Russian arms exports

2024

The portfolio of export orders for Russian weapons since 2022 has grown by 10% and exceeded $60 billion

The portfolio of export orders for Russian weapons continues to show stable growth. According to the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS), since 2022, the volume of orders has increased by 10%, exceeding the $60 billion mark. This information was announced on August 12, 2024 by the director of the FSVTS Dmitry Shugaev and published in the official newspaper of the Army-2024 international forum.

According to Interfax, over the past years, the Russian military-industrial complex has maintained a stable dynamics of development, which is confirmed by the stable demand for the products of the Russian military-industrial complex. First of all, the interest of customers is focused on aviation equipment and air defense systems (air defense). The main increase in the volume of contracts over the past two years is associated precisely with the aviation theme and the supply of air defense systems, which traditionally occupy leading positions in the portfolio of export orders.

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Mil.ru

Shugaev also stressed that the Russian system of military-technical cooperation, despite sanctions pressure from Western countries, continues to successfully adapt to new conditions. The introduction of alternative settlement schemes and the improvement of the international transportation insurance system allowed Russia to maintain and strengthen its position in the world arms market. According to him, such measures contributed to the protection of the interests of Russian partners and ensured the stability of defense contracts in the face of growing external restrictions.

Dmitry Shugaev noted that at the state level, steps are being taken to create international economic organizations that provide for the refusal to use the US dollar in financial transactions. This process attracts an increasing number of countries, which contributes to the expansion of the number of participants in military-technical cooperation with Russia.^[1]

Delivery of two Su-30K fighters to Ethiopia

On January 16, 2024, it became known that the Air Ethiopia Force was replenished with two Su-30K fighters. At the same time, the contract for the supply of Russian-made combat aircraft to this country was not previously reported.

As noted in the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, both sides were part of a batch of 18 fighters previously part of the Indian Air Force, but back in 2011 returned to Russia in exchange for new Su-30MKIs.

For a long time, these "Indian" aircraft were stored at the repair plant in, Belarus but in 2017 they acquired 12 of them. Angola

In the context of American restrictions under the CAATSA law and other sanctions on the supply of Russian weapons, such schemes become even more important. Yes, they will not be able Indonesia Egypt to compensate for the refusal to purchase the Su-35S under pressure USA in 2021, but such supplies are somewhere quite capable of filling the gaps in export revenue, Rybar noted.

2023: Southeast Asian countries order UAV defenses from Russia

Several Southeast Asian countries have purchased electronic warfare (electronic warfare) systems from Russia, successfully tested during the hostilities in Ukraine, to provide protection against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This became known in August 2023. Read more here.

2022

Russia has supplied $13 billion worth of weapons to India in 5 years

Over 5 years, Russia has supplied $13 billion worth of weapons to India, and the corresponding order portfolio has exceeded $10 billion. This was announced on February 13, 2023 by the head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS) of the Russian Federation Dmitry Shugaev.

The current stage in the development of relations between Russia and India in the field of military-technical cooperation is characterized primarily by the course adopted by the Indian leadership to localize the production of military products at Indian enterprises based on the principles of "Do in India" and "Self-sufficient India," Shugaev told reporters (quoted by Interfax).

Anti-aircraft missile system S-400

The head of the FSVTS stressed that India continues to be Russia's partner in the field of military-technical cooperation, despite the unprecedented pressure of Western countries in connection with the special operation.

It should be noted that, despite unprecedented pressure on India from Western countries led by the United States in connection with Russia's special operation in Ukraine, it continues to be one of Russia's main partners in the field of military-technical cooperation, he added.

Dmitry Shugaev also said that the traditional partners of the Russian Federation in India, China and the countries of Southeast Asia by mid-February 2023 are still showing interest in purchasing Russian military products. They are interested in anti-aircraft missile systems S-400 Triumph, Osa, Kub/Kvadrat, Pechora, Strela, Tunguska and Pantsir complexes, Su-30 and MiG-29 fighters, Mi-17, Mi-24, Mi-35, Ka-28 and Ka-31 helicopters, Orlan-10E drones and anti-drone systems.

In 2022, the Russian-Indian joint venture Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited began producing Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles in India.^[2]

Russia signed contracts for the supply of military equipment abroad for 1 trillion rubles

From January to mid-August 2022, Russia entered into contracts for the export of military equipment in excess of 1 trillion rubles. This was announced on August 15, 2022 by the head of Rostec Sergey Chemezov. According to him, the indicated amount is more than some annual indicators for the previous 10 years.

According to Chemezov, by mid-August 2022, about half of the equipment was delivered within the framework of export arms contracts concluded since the beginning of the year. These rates are comparable to previous years, and "the influence of a special military operation on supplies is not seen," the head of Rostec emphasized.

Russia signed contracts for the supply of military equipment in the amount of over 1 trillion rubles, half of the weapons were delivered

He explained that the main share of supplies this year falls on aviation and air defense: the export of aircraft and helicopters is about 40%, more than a third - air defense equipment, another 30% - weapons for the ground forces and navy.

Sergei Chemezov also noted that Rosoboronexport's order portfolio remains stable, exceeding 3 trillion rubles by mid-August 2022.

Despite the persistent desire of Western countries to isolate Russia and Rostec, Russia continues to work effectively in the field of military-technical cooperation. Russia has been and remains a reliable partner in the field of military-technical cooperation for friendly states, Chemezov said.

On July 18, 2022, Sergei Chemezov reported that Rosoboronexport's order book for helicopter supplies amounted to more than 200 billion rubles. According to him, Russian helicopters are in demand "even in the current geopolitical situation."

In May 2022, the head of Rosoboronexport, Alexander Mikheev, announced difficulties in the company's work due to violations of supply chains. At the same time, he said that the workflow will stabilize in the near future. He also pointed out that the company plans to deliver more than 200 helicopters to 24 countries by 2025, and the amount of contracts exceeds $3 billion.^[3]

2021

Russia is among the largest arms exporters in 5 years with a share of 18.6%

The largest arms exporters by share in the world market from 2017 to 2021.

Arms exports from Russia decreased by 26% in 5 years

In 2017-2021. arms supplies around the world increased by 4.6% compared to five previous years. Exports of Russian weapons during this time decreased by 26%, while the United States, by contrast, increased shipments by 14%. Such data in mid-March 2022 were published by specialists from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Read more here.

The largest buyers of Russian weapons from 2017 to 2021

2020

Foreign orders of Russian weapons reached $53.8 billion

The portfolio of export orders for the products of the Russian military-industrial complex at the end of 2020 amounted to $53.8 billion. This was reported in the annual report of Rostec, which the head of the state corporation Sergei Chemezov presented to Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 24, 2021.

According to TASS, the Russian Information Agency, citing this document, the volume of export supplies through Rosoboronexport in 2020 exceeded $13 billion. The agency also cites data from open sources, according to which approximately 45% of Russian exports in the arms sector are aviation, almost a third are air defense equipment and about 15% are land equipment. The rest is made up of equipment for the naval forces and other products.

Foreign orders of Russian weapons at the end of 2020 amounted to $53.8 billion

Rostec said that despite the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the state corporation in 2020 fulfilled the state defense order by 99.5%. According to Sergei Chemezov, the enterprises of the state corporation were able to quickly reorient and adapt production to new realities.

51 foreign countries became clients of the Russian defense industrial complex in 2020.

Earlier, Dmitry Shugaev, director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS of Russia), said that the Russian Federation will maintain arms exports at $15 billion a year, despite the coronavirus and Western sanctions.

It is no secret that Russia confidently retains the second place among the leading arms suppliers, having an annual volume of about $15 billion. In 2019, despite the opposition of competitors, the Russian MTS system reiterated its effectiveness, Shugaev said.

According to him, the portfolio of orders for Russian military equipment by 2020 amounted to $53-55 billion. He noted that Russia takes into account the situation with the coronavirus pandemic when exporting military products, and its MTC system is able to withstand the consequences of the threat.^[4]

Arms sales worth $15 billion

In 2020, Russia delivered weapons worth more than $15 billion abroad. This amount was announced by the head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS) of the Russian Federation Dmitry Shugaev at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

We have everything going according to plan - according to the plan that we set in 2020. We fulfilled, most importantly, the indicators of last year. We have a volume of more than $15 billion - 102% of the planned indicators. And the order book, which is very important, has remained at the level of more than $50 billion, "he said (his words are quoted on the Kremlin website).

Russia in 2020 sold weapons for $15 billion

Shugaev said that in 2020 Russia delivered weapons to 51 countries, mainly Asian and African states. Air force equipment and air defense equipment are especially popular, he stressed.

Our competitors, despite the general difficult situation, still increase their influence on our partners first of all. In this sense, we are faced with unprecedented pressure and are witnessing that our partners are under very, very serious pressure. But we take into account the interests of our old partners and, of course, strive to establish good relations with the new ones, we are in their position. As they say, military-technical cooperation sometimes loves silence, including, - added the head of the FSVTS.

According to him, the industry also suffered due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic: many contracts had to be reduced, and exhibition activities were abandoned. Marketing activity was seriously affected. For example, international exhibition events were almost all curtailed, Shugaev said.

In March 2021, the FSVTS announced the absence of arms supplies to Russia from the United States. According to the enterprise, the last time military equipment was supplied during the Great Patriotic War.^[5]

2019

The share of Russian companies in the global arms market has halved

The share of Russian companies in the global arms market has halved. This is evidenced by data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) for 2019. Read more here.

Algeria signed a contract for 14 fifth-generation Su-57E fighters and 14 front-line Su-34 bombers

In December 2019, it became known that Algeria signed a contract for the purchase of 14 Russian fifth-generation multifunctional fighters Su-57E and 14 front-line Su-34 bombers. This is reported by the Menadefense portal.

The contract, which is valued at six billion dollars, is scheduled to run through 2025. The portal notes that Algeria has been negotiating the acquisition of aircraft for a long time. The decision was made after the Algerian delegation visited the MAKS air show in Moscow in the summer of 2019. It is reported that information about the purchase of the Su-57 was also confirmed by international media sources. According to experts, in this way Algeria became the first foreign customer for the Su-57 and Su-34.

2018: Russia is Africa's biggest arms exporter

From 2000 to 2018, the countries of the Black Continent purchase weapons mainly from Russia.

Over the past five years, Algeria holds the status of the main importer of Russian (and not only) weapons: 56% of total African imports fell on this country, while most countries had these purchases insignificant.

The main importers of Russian weapons are also: Angola, Nigeria Sudan Cameroon and Senegal. In addition, the volume of supplies to Egypt over the past five years amounted to 46%.

2017: Cut 5-year share from 26% to 22% based on open supply data

Data from the Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) suggests that the arms market grew by 10% in 2013-2017 compared to 2008-2012. The five largest arms exporters included, USA Russia,, and France. Germany China These countries account for 74% of sales. The largest importers of weapons were Saudi India Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and China. They purchase 35% of the weapons sold.

The US share in the arms market over the past five years increased by 4%, amounting to 34%. The main customers of the United States are Saudi Arabia (18% of supplies), the UAE (7.4%) and Australia (6.7%). Russia's market share, on the contrary, decreased by 4%, from 26% to 22%. The key clients of the Russian Federation are India (35%), China (12%) and Vietnam (10%)^[6].

2016: Exports over $15 billion, $50 billion order book

In March 2017, the president Russia Vladimir Putin summed up the results of arms exports for 2016, stating that Russia managed to supply weapons and military equipment over $15 billion abroad. According to the publication Kommersant"," 2016 was devoted to the implementation of existing agreements with Algeria, Vietnam, China and India. In 2017, the Russian Federation expects to conclude new billions of dollars in transactions.

Vladimir Putin summed up the results of arms exports in 2016 at a meeting of the Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation (MTC). Recalling that Russia in this indicator "confidently holds the second place in the world" (second only to the United States), he said that in 2016 export supplies exceeded $15 billion (against $14.5 billion in 2015). The President clarified that the total portfolio of orders remained at the level of $50 billion - this, according to him, was achieved through new contracts signed in 2016 in the amount of about $9.5 billion.

"Russian military equipment is in steady demand and is supplied to 52 countries of the world," summed up Mister Putin.

Of the contracts concluded in 2016, it is worth noting agreements with China for the supply of AL-31F and D-30KP2 aircraft engines (worth over $1.2 billion). Andrei Frolov, editor-in-chief of the magazine Arms Export, says that in 2016 there was not a single serious contract for the supply of combat aircraft, for naval equipment and for air defense systems:

"The amount of 9.5 billion had to be recruited literally by susekas."

This is partly confirmed by Kommersant's sources in the field of military-technical cooperation. According to them, the main emphasis in 2016 was placed on the implementation of previously assumed obligations. Thus, the execution of the Chinese contract for the supply of 24 Su-35 fighters began (by March 2017, four vehicles had already been delivered), the supply of Ka-32A11VS helicopters, as well as D-30KP2 and RD-93 aircraft engines, continued.

The contract for carrier-based MiG-29K/Kub fighters (a total of 29 units) was closed with India, but the modernization of these aircraft to the UPG level continued, and spare parts for T-72-type tanks were also supplied.

The contract for six diesel-electric submarines of project 06361 Varshavyanka was closed with Vietnam and the last of the 12 Su-30MK2 fighters were delivered, while the implementation of the agreement on the licensed construction of project 12148 boats for the Vietnamese Navy began.

A large volume of supplies fell on Algeria: the country received 8 out of 14 ordered Su-30MKA fighters, Mi-28NE and Mi-26T2 helicopters, at least a hundred T-90SA tanks and Kornet ATGMs.

Iraq was transmitted mainly by helicopter equipment: Mi-35M and Mi-28NE. Iraq received the last of 48 ordered Pantsir-C1 anti-aircraft missile and cannon systems.

Three divisions of Antey-2500 anti-aircraft missile systems (S-300VM) left for Egypt.

Four divisions of S-300PMU-2 anti-aircraft missile systems were delivered to Iran.

general, the implementation of contracts - both in terms of pace and in terms of complaints - our partners were satisfied," Kommersant's interlocutors say^[7].

The CIS countries were not left without weapons in 2016: for example, Belarus became the owner of four divisions of the S-300PS air defense system and one division of the Tor-M2K air defense system, BTR-82A armored personnel carriers, and Mi-17V-5 helicopters.

Deliveries of T-90S tanks to Azerbaijan continued, Su-30SM fighters, Mi-171Sh and Mi-35M helicopters to Kazakhstan.

Armenia, we note, became the first foreign owner of the Iskander operational-tactical missile system, transferred to it from the reserves of the Ministry of Defense. Deliveries to the CIS were carried out both within the framework of the obligations of the Russian Federation under the CSTO and under individual commercial agreements, Kommersant sources said: "Commercialization of relations with these countries will continue."

Kommersant's interlocutors admit that 2016 was devoted to marketing, which was also built on the results of the use of combat aviation and air defense systems in the Russian military operation in Syria. Thus, a serious reserve was created for 2017, Kommersant sources say: substantive negotiations are underway on Algeria's purchase of Su-32 bombers (export version of the Su-34), Indonesia's interest in Su-35 fighters has increased, and the Triumph S-400 anti-aircraft missile system has been seriously promoted to India and Turkey (an intergovernmental agreement has already been concluded with Delhi).

High hopes are also associated with naval equipment: Jakarta wants to purchase a pair of diesel-electric submarines of project 636 Varshavyanka, and Delhi wants to lease a second nuclear submarine from the Russian Federation.

"If we conclude all the expected contracts with India, we will provide half of the annual supply volume," says Mr. Frolov. "There are chances to reach the level of $16-17 billion under contracts and $14-15 billion - for supplies

2015: Export Map

Arms exports of leading countries in 2011-2015

2014: $15bn

In 2014, Russia delivered military products abroad for more than $15 billion, new contracts were concluded for almost $14 billion. Such data were cited by Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting of the Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation with Foreign States.

"The results are good, you can't slow down," Putin said. "The export of high-tech military products, especially in conditions of a difficult geopolitical situation, is significant for Russia," he stressed.

At the same time, Putin called on Russian arms exporters to expand their presence in "promising markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa and the Caribbean."

Commenting on Putin's speech at a meeting of the Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation with Foreign States, the Kommersant newspaper notes that the amount of contracts concluded in 2014 is significantly lower than a year earlier: then, referring to the data of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, the president called the figure 18 billion dollars.

At the same time, the publication points out, the total amount of signed contracts for the export of weapons would be even more modest if Russia could not sign a contract with China in September for the supply of four divisions of the Triumph S-400 anti-aircraft missile system in the amount of about $1.9 billion.

"Russian weapons and military equipment are still one of the most in demand in the world," Putin said and noted that Russia is a reliable, predictable partner in the global arms market.

2013: Second largest export in the world with 27% share

A report published by the Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in the spring of 2014 stated that Russia ranks second in the world in arms exports. According to SIPRI, Russia's share in the world arms market amounted to 27%, the American market - 29%.

The world's largest importer of weapons, according to SIPRI estimates, is India. The main supplier of weapons to India for the past five years has been Russia, which accounted for 75% of supplies.

2012: $14bn

"In 2012, we are reaching a record level in the export of military products," President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting of the Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation. "Their volume exceeded $14 billion, i.e. the plan for the year is overfulfilled."

And the volume of newly concluded contracts, according to Putin, amounted to about $15 billion.

The largest reliably known contracts of 2012 were the following contracts:

• for the supply of AL-31FN and D-30KP-2 aircraft engines to China in the amount of $1.2 billion,
• Mi-17 helicopters to China in the amount of $700 million,
• a package of contracts with Iraq worth more than $4 billion, lists an expert from the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies Konstantin Makienko, as well as
• contracts for the supply of various high-precision ammunition and Su-30MKI fighters to India in the amount of more than $3 billion. The contract for 42 Su-30MKI will be signed during Putin's visit to Delhi, scheduled for December 24, 2012.

In addition, in October 2012, a supergiant contract was signed with India in the amount of about $5 billion for the licensed production of AL-31FP aircraft engines for Su-30MKI fighters, says a source close to Rosoboronexport, and confirms the manager of the aviation industry.

In 2011, the leadership of Rosoboronexport feared that Arab unrest would affect the decline in export growth, the lost profit was estimated at $4 billion, but in 2012 a large contract was signed with Iraq. In addition, Russia has achieved great success in another direction - the Indian, the Vedomosti interlocutor, close to the FS MTS, notes. According to him, if the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier were handed over to India in 2012, then Russian defense exports could set a historical record for many years to come and exceed $17 billion^[8].

2011: $13.3 billion

In 2011, the volume of Russian arms supplies was about $13.2 billion.

Among the export contracts of 2011, it is reliably known about:

• deliveries of two frigates of project 11356 to India (more than $1 billion),
• more than 30 Su-30MKI/MKI (A) fighters to India and Algeria (up to $2 billion),
• ship and modernized MiG-29 fighters to India,
• large supplies of land weapons to the Venezuelan army (up to $0.5 billion),
• large deliveries of Mi-17 helicopters to Azerbaijan, India, Afghanistan (with money from the US Department of Defense) and other countries in the amount of up to $1 billion, says a source close to the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FS MTS)^[8].

Notes