Russian arms sales to Latin America

Russia, Brazil discuss joint production of armored police cars

Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said on Monday it was holding talks with Brazil on setting up a joint venture for manufacturing light-armor police vehicles.

The GAZ-2330 Tigr vehicle, manufactured by Russia's Arzamas machinery plant (AMZ), will be exhibited at Latin America Aero and Defense (LAAD) on April 12-15 in Rio de Janeiro.

"Construction of licensed production and assembly facilities, manufacturing certain armored and motor vehicles and small arms, is evolving into one of the crucial lines of military technical cooperation between Russia and Latin American countries," Rosoboronexport said in a statement.

The Russian exposition at LAAD-2011 is sponsored by the Russian Technologies State Corporation, and the Russian delegation is headed by Deputy Director of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Alexander Fomin.

Russia, the world's second largest arms exporter after the United States, sold $8.6 billion worth of weaponry last year.

Rosoboronexport has established mutually beneficial arms trade ties with Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Uruguay, and Ecuador through active marketing efforts. These countries express their interest in Russian air defense systems, radars, combat aircraft and helicopters, naval equipment, and small arms.

MOSCOW, April 11 (RIA Novosti)

http://en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20110411/163475968.html

Getting a production plant in the region should be good for sales in the whole region, and also mean support is better. (ie instead of having to send the vehicle back to Russia for certain (serious) repairs it can go to Mexico)

I would assume they will make the early Tiger version with the US engine...

Regarding arms exports to the region of Latin America, I read a news article recently that mentioned Cuban officials that were allowed to inspect the new ammunition production plant in Venezuela that was built by the Russians.

The Cubans were so impressed with the facility which can produce 7.62 x 39mm ammo and can also recycle old ammo to recover components for refurbishment and reuse or for recycling into other things. (the propellent can be recycled into fertiliser for example), that they have signed a contract with the Russian company to upgrade a major ammo plant in Cuba. There is the potential for upgrading several other plants there and also the potential for building a factory to make AK-103s (which is basically an AK-74M in 7.62 x 39mm calibre... a very popular AKM replacement weapon.). It is possible that Cuba could just buy rifles from Venezuela too of course. The Russian company tasked with the upgrade talked about other areas of improving relations with Cuba and restoring ties which soured after the Russian military withdrew from a listening station in the country in 2007.

Would love to see much more cooperation between Russia and her old allies like Cuba and Vietnam and Burma etc.

I personally think trade and prosperity will open these countries up and hopefully improve the quality of life for the people who have suffered for their "independence".

Brazil and in the future Argentina would be Russia huge success if Russians

menage to break French export military grip.

President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela has made calculated and highly publicized purchases of military equipment in recent years, particularly from Russia. Those systems include:
24 Su-30 fighters,
100,000 Kalashnikov AK-47 rifles, Ak-103 assault rifles,
BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles.
Venezuela also bought 53 Mi-17V-s and Mi-35M helicopters.

In addition, Russia has helped develop factories in Venezuela that can make parts for the rifles, their ammunition and the fighters, with an announced goal of producing 50,000 rifles a year.

In September 2009, Moscow advanced Caracas a $2 billion credit to buy more arms:
92 T-72 main battle tanks,
Smerch rocket artillery systems,
BMP-3 Infantry Fighting Vehicles,
Smerch anti-tank missiles, multiple rocket launchers,
S-300, Buk M-2 and Pechora anti-aircraft missiles

As part of its “military diplomacy,” Moscow also has sold significant amounts of weaponry to other regional states with the purpose of adding revenue to its coffers while developing good relations with governments and militaries in Latin America. In February 2009, Bolivia signed an agreement with Russia for a USD 150 million credit that will allow it to modernize its military (Moscow has yet to transfer the agreed upon amount). In addition, Russian officials have expressed an interest in selling Bolivia 1017 5B helicopters and Antonov An-148 aircraft.

Russia has also sold, or is in the process of negotiating the sale of military equipment to several other South American nations, including one Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter to Ecuador in 2009. That same year, Brazil acquired 12 Mi-35M helicopters in a larger deal reportedly worth USD 150 million. In addition, Uruguay has acquired 48 multi-purpose amphibious vehicles (type GAZ-3937).
Peru has committed itself to upgrading its helicopter fleet, acquiring a number of Mi-17 helicopters from Russia, including six helicopters of that model in 2010. In late February of this year, the Peruvian media reported that Lima will receive in March two helicopters type Mi-35. Mi helicopters are particularly important for the Peruvian army as the aircraft can attain high altitudes in the country’s highlands like the Andes mountains. They are particularly useful for current military operations in the Peruvian highlands against the narco-terrorist group, the Shining Path.

Small correction, they are not buying 100,000 AK-47s, they are buying/making 100,000 AK-103s and 104s, which are basically AK-74Ms in 7.62 x 39mm calibre in full length barrel models (AK-103) and shorter carbine length barrel models (AK-104).

This is to replace all the FN FAL rifles in service in the army, navy, air force, and police forces.

Note a delegation from Cuba visited and were impressed with the new facilities the Russians built there to make rifles and ammo and are currently in negotiations with Cuba to upgrade one of the Cuban ammo factories.

http://www.ruaviation.com/news/2012/5/10/981/

Argentina intends to acquire Ka-226T and Mi-171E helicopters

Russia and Argentina have signed Memorandum of Understanding, which assumes delivery of three multi-role Mi-171E and three Ka-226T helicopters to Buenos Aires, Lenta.ru reports with reference to Jane's.

The exact date of signing the firm contract has not been specified. Argentina will acquire the helicopters using funds from Russian export credit.

It was reported by the head of Rosoboronexport delegation at FIDAE-2012, Sergey Goreslavsky, that Russia will provide export credit for Argentina in late March 2012. According to him, Argentina intends to acquire three Mi-171E and the contract will be signed in parallel with the transfer of funds to the Argentinian party.

Argentina purchased two Mi-171E in April 2010 (amount of the contract was €20 million). This agreement was the first acquisition of Russian vehicles by Argentina. The helicopters were delivered in November 2011. The delivered vehicles had orange-white livery and they were equipped with rescue elevators. These helicopters will be used for performing search-and-rescue missions and delivering cargo to Argentinian stations in Antarctic Region.

Nice to see cooperation between these two countries... Hope they both benefit.

Defense Minister Shoigu to Push Russian Arms Sales in Brazil, Peru

MOSCOW, October 9 (RIA Novosti) – Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu will depart next week on a four-day trip to Brazil and Peru to promote the sales of Russian weaponry to these countries, the Kommersant daily reported Wednesday.

The success of Shoigu’s talks with Brazilian and Peruvian counterparts will significantly boost Russia’s chances to sell military equipment worth at least $1.7 billion, the paper said citing a source in the Russian General Staff.

The Russian delegation, led by Shoigu, will first visit Brazil to discuss the sales of Pansir-S1 and Igla missile systems, which the Brazilians believe could become a key element of air defenses during the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

The Pantsir-S, produced by Russia's KBP, is a gun-missile system combining a wheeled vehicle mounting a fire-control radar and electro-optical sensor, two 30-mm cannons and up to 12 57E6 radio-command guided short-range missiles, and is designed to take on a variety of targets flying at low altitudes.

In Peru, Shoigu will push the sales of 110 T-90S main battle tanks and the same number of BTR-80A armored personnel carriers in a deal worth about $700, according to the paper.

Russia left a prototype T-90S tank in Lima for trials by the Peruvian military, following its participation there in the SITDEF Peru 2013 arms exhibition in May.

Peru currently operates around 300 obsolete Soviet-made T-55 tanks, which Lima wants to replace with T-90S.

In addition, the Peruvian military has expressed interest in buying new air defense systems to replace Soviet-era Pechora (SA-3 Goa) systems, the Kommersant said.

Excellent. Really hoping the Peru deal goes through.

Apparently T-90 was significantly more expensive than the Chinese vehicle, which is why the Peruvians did not go for it despite the Army wanting it originally.
Then they did not have money to ship the Chinese tanks back...

I don't see how they can afford 100 (!!) T-90 unless they get a loan.

http://www.tank-net.com/forums/index.php?s=3255d8101c2e24e44f5164815a3035d3&showtopic=29362&page=2

MBT-2000 apparently was garbage, at least the ones left for Peru. So T-90S would obviously do better, since it is not much more expensive than the MBT-2000 and more advanced.

I would not say it was garbage. The tank was not as advanced as the competitors, but the main problem was that China did not hace Ukraine's permission to export the vehicle with Ukrainian engine* and transmission. Peru had a bad experience with Belorussian MiG-29. They were acquired without RSK MiG support and this became a problem. At the end the Air Force acquired a bach of Russian MiG-29 to get maintenace for all of them. On the other hand the Chinese offered good credit conditions and were ready to introduce changes in the vehicle.

T-90S is seen as T-55 natural replacement. T-84M was also impressive, but financing was not comparable. Also, it was offered by 2 different organizations and with different prizes. When initial tests were carried out the tank had not been selected by Thailand, which was another disadvantage because many countries don't want to be first export customers.

* 6TD2 derivative.

T-90S in Peru.

http://www.uvz.ru/news/2/379

Defensa.com has published a note with data on T-90 trials. I assume journalist made a typo and trials took place 17-19 september, not 17-19 october... I have translted some points.

- First day it was really foggy and rainy. 1G46 could only operate to 300-350 meters. By using the thermal sight, shots were fired at targets 2.000-2.500 meters away.
- The next 2 days climate conditions were optimal and gunnery tests were performed. T-90S fired on the move and statically. 38 125mm rounds were fired. 16 BM17, 12 BK16 and 10 OF36. Distance was 1.600-3.000 meters. The sucess rate was 94.7%.

- PKMT and Kord machine guns were also tested by firing 600 rounds. The success rate was 75%. AT-11 Sniper missiles were fired at targets 3.000-5.000 meters away with 100% success rate.

- A mobility test was carried out by running a circuit with ditches, hills and other natural obstacles. Distance was 130kms and "angles" were 25°-30° (does not specify which). It was raced in a 1.5km circuit against a T-55. The latter had a 100 meter advantage but T-90S overtook it. Finally, a T-55 driver was given a 15 minute training on T-90 and run through a circuit without problems.

http://www.defensa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10414:-buenos-resultados-de-las-pruebas-operacionales-y-de-tiro-en-peru-del-tanque-ruso-t-90s&catid=55:latinoamerica&Itemid=163

Sounds like a good tank to me...

A lot of people get fixated on frontal armour or penetration performance of this or that ammo, but a tank is rather more than the thickness of its frontal armour or the penetration performance of its gun.

a89 wrote:Defensa.com has published a note with data on T-90 trials. I assume journalist made a typo and trials took place 17-19 september, not 17-19 october... I have translted some points.

- First day it was really foggy and rainy. 1G46 could only operate to 300-350 meters. By using the thermal sight, shots were fired at targets 2.000-2.500 meters away.
- The next 2 days climate conditions were optimal and gunnery tests were performed. T-90S fired on the move and statically. 38 125mm rounds were fired. 16 BM17, 12 BK16 and 10 OF36. Distance was 1.600-3.000 meters. The sucess rate was 94.7%.

- PKMT and Kord machine guns were also tested by firing 600 rounds. The success rate was 75%. AT-11 Sniper missiles were fired at targets 3.000-5.000 meters away with 100% success rate.

- A mobility test was carried out by running a circuit with ditches, hills and other natural obstacles. Distance was 130kms and "angles" were 25°-30° (does not specify which). It was raced in a 1.5km circuit against a T-55. The latter had a 100 meter advantage but T-90S overtook it. Finally, a T-55 driver was given a 15 minute training on T-90 and run through a circuit without problems.

http://www.defensa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10414:-buenos-resultados-de-las-pruebas-operacionales-y-de-tiro-en-peru-del-tanque-ruso-t-90s&catid=55:latinoamerica&Itemid=163

Great find, thank you Alejandro!

Gur Khan attacks! reports from the same source as "a89"


The T-90S tanks in Peru hit the target with almost 100% efficiency

Great find, thank you Alejandro!

No problem!

Russia Offers Peru Helicopter Maintenance Center

I think there is one already in Venezuela. In any case it would be an advantage, as Russian helicopters have been acquired by several countries in the region.

Russia offers Chile localize production of weapons in the country

"We are in talks on a wide range of weapons and civilian products - from small to Be-200, MS-21, SuperJet-100", - said the director FSMTC Fomin eve of the opening of the exhibition in Santiago weapons FIDAE.

MOSCOW, March 25 - RIA Novosti. Chile Russia offers the entire spectrum of weapons and military equipment, including the possibility of localization of production in this country, told RIA Novosti FSMTC director Alexander Fomin.
"We are in talks on a wide range of weapons and civilian products - from small to Be-200, MS-21, SuperJet-100" - said on the eve of the opening Fomin weapons exhibition in Santiago FIDAE.
However, he stressed that Chile has traditionally buys weapons from Western manufacturers, primarily in the United States.
"However, we are trying to overcome this tendency by such qualities of Russian weapons, reliability, ease of use, price-quality ratio," - said the director FSMTC.
Furthermore, Russia offers not only ready samples of products, but also a license to manufacture these weapons in the country.
"We offer our Chilean partners to localize production in the country, that is certainly a very beneficial aspect of our future contracts," - said Fomin.
Chile's reaction to these proposals have not yet been reported.

http://ria.ru/defense_safety/20140325/1000890145.html#ixzz2x73v7eD8

Nice   

Uruguay analyzes options for eventual purchase of the aircraft Yak-130

Mexico to upgrade its Mi-17 helicopters
Russian Aviaton » Monday July 21, 2014 10:38 MSK

Russian Helicopters Holding Company will upgrade the multi-role Mi-17 helicopters operated by the air forces of Mexico, Lenta.ru reports with reference to sources close to the enterprise. According to the sources, at least 9 vehicles of the type were delivered to Russia by two An-124-100 transport aircraft during the period from mid-June to early July 2014. The first upgraded Mi-17 will be delivered to Mexico in 2015.

No details related to work carried out in the network of this contract have been unveiled. In May 2014 Mexican air forces stated that their fleet comprises 19 multi-role Mi-17 helicopters and two Mi-8Ts. Presumably, all the vehicles to be overhauled will be upgraded by Russian enterprises.

Most likely that the contract for upgrading the helicopters was signed in December 2013, when the Mexican Ministry of Defense purchased 14 new Mi-17 helicopters (manufactured by Russian Helicopters) worth $284.8 million. The new helicopters will be delivered to National Forestry Commission of Mexico; the vehicles will be used for fire-fighting. These helicopters will be piloted by the pilots of Mexican air forces.

Initially Mexican air forces operated 24 Mi-17 helicopters purchased in two batches (each one included 12 vehicles of the type) in 1996 and 1998. The deliveries were completed in 1999. The same year Mexico purchased 12 used Mi-8T helicopters; later most of them were replaced by new multi-role EC725 Caracal helicopters.

The purchase of new helicopters and upgrade of the currently operated vehicles are carried out by the Mexican Ministry of Defense in the network of a national program aimed at expanding the combat capabilities of Mexican air forces. The program will be implemented during 2013-2018 period; under this document the number of helicopters operated by the country’s air forces will be increased from 47 to 138 ones. So far the Mexican air forces have placed an order for 18 UH-60M Black Hawk (USA) and six AW109SP (Italy) helicopters.

Mexico plans to purchase 53 more new helicopters by 2018, however, the type of these vehicles has not been unveiled.

Slowly but surely the one and only solution for Argentina is revealing itself

2014Argentina may buy Russian fighter jets

Remember before the Ukraine BS that the UK was talking about closer relations with Russia and even talking about small arms cooperation... well that is dead now of course.

I wonder what they will think about a few Su-30MKIs flying in Argentine air space... or perhaps even an Su-35...  

Of course now that I have read the article any purchase of Russian aircraft is pure speculation on the part of the authors of the article and by the look of it they would be interested in bargain basement planes so we are talking about MiG-29SMT or Su-27SM3 or something similar.

Of course these are still very potent aircraft and with the right weapons would be very capable.

I think Su-30MK2 could be the best option for Argentina. Su-30MKI with TVC engines could be too expensive for them. Other option is MiG-29M2 or MiG-35, but they will receive Su-30 faster than MiGs.