Ukraine operations have increased interest in our weapons: Russia

The 'special military operation' in Ukraine has scaled up interest about its weapon systems in the international market, Russia has claimed, adding that several joint development projects are being discussed with India, with offers for a future main battle tank and infantry combat vehicles on the table.

Slamming Western sanctions that have impacted payment systems for weapon sales abroad, a top official has said that the Ukraine crisis will lead to a growth of the Russian weapons industry and will "intensify" military technical cooperation with foreign partners.

"The special military operation in Ukraine has significantly increased the interest of foreign partners in Russian weapons. Many of them evaluated their effectiveness in combat use. They were once again convinced of the high quality, reliability, durability and maintainability of Russian military products," said Dmitriy Sugaev, head of Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC).


Russia had been locked in combat with Ukrainian forces for almost six months. The conflict is being closely studied throughout the world, particularly by India that has a wide range of Russian military equipment in service. The conflict has also been marked by sharp claims and counterclaims about the effectiveness of military equipment being deployed.

The Russian official claimed that the performance of its military equipment has "made it possible to attract the attention of new potential buyers in various regions of the world".

On cooperation with India, the Russian official said that besides upgrades of in service systems, discussions are on to jointly produce military equipment and proposals that have been submitted include a future main battle tank, infantry fighting vehicle and diesel electric submarines.

Sugaev said that cooperation with India could include jointly producing "various types of equipment and weapons" for sale in third countries as well.

"The emphasis is on setting up the production of weapons and military equipment of Russian design in India and conducting joint R&D," he said, adding that discussions are on under the 'Make in India' initiative.