Russian arms sales to Middle East & North Africa

Russian arms transfers to North Africa: Fuelling an arms race?

RIA Novosti

15/03/201013:17

New SIPRI data on global arms transfers published today reveal that Russia remains the second largest arms exporter in the world. According to SIPRI data, the volume of Russian arms exports for 2005-2009 is of a similar level to that for 2000-2004. Russia’s share of global exports of major conventional weapons has dropped from 29 per cent for 2000-2004 to 24 per cent for 2005-2009. Although the Asia–Pacific region remained the main destination for Russian arms exports for 2005–2009, accounting for 69 per cent of Russian arms exports, Russia has significantly increased its volume and share of deliveries to North Africa in recent years.

Taking advantage of Soviet legacies in North Africa


Russia inherited recipients in the North Africa that had been dependent on Soviet-supplied arms. Between 1970 and 1991, SIPRI data shows that the Soviet Union accounted for 90 per cent of Algeria’s imports of major conventional weapons and 78 per cent of Libyan arms imports. During this period Libya was the fourth largest recipient of Soviet arms exports, accounting for eight per cent of deliveries, and Algeria was the eighth largest, accounting for four per cent. When president of Russia, Vladimir Putin offered to cancel debts incurred by Algeria and Libya for these Soviet-era arms transfers in exchange for new arms orders. Algeria accepted the offer in 2006, concluding deals worth an estimated $6.5 billion for combat and trainer aircraft, tanks, submarines, and air defence systems (see table below for more details).

Arms race concerns in North Africa

According to SIPRI data, Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia accounted for around three per cent of global arms imports for the period 2005-2009, but the volume of major conventional arms delivered to North Africa in 2005-2009 has increased by 62 per cent in comparison with 2000-2004. Algeria accounted for around 89 per cent of transfers to North Africa during this period, rising from 18th to 9th largest recipient of major conventional weapons globally. However, Morocco has placed significant orders in 2008 and 2009, leading to concerns that Algeria and Morocco are entering into what is regarded as an ‘arms race’.

Some cynical analysts had hoped that Russian arms producers could benefit from an arms race in North Africa. The fact that SIPRI records Russia as accounting for 85 per cent of North African arms imports for 2005-2009 seems to suggest that Russia has succeeded in this regard. North Africa accounted for four per cent of Russian arms exports for 2000-2004 and 11 per cent for 2005-2009. It has therefore become a more significant market for Russia in the face of declining Chinese orders. Russia’s increased share and volume of deliveries to North Africa is mainly thanks to Algeria, as SIPRI data shows it was the third largest recipient of Russian exports of major conventional weapons for 2005-2009.  

Will Russia benefit from an arms race in North Africa?


Morocco has no outstanding orders for major conventional weapons from Russia since taking delivery of the last of the 12 Tunguska mobile air-defence systems and missiles in 2008. It has turned to the USA for F-16C combat aircraft, presumably in response to Algerian Su-30MKA acquisitions, and to France and the Netherlands for FREMM and SIGMA frigates respectively. Russian hopes for follow-on contracts with Algeria have not materialised since the 2006 mega-deal. It is from France, Germany, Italy and the UK that Algeria is seeking to acquire helicopters and naval equipment. Reports in 2009 suggested that Algeria will follow up its 2007 order for six EH-101-400 helicopters and four Super Lynx-300 from the Anglo-Italian company AgustaWestland with an order for up to 100 helicopters for Algerian border security forces. Russia is also missing from the list of potential suppliers for Algeria’s planned acquisition of four frigates, with British, French, German and Italian shipbuilders shortlisted.

Russian hopes for more major deals in North Africa in the near future lie with Libya. Like Algeria, Libya has enjoyed increased revenues from natural resources and has enjoyed being courted by major arms suppliers in recent years. It was expected that after the lifting of the UN arms embargo in 2003 Libya would seek to modernize, upgrade and replace some of the significant quantity of major conventional weapons that had been acquired in the 1970s and 1980s. However, for the period 2005-2009, Libya was the 110th largest arms importer in the world, according to SIPRI data. Libya is not expected to lag behind its neighbours with regard to holdings of modern military equipment for long. Ghaddafi has enjoyed the attention lavished upon him by visiting heads of state from France, Italy, Russia and the UK in recent years, and each head of states has been accompanied by arms company representatives and rumours of multi-billion dollar deals for arms and military equipment.

Will Russia secure Libyan orders ahead of France?

France offered a package of arms and military equipment to Algeria when it announced plans to embark on a major modernisation of its armed forces at the turn of the millennium. There were high hopes that Algeria would be the first export customer for France’s Rafale combat aircraft. France lost out on the combat aircraft order to Russia, but still has a chance for the Algerian frigate order. France has also been a strong contender for securing major arms deals with Tripoli, but thus far only appears to have secured firm orders for MILAN-3 anti-tank missiles and the refurbishment of Libyan Mirage-F1 combat aircraft, which were supplied by France in the 1970s. It is unclear what progress has been made on negotiations relating to the supply of combat aircraft, helicopters, corvettes and patrol vessels.

Libya did not accept Putin’s offer in 2008 to place a large order for major conventional weapons in exchange for a cancellation of Soviet-era debt. However, reports in the Russian media in 2009 claimed that Russia had concluded deals with Libya for three Project 12418 Molniya fast attack craft worth an estimated $200 million and the overhaul of 145 Libyan T-72 tanks. During January 2010 there were premature reports that Libya had ordered $2 billion worth of arms - 12-15 Su-35 combat aircraft, four Su-30 combat aircraft and six Yak-130 trainer aircraft and air defence systems. Negotiations continue for these systems, although Russian officials expect contracts to be signed in 2010. However, Russia will face competition for Libyan orders, as the former international pariah is no longer considered a threat to international peace and security but rather a potentially lucrative arms market. For example, we are now seeing a potential loosening of restrictions on arms exports to Libya by the USA. It remains to be seen who will take the ‘leopard’s share’ of the Libyan arms market. Russia appears well-positioned at present to benefit from Libyan orders, but looks set to miss out on more major deals with Algeria and Morocco.

A selection of Russian exports of major conventional weapons to North Africa, 2000-20091


Country
Type of conventional weapon Order and delivery period Number ordered Number delivered
Algeria Il-78 tanker/transport aircraft 1998; 2000-2001 6 6
MiG-29 combat aircraft 1999; 2000-2001 8 8
Su-24 combat aircraft 1999-2000; 2001-2005 (25)2 (25)
Mi-17 helicopter 2002-2004 42 42
BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles 2005; 2006-2009 300 240
Pantsyr-1 mobile air defence system 2006; 2008-2009 38 (15)
                    S-300PMU-2 surface-to-air missile system 2006 (4)  
Su-30MK combat aircraft 2006; 2008-2009 28 28
T-90S tank 2006-2008 185 185
Type-636 (Kilo) submarines 2006 2  
Yak-130 trainer combat aircraft    2006 16  
MiG-29 combat aircraft 2006 34 Cancelled
Libya ‘Molniya’ Type-1241 fast attack craft (2009) (2)  
Morocco Tunguska mobile air defence systems 2005-2008 (12) (12)



1Source: SIPRI Arms Transfers Database, http://www.sipri.org/databases/armstransfers

2(…) - Indicates estimate

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2010/03/mil-100315-rianovosti01.htm

Russia to sell $1 bln worth of arms to Yemen - expert

RIA Novosti

16:25 01/07/2010

MOSCOW, July 1 (RIA Novosti) - Russia and Yemen could sign an arms contract worth over $1 billion, an international arms expert said on Thursday.

A Yemeni delegation led by President Ali Abdullah Saleh discussed sales of Russian arms to the Arab republic on Wednesday during the leader's short visit to Moscow.

Igor Korotchenko, head of a Moscow-based think tank on the international arms trade, said Yemen "is interested in a very broad range of Russian arms and military equipment," especially MiG-29 SMT jet fighters (up to 30), Mi-35 and Ka-52 helicopter gunships and Mi-17 military transport helicopters.

He said Saleh's wish list also included T-72M1 tanks, Kornet E antitank complexes, Smerch multiple launch rocket systems (up to 20 units), and BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles.

"In addition, Yemen is interested in building an air-defense system with [Russian made] S-300MPU and S-300 PMU1 surface-to-air missile complexes," Korotchenko said.

He said Yemen would also like to modernize the weaponry it bought from the Soviet Union, including BRDM-2 armored reconnaissance vehicles, whose number currently exceeds 1,000.

Furthermore, he said, Yemen needs warships, in particular high-speed patrol boats, to fight piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2010/07/mil-100701-rianovosti03.htm

Furthermore, he said, Yemen needs warships, in particular high-speed patrol boats, to fight piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

This would be the best solution to the pirates in the region.
Strengthen the local navies so they can deal with the problem themselves.
It would also create proper port facilities that other navies around the world could use to reduce the cost of patrolling in that region and it would generate income for the Yemenis when they take advantage of those facilities.

Russia's position is weakened in the Middle East

TSAMTO, November 23. Decision in Riyadh for the purchase of American shock and multi-purpose helicopters, as well as talks began with Spain to purchase the party MBT directly affect the interests of Russia in the arms market in the country.

It is learned that the U.S. Administration on Nov. 19 was approved by Congress to negotiate with Riyadh to supply arms to the $ 60 billion.

Agency for Defense Security and Cooperation (DSCA) DoD Oct. 20 notified the U.S. Congress about the proposed sale of Saudi Arabia's various weapons and equipment worth over 60 billion dollars.

The U.S. Congress has 30 days to approve or block it. According to the decision of Congress, from November 20, the U.S. administration won the right to begin formal negotiations with Saudi Arabia to implement this program.

Current plans call for the supply of various security forces in Riyadh 84 new fighter jets F-15SA, 70 attack helicopters, AH-64D «Block-3" "Apache", 36 light attack helicopters, AH-6i, 72 multi-purpose helicopters, UH-60M «Black Hawk , 12 light helicopters MD-530F, ammunition, communications equipment and accessories. In addition, the version of F-15SA will be modified in 1970 consisting of the Air Force aircraft to Saudi Arabia F-15. As expected, the delivery of weapons will continue for 15-20 years.

Under the "Foreign military sales" for the Army of Saudi Arabia planned to buy 24 attack helicopters, AH-64D «Apache" "block-3. The total price of the agreement could reach 3.3 billion dollars.

Air Force Saudi Arabia will be purchased 84 new fighter aircraft F-15SA

The total price of the agreement could reach 29.432 billion dollars.

For the National Guard of Saudi Arabia's plans to sell 36 attack helicopters, AH-64D «Apache" Block 3 ", 72 multipurpose helicopters UH-60M« Black Hawk ", 36 light attack helicopters, AH-6i and 12 light helicopters MD-530F. The total price of the agreement could reach 25.6 billion dollars.

For the Royal Guard of Saudi Arabia will be purchased 10 attack helicopters, AH-64D «Apache" "block-3. The total price of the agreement could reach 2.223 billion dollars.

Initially, the U.S. leadership informed of the intention to sell the Saudi arms package worth some 30 billion dollars. Now this amount is doubled.

At the beginning of this year, the total package deal, which was preparing to Russia to Saudi Arabia, estimated at $ 4 billion. This package includes, including helicopters and MBT. In general, the package includes more than 150 MBT T-90S, 150 helicopters (30 Mi-35 helicopters and up to 120 Mi-17), 250 BMP-3 and dozens of Buk-M2E. The parties also negotiated the sale ZRPK Pantsir C1, attack helicopters, Mi-28N and long-range guided missile system.

However, as reported in the exhibition "Euronaval 2010 first deputy general director of Rosoboronexport, Ivan Goncharenko, in 2010, with Saudi Arabia, was concluded only a few small contracts for Russian weapons. According to him, "it's not those big contracts that we expected."

According to TSAMTO, U.S. actions have led to be preparing for a long time package deal with Saudi Arabia will likely not be implemented in full, underline the fact that the stiff competition the world arms market. Rosoboronexport is constantly faced with opposition from the U.S. and Western countries-exporters, even in the niche that traditionally occupies the Russian military products.

Amid the global financial and economic crisis of 2008-2009. the use of techniques and methods of unfair competition has become more active, which is associated with reduced financial capacity of individual states to purchase arms and military equipment.

In this regard, it is obvious that the United States in every possible way seek to strengthen its position in the market of Saudi Arabia and other rich Gulf countries, especially given the fact that the volume of contracts on the import of HRP in 2009, the Middle East region for the first time ahead of the Asia Pacific.

According to TSAMTO, Russia was entitled to expect from the U.S. to correct actions in the market of Saudi Arabia, given that the talks in Riyadh and Moscow have begun much earlier (the U.S. proposal was followed much later). In addition, the U.S. should take into account the fact that in the Middle East, Russia has lost a major importer of arms in the face of Iran's signing the UN Security Council resolution number 1929.

In accordance with UN Security Council resolution, Moscow, except for cancellation of the contract to supply Tehran S-300, is much more to lose from the collapse of several other prospective projects on the subject of military-technical cooperation with Iran. Nevertheless, given the political "reset" between the U.S. and Russia, Moscow took this step.

In addition, the Russian Federation hoped that the U.S. will take into account Moscow's position on arms deliveries to Afghanistan, which, above all, in the interest of improving security in the country deployed troops U.S. forces. Russia at the request of U.S. supplies to Afghanistan, helicopters and small arms and ammunition are carried out on a grant basis by agreement with the United States.

According TSAMTO, Russia's losses resulting from downsizing of the military-technical cooperation with Iran is estimated at 11 to 13 billion dollars. This volume includes both the delivery of contracts are signed, and lost profits from the collapse of programs to prospective projects.

Of course, part of the losses Russia hoped to compensate by expanding their presence in the market of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, relying on the "understanding" in the first place, from the U.S.. However, this did not occur in connection with this, Moscow must draw the appropriate conclusions.

In these circumstances, an alternative to Russia is to expand military-technical cooperation with Syria and the continuation of the PTS with Iran on the types of weapons that do not fall under UN sanctions.

At the same time as the general director of Rosoboronexport, Anatoly Isaikin, while requests from the Iranian side in respect of any weapons not covered by UN sanctions, have been reported.

According to the list of the UN Register, the ban does not fall with small, field artillery and mortars of calibres less than 100 mm, transport helicopters, antiaircraft artillery, radar systems, military vehicles and a number of systems that can be described as "borderline."

The most likely areas in which cooperation between Russia and Iran can be extended, are segments of transport helicopters and military vehicles.

Iran is armed with more than 50 Mi-171 Sh. Future needs in the machines of this type, carried out exclusively in the transport option, estimated to be approximately 50. (750 million dollars). Need to purchase heavy-duty vehicles (such as Mi-26) is estimated to be 3.5 units. (90-150 million dollars). The total possible volume of purchases of military vehicles can be up to 40 million. Total volume for the remaining categories of arms be sold to Iran, is estimated to be worth no more than 50 million dollars (maybe SALW and Zaw). As a result, the maximum possible amount of MTC between Russia and Iran in the medium term, in the event of receipt of the relevant entries from Tehran, will not exceed $ 1 billion.

That is, even if they continue to cooperate with Iran on the limited range of weapons, Russia would not be able to recoup their losses in this market, and the loss of the market of Saudi Arabia further weaken Russia's position in the Middle East.

As expected. It took long enough to sign for S.Arabia - Russia deals for UN resolution to take place. Now Russia is screwed with its deals and Iran wont place another orders as was fuc..ed twice already. (in 90ies Russia had 10bin contract with Iran witch it broke because of US preassure and assurances it will gain other markets).

By giving in to Iran sanctions and cancellation of S-300, we were supposed to get a conciliation prize in Saudi Arabia. Looks like Amerikans screwed us again. They better buy an assload of weapons for Afghanistan Army to make up for it. We lost $10 billion in potential contracts with Iran.

To be brutally honest Saudi Arabia has never been a big buyer of Russian gear so I never really expected them to buy much of anything anyway.
I rather doubt the US made any promises regarding Saudi Arabia in the first place.

I suspect what actually happened was that the US promised not to prevent Afghanistan and Iraq from buying Russian weapons and that was the deal.

Iran is not rich and if you look at their history with Russian and Soviet weapons their record is pretty poor. They only bought Mig-29s and Su-24s because the Iraqi aircraft of those two types landed in Iran in small numbers and without spare parts... so they could either trash them or buy a few more and get spare parts and support assistance for their whole fleet.

Iran is a little like India only more so. India got screwed by the British and because of that they want independance. They like Russian military stuff because when they buy it it is theirs. They are not told by Russia what they can or cannot do with it. Russia does not impose sanctions on India. Russia minds its own business.
For Iran the experience with the US was probably much more traumatic because it was basically a rape by the US for access to Irans oil.
Iran is a damaged country and the US has been punnishing her since for not continuing to be his btch.
It makes clear sense in that context that Iran really wants to be left alone and to be independant.
I think the main market with Iran will not be with direct weapon sales, but in joint development of new weapons.
This means there is not as much money in weapon sales in Iran as there is in say Iraq or Afghanistan.
There is more money in Iran with civilian nuclear power stations than there is in weapons. After buying S-300s that was probably going to be it. They wont buy An-148s because they are making them themselves.

Iran likes to pretend they are self sufficient, but wouldn't be anywhere without Russia and China. They are more apt to polish up a rusted piece of US shit and call it a new domestic production than buying what they really need. A completely new military. A few batteries of S-300 won't change that.

Iran is more like N. Korea. A pariah state more interested in saving face than helping their people.

Iran is more like N. Korea. A pariah state more interested in saving face than helping their people.

Except that Iran is actually a democracy that gives its people... both women and men the right to vote. This is something that does not happen in Saudi Arabia or Kuwaite for that matter.

Yeah, sure there is a religious component to their government and people who want power are vetted but is that any different to the US. Anyone can put their name forward to be president, but only people vetted by the two major political parties actually have any chance.

They are more apt to polish up a rusted piece of US shit and call it a new domestic production than buying what they really need.

Very true but in their position their only real local threat was Saddam and he is gone. Their larger threat from Israel and the US... well spending billions a year will not put them in a better position than for any other country. The fact of the matter is no one is safe from the US and Israel unless they have nuclear weapons... so no amount of defence spending will help them in that regard.

Their best bet is to invest in the Iranian economy and nuclear power stations are a good step in that regard. Anyone who has run a business knows that when the electricity stops every day from 5pm till 8am next morning and there are spikes and brownouts when you do get it that are strong enough to damage expensive equipment is no way to improve the economy.
Step one is a good relatively cheap reliable source of power.
The Iranians are addressing that issue and the US doens't like it because it likes to point at the pityful state of its enemies and suggest it is because they are dictatorships that they are failed regimes. Ignoring the fact that most countries isolating themselves from the international community will face economic struggles to survive. The booming economy of communist China shows clearly it has nothing to do with politics... in fact in investment terms communism means government stability whereas democracy means the potential every 3-5 years that a new government will require a new contract etc.


BTW the fact that the new Iranian stuff looks like US stuff is to be expected as it is easier to upgrade the stuff you have rather than take a risk and develop from scratch and hope it is better for all that extra effort.

GarryB wrote:

Except that Iran is actually a democracy that gives its people... both women and men the right to vote. This is something that does not happen in Saudi Arabia or Kuwaite for that matter.

Yeah, sure there is a religious component to their government and people who want power are vetted but is that any different to the US. Anyone can put their name forward to be president, but only people vetted by the two major political parties actually have any chance.

What right would that be? The last time they held elections the votes were never counted. They decided written ballots in 48 hours, when the people protested they slaughtered them. There is no right to get your vote counted in that country. In Russia we might change the laws to favour a party over another, but at least we count the votes.

Very true but in their position their only real local threat was Saddam and he is gone. Their larger threat from Israel and the US... well spending billions a year will not put them in a better position than for any other country. The fact of the matter is no one is safe from the US and Israel unless they have nuclear weapons... so no amount of defence spending will help them in that regard.

Spending a few billion a year adds up over a decade. If Iran had spent $30 billion on Russian weapons over the last ten years, they could easily have enough to dissuade any Israeli attack. With 20b, Iran could have totally modernised IRIAF. With a couple hundred MiG-29SMT/Su-30MK, Israel wouldn't think about attacking. US would think twice about it too. All they have now are obsolescent Soviet/Chinese fighters and a bunch of rusted US shit.

Their best bet is to invest in the Iranian economy and nuclear power stations are a good step in that regard. Anyone who has run a business knows that when the electricity stops every day from 5pm till 8am next morning and there are spikes and brownouts when you do get it that are strong enough to damage expensive equipment is no way to improve the economy.

Step one is a good relatively cheap reliable source of power.
The Iranians are addressing that issue and the US doens't like it because it likes to point at the pityful state of its enemies and suggest it is because they are dictatorships that they are failed regimes. Ignoring the fact that most countries isolating themselves from the international community will face economic struggles to survive. The booming economy of communist China shows clearly it has nothing to do with politics... in fact in investment terms communism means government stability whereas democracy means the potential every 3-5 years that a new government will require a new contract etc.

The good cheap and reliable source of power they have is natural gas. It is not only clean burning and efficient, they also have it in abundance. No one will sanction them over building it. The bigger problem in Iran is not power generation, it is transmission. Their lines are inefficient so much of it goes to waste. The politics are a sideshow to the real problems in Iran.

BTW the fact that the new Iranian stuff looks like US stuff is to be expected as it is easier to upgrade the stuff you have rather than take a risk and develop from scratch and hope it is better for all that extra effort.

The reason new Iranian stuff looks like US stuff is because it is US stuff. A paint-job and a few exterior alterations are the depth of their modernisation. Don't forget a bunch of bandstanding by the Generals and their propaganda.

What right would that be? The last time they held elections the votes were never counted.

So they had some hanging chads...

At least they go through the process.

It makes them no worse than Saudi Arabia or the military dictatorship in Pakistan.

Spending a few billion a year adds up over a decade. If Iran had spent $30 billion on Russian weapons over the last ten years, they could easily have enough to dissuade any Israeli attack.

You are quite right, but Iran is hardly buddies with Russia either. It is not as if they helped you in the 1980s in Afghanistan. They are not exactly rich due to economic and political isolation... thanks largely to uncle sam.

With a couple hundred MiG-29SMT/Su-30MK, Israel wouldn't think about attacking.

I am sure they would have if they thought it necessary.

US would think twice about it too. All they have now are obsolescent Soviet/Chinese fighters and a bunch of rusted US shit.

And yet the US still has not invaded. Sounds like they saved 20 billion dollars.

The good cheap and reliable source of power they have is natural gas. It is not only clean burning and efficient, they also have it in abundance. No one will sanction them over building it.

They can't even refine their own petrol. They have to export the crude and import the petrol as fuel. I think nuclear power makes more sense because they can export crude and gas for export dollars.

The bigger problem in Iran is not power generation, it is transmission. Their lines are inefficient so much of it goes to waste.

The obvious solution is lots of power stations to minimise the distance of transmission.

The reason new Iranian stuff looks like US stuff is because it is US stuff. A paint-job and a few exterior alterations are the depth of their modernisation. Don't forget a bunch of bandstanding by the Generals and their propaganda.

Not everyone needs Abrams and F-22s. They don't want to invade anyone, they just want to protect themselves. Look at the Soviet Union just after WWII with its disinformation about all its missiles and bombers. The west started talking about a missile gap and a bomber gap because they thought the Soviets had thousands of missiles and thousands of bombers. Kruschev backed down in the Cuban missile crisis because JFK knew from U-2 flights that there was a real bomber and missile gap and the gap was in favour of the west. He could have stopped all the programs to start producing bombers and missiles because the policy of the day was parity. Once his generals worked out how few bombers and missiles the Soviets did have they changed policy to superiority to allow for a first strike. They got into power by saying the Soviets were ahead so now they were going to continue to pretend they were ahead and then start a mass production program to gain a first strike advantage. The Soviets had to follow and only caught up in the late 70s and early 80s. Both sides wasted an enormous amount on BS.

Iran could have spent 20 billion... just like the west could have killed those programs to make missiles and planes that no one needed and spent them on health care or new technology that didn't kill people. We live with the result of their choices.
I am sure there are many in Iran who will take the cancellation of the S-300 sale as proof they should never have trusted the Russians in the first place and that they should buy everything from North Korea and China.

Vladimir79 wrote:By giving in to Iran sanctions and cancellation of S-300, we were supposed to get a conciliation prize in Saudi Arabia. Looks like Amerikans screwed us again. They better buy an assload of weapons for Afghanistan Army to make up for it. We lost $10 billion in potential contracts with Iran.

Had warned you beforehand

What Russia did wrong was cooperate with putting through sanctions that clearly prevented the legal conclusion to a contract they had already signed and received part payment on.

The reality is that Russia doesn't want a nuclear weapon armed Iran any more than the US does. Of course where they perhaps differ is that I doubt Russia wants Israel to have nuclear weapons either.

The point is that if Iran complies with the UN and gets the sanctions lifted they can buy what they want.

If they don't, well to be brutally honest I don't see Iran buying large amounts of Russian stuff anyway. They are working on their own stuff and though people might scoff at the stuff they are working on they seem satisfied with it for the most part.

Iraq and Afghanistan on the other hand will need lots of weapons and equipment etc etc. Iraq can pay with oil and Afghanistan with all those wonderful minerals they are supposed to have.

Breaking contracts rather destroys Russia's image as a reliable supplier. Many nations will look at Russia like...

It is going to cost them in the long run. Iraq and Astan are not going to make up for what they are going to lose.

Iran isn't interested in buying what they want. They take pride in their domestic capabilities, no matter how pathetic they are.

Jordan buys Russian IL-76 and co-producing grenade launchers

Military-technical cooperation (MTC) between Russia and Jordan at the moment is the joint production of RPG-32 Hashim "and the purchase of this Arab country in the Russian military transport aircraft Il-76, told RIA Novosti on Wednesday the head of the Center for Analysis of World arms trade (TSAMTO) Igor Korotchenko.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is now in Jordan's two-day visit, plans to discuss a wide range of issues, including in the sphere of military-technical cooperation.

"Joint Program for the production of RPG-32 Hashim" at the moment is the most important program of MTC between Russia and Jordan, "- said Korotchenko.

In November 2010 the Russian and Jordanian sides signed documents on the establishment of a joint venture for the production of RPG (the share of each party is 50 to 50). The company will be built in Jordan in late 2011 - early 2012. The Russian side will supply parts for final assembly of launchers.

Rated annual capacity is 60,000-propelled grenades in a year. The volume of production will depend on the order the Jordanian army, and exports to third countries.

The latter will be implemented in coordination with the Russian side. Interest in the purchase of the RPG-32 Hashim "showed a few countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

Grenade developed industrial association Basalt commissioned and financed by Jordan. The contract for the creation of RPG-32 was signed in 2005.

RPG-32 is a new generation of weapons, possessing the most advanced features among all of the world of samples of the same class. The grenade launcher is designed for firing grenades caliber 72 and 105 millimeters and a weapon reusable. It consists of two parts: a starter set of reusable and disposable cartridges multikalibernyh.

"The second major program, under implementation, is to supply the Air Force Jordan two military transport aircraft Il-76MF," - said the head of TSAMTO.

In 2010, the Perm Motor Plant (PMZ) has fully complied with the obligation to deliver engines PS-90A-76 for the two military transport aircraft Il-76MF-EI intended for Air Jordan. In early November, PMZ gave four such engines for the second aircraft.

The first aircraft, as at November 2010, is undergoing flight-testing of honing in Zhukovsky near Moscow. It is planned that by mid-2011 after passing all the tests, both aircraft will be transferred to the customer.

In the future, can not exclude the possibility of buying Jordan and other Russian aircraft. Jordan is also negotiating with Russia to purchase anti-tank systems, MANPADS and helicopter gunships.

In 2007, Jordan passed field testing ZRPK Pantsir-S1. Amman is considered as a prospective customer of this complex.

On the application for multiple launch rocket systems of Jordan presented the relevant commercial offers. The question of supplies is under discussion.

Amman also expressed great interest in the number of samples of special weapons. Since Jordan signed multitranche loan agreement for the purchase of Russian weapons.

In late 2005, was created by a Russian-Jordanian joint venture JRESCO (Jordan Russian electronic systems Co), whose founders were CB KADDB and Rosoboronexport. At present, this joint venture is implementing several projects in Jordan in the field of military electronics, armor and aircraft.

Earlier, Russia has put Jordan's six multi-purpose helicopters Ka-226, large quantities of ATGM Kornet-E, RPG-26 RPG-27, small arms and missiles "Igla-S" in the supporting-launchers Dzhigit.

"It should be noted that an important role in breaking the Russian in the arms market of Jordan has played a practice lobbying the Russian defense industry at the highest level," - said Korotchenko.

Great article Vlad !!! It's nice to see that Russian arms getting more common in foreign countries, lets hop it will continue the same way, and U.S. Wont threaten any of this countries with sanctions and embargoes....

Does anyone know much about the RPG-32?

It seems to have a lot of buttons on the side of the fairly large sight/launcher.

I know it is designed to fire two 72mm and two 105mm grenades. One is a high explosive thermobaric round in each calibre and one is a HEAT round in each calibre so you could carry a mixture of four different rocket options and decide which is needed for the target as it presents itself.

More likely if you know there is unlikely to be heavy enemy armour then the 72mm HEAT rounds will take care of most light armoured vehicles without the weight of the heavier rounds.

In terms of disposable rockets the 105mm HE round is basically the equivalent of the RShG-1 rocket launcher, or the TBG-7V grenade for the RPG-7 or the TBG-29V for the RPG-29.

The 105mm HEAT round is the equivalent of the RPG-27, PG-7VR for the RPG-7, and PG-29V for the RPG-29.

I haven't got the appropriate book with me but I think the 72mm equivalents are RShG-2 for the HE disposable rocket and RPG-22 for the disposable HEAT rocket.

The question I have is what level of sophistication is there with the launcher these rockets are attached to for launch?

I have read they have ballistic markings for the different rockets that is displayed when the rocket is attached, but I wonder if it also has a small cheap laser range finder in it too.

Clipping a 72mm HE round onto the launcher means the ballistic markings for that round are displayed... a laser range finder could calculate range and based on the ballistic performance of the rocket could generate an aim point in the sight to make hitting targets easier.

The sighting system seems to have a lot of buttons and because of the size of it I think a laser range finder and small ballistic computer could be used.

Anyone know any more about this?

Here is a picture of the launcher:



Oops, did I say buttons? It is clearly knobs that allow the manual entry of information... for example the temperature range (-30 degrees, 0 degrees, +30 degrees). I would expect the knob with 1,2,3,4 is to tell the sight which round is loaded... each four settings identifies the calibre and ammo type... so the information is entered manually before launch... I have answered my own question...

Article about T-90 trials in SA in comparison with Lecler/M1/Leo2 two years ago.

Russian tank T-90S, made a splash on the extreme test in an Arab country

Publication time: 15:44
Last update: 16:00



Russian tank T-90S during the tests in an Arab country was a "tenacious" than its foreign counterparts. About it, reports "Interfax" , said on Tuesday the head of Rosoboronexport delegation at the ongoing Abu Dhabi International Exhibition IDEX-2011 Nicholas Dimidyuk. The tests were two years ago, but reported them just now. Name of the country where they were still not disclosed.

"Two years ago in one of the Arab countries have passed tests of main battle tanks, a number of states in a really harsh climatic conditions," - said Dimidyuk.

According to him, tests of the Russian T-90S tanks began with a curiosity: the owners of tests asked why we have brought only one car, because by their logic, it should have been required to break during testing. But the tank is not out of order.

"For two days we taught them the driver - it was a unique professional. For 10 days the tank was 1300 km, and it was not just in the sand, and fugitive dust, in the mountains at night," - told Dimidyuk. "Masters of test tank at night and closed, so we did not there podremontirovali not twirled. After the tests they were asked to remove the engine. When it was removed, the tray did not have any oil leakage."

Dimidyuk also said that T-90 shooting led the various types of ammunition. The owners were asked to use their weapons to a range that exceeds the limit for three miles. "Even in these conditions was affected 60% of the targets," - said Dimidyuk.

According to him, participated in the test tank Leclerc (France), Leopard (Germany) and Abrams (USA) did not survive such tests. Responding to a question as to why the Arab side has not yet bought the T-90S tanks, Dimidyuk said: "Next - politics."

Recall Russia occupies a leading position among the world's exporters of main battle tanks. From 2006 to 2009 Russia had sold to foreign customers 482 new tanks in the amount of 1.57 billion dollars, leaving behind in terms of supply U.S. and Germany. T-90S tanks from Russia most actively buys India. Under the contract, in 2001 the country received 310 T-90S tanks under contract in 2007 in the form of direct deliveries and car kits for the licensed production of India will increase its tank fleet by another 347 T-90S tanks. In the period 2014-2019, India can additionally purchase about 600 new T-90S tanks.

In addition, Libya, on the events which now focuses the attention of world media, in January 2010 signed a contract with Russia to purchase quantities of weapons, including dozens of tanks T-90S.

In addition, in recent years, Russia has signed contracts for the supply of new T-90S tanks to Algeria, which is scheduled to deliver 185 machines, and Turkmenistan, which is limited to 10 tanks.

We have to note that the T-90S does not consist of mere merits - something he has already expired. At the T-90C, in particular, uses a complex optical-electronic protection "blind", which is intended only to affect the launch of the second generation, while there are rockets of the third generation to whom the "blind" powerless.

It remains the hope for an active defense "Arena", a microwave weapon if the enemy did not bring her down. But Arena is not able to fight with armor-piercing discarding sabot projectile (BPS) and attack kernels.

But the main thing - T-90S tanks practically not protected from above and therefore unfit for combat operations. Because overseas created precision guided cluster bomblets that are delivered aircraft, missiles and artillery, and armored vehicles can effectively hit the top.

http://newsru.com/world/22feb2011/t90s.html

Russia may lose $6 bln on Algeria, Syria arms contracts - expert

RIA Novosti

19:39 17/03/2011 MOSCOW, March 17 (RIA Novosti) - Russia risks losing over $6 billion on arms contracts with Algeria and Syria if the situation in these countries destabilizes, a Russian expert on arms industry said on Thursday.

"Arms sales to Algeria and Syria constitute about one-eight of Russia's portfolio of arms orders worldwide, which totals $48 billion," said Igor Korotchenko, head of a Moscow-based think tank on international arms trade.

Russia, the second largest arms exporter in the world after the United States, has already experienced difficulties with some of its lucrative arms contracts following the wave of unrest currently sweeping North Africa and the Middle East.

In addition, a political crisis in Syria may prevent Russia from using its only naval base abroad, which is located in the Syrian port of Tartus.

Fortunately for Russia, Syria has been spared the wave of uprisings in the Middle East, and the recent unrest in Algeria has so far been contained and attempts by the opposition to organize nationwide protests have lost momentum.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2011/03/mil-110317-rianovosti03.htm

Why not? we already lost $4 billion in Libya.

Vladimir79 wrote:Why not? we already lost $4 billion in Libya.

su35 gone ??

i think egypt is thinking to buy it

And lost 12 billion in Iraq in weapons and oil deals...

Old grave is again unearthed then.
The previous discussion of the less westernized educated in Russian elites surely aren't farsighted for economic upholder.

The fact they got the orders in the first place is to their credit.

The bigger problem for the Russians I think is that this drive for all new high tech stuff is going to cause a problem in that they had a captive market in the Eastern Europeans and the Soviet military... this has diminished to Russia and some neighbours like the Stans.
The other clients are generally not that rich and often relied on handouts or loans that were never paid back.

Lots of stuff will sell no matter what like laser guided artillery shells as sold to France, and rocket engines sold to the US, but in lots of categories the western competition will lobby their governments to prevent sales of Russian materials so the most important market for the Russians will be its own armed forces and emerging countries like the BRIC countries but Russia will need to expand this circle if it wants to grow.

GarryB wrote:And lost 12 billion in Iraq in weapons and oil deals...

And lost another $4-6 billion in Iran. It seems we are just happy to give up our weapon sales to appease French and American invasion plans.