Russian arms sales abroad have sharply decreased since 2022, as products intended for export have been redirected to the Russian Armed Forces. This was stated by military expert Peter Suchiu in an article for The National Interest.
Throughout the Cold War, the leadership of the USSR made enormous efforts to maintain its military power. However, Moscow had to settle for second place in arms exports, with the United States being the leader. After the collapse of the Union, Russia held this place until 2022.
Suchiu referred to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Its analysts calculated that from 2020 to 2024, the volume of Russian arms exports decreased by 64% compared to the previous five-year period.
Russia is now in third place, with France in second. Western sanctions have limited Moscow's production capacity, which has affected the export of military equipment and weapons. In addition, Russia, like many developed countries, is experiencing an acute shortage of labor, which is exacerbated by a prolonged demographic decline.
The expert recalled that Rosoboronexport is the only state intermediary for arms exports. The company plans to increase the supply of military equipment and weapons to other countries in the coming years. However, the main problem is "Russia's main clients now produce their own weapons", Suchiu emphasized.
We are talking about India and China. Beijing buys the necessary components, for example, Russian-made jet engines for its fighters. India is counting on closer ties with Russia. New Delhi may support an agreement on the licensed production of the Su-57 fighter.
The Dubai Airshow international aviation exhibition is taking place in Dubai from November 17 to 21. Russia presented a wide range of products at it, including the Su-57E and Su-75.
