Russian arms totalled a record $14 billion (Dh51 billion) and new contracts for the supply of military equipment to other countries are valued at more than $15 billion, said Russia Arms Expo 2013 organisers in a briefing on Russian military industries. "The lion's share of Russian military industrial complex products are delivered to the countries of Eastern Europe, North Africa and China, with India enjoying its status as one of Russia's key partners with contracts of $3 billion," said Sergey Russakov, general director of Scientific Enterprise Association, Machine Building Technologies. "India still ranks first for Russian weapons, in 2012 taking delivery of Talwar-class frigates, 24 Su-30MKI jet fighters, several MiG-29K/UPGs and up to 20 Mi-17V-5 transport helicopters."

• published: 20 Feb 2013
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