Russian arms export agency Rosoboronexport (Chalet C8) celebrated its 15th birthday last Wednesday, marking the occasion by releasing the latest sales figures. Since 2000 the company has concluded contracts worth $115 billion, and in both 2013 and 2014 achieved annual sales of $13.2 billion. The company’s CEO, Anatoly Isaykin, reported that Western sanctions and the end of Ukrainian co-operation has had little effect on the company’s ability to fulfill its contracts.
Military aviation and air defense products account for 56 percent of Rosoberonexport’s sales total sales, with MiG and Sukhoi fighters at the forefront. Combat helicopters also account for a large share of the orders. In addition to the Kamov Ka-52 Alligator, Rosboronexport offers the Mi-28NE Night Hunter and Mi-35M, both designed by Mil and built by the Rostvertol factory. In their Russian army versions the helicopters are now operating in Syria.
Since its inception, Rosoboronexport has conducted business with 116 nations, with China and India heading the list. Isaykin reported that the Middle East region currently accounts for 37 percent of sales, including those to Syria. Without going into detail, Isaykin stated that the Syrian contracts were being conducted “within the international legal framework.”
Russia has also been pursuing business in Iraq with renewed vigor, which has already resulted in the delivery of Mi-28NE and Mi-35M helicopters, which are now in use against Daesh forces.
Rosoboronexport has also re-engaged with Egypt on defense procurement, and is to supply 50 Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters. The deal may include the maritime Ka-52K Katran version to serve aboard the two “Mistral”-class assault carrier vessels being acquired from France. The Mistral vessels were originally built for Russia as Vladivostok and Sevastopol, but France halted the sale in 2014. Rosoboronexport is also hopeful of concluding a long-running procurement saga concerning the acquisition of long-range air defense systems by Iran, a program that has been revived since the Iranian nuclear agreement was reached in July.
