Russian Military eyeing Middle East defence pie

Russia’s Rosoboronexport, a wholly state-owned arms trade company, is eyeing orders from Middle East. The company is taking part in the BIAS 2016, and its delegations will be discussing with representatives of armed forces in the region during the show.

It is looking to export its Su-35 and  MiG-29M/M2 multirole fighters, YAK-130 combat trainer, II-76 MD-90A military transport, Ka-52 and Mi-28NE attack helicopters, Mi-35M transport/attack helicopter, and Mi-17 type military transport helicopters  to Middle East.

‘Rosoboronexport’s order portfolio for aviation equipment exceeds currently US$22 billion. Interest from foreign customers, including in the Middle East and North Africa, is growing,’ the company said yesterday.

It claimed that new aircraft models with high operational effectiveness, including ability to deliver surgical strikes on ground targets make them appealing to the market here.

“Demand is supported by an excellent cost-effectiveness ratio and Russia’s reputation as a reliable and responsible partner in military-technical cooperation,” said Sergey Kornev, Head of Air Force Equipment Export Department, who heads the company delegation to the airshow.

 In a press conference yesterday, the company explained the capabilities of Russian military aircraft in anti-terror operations.

Rosoboronexport holds over 85 pc share of Russia’s military exports and has an orderbook of US$45 billion at present, according to the company sources.