Export of weapons to other countries. Arms export breaks records

April agenda

April was marked by two reasons for closer attention to the potential of Russian arms supplies to other countries. The first reason is an agreement with Turkey on the export of the S-400 complex. The second is the one that took place in India international exhibition armaments Defexpo India 2018.

During his recent visit to Turkey, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that S-400 deliveries will take place (and at an accelerated pace) as early as July this year. At the end of 2017, Turkey entered into preliminary agreements with Russia for the purchase of two S-400 batteries, which will be serviced by Turkish military personnel. Russia will partially finance this deal, which is estimated at $2.5 billion. According to the plan, the S-400 in Turkey will be put on combat duty in 2020.

In addition to the Turkish contract, news also periodically appears about the possible deliveries of the Russian S-400 complex to Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and in early April, the first regiment of S-400s purchased by Beijing had already begun to arrive in China.

As for Defexpo India 2018, as India is the world's leading arms importer (12% of global procurement), this event is of great interest to arms manufacturers and military experts. Russia, like other countries, pins its hopes on the sale of military products to Delhi and is ready to actively speak at the event.

The Rosoboronexport delegation at Defexpo India 2018 is headed by Igor Sevastyanov, Deputy General Director of the company, who stated: “Participation in Defexpo India for Rosoboronexport is one of the most important marketing events of the year. We expect to discuss the prospects and implementation of a number of important joint projects in more than 200 topical key areas in the field of military-technical cooperation between our countries. The theme of the exhibition is of particular interest to us, given that Russia occupies a significant share of the Indian market in the segments of weapons and military equipment for the navy and ground forces.”

The T-90C and T-90MS tanks, the TOS-1A heavy flamethrower system, the Kornet-E and Kornet-EM anti-tank missile systems, as well as the latest Kalashnikov assault rifles have the greatest prospects in the arms market of India and the countries of Southeast Asia. . At Defexpo India 2018, potential buyers are expected to pay close attention to the Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile and gun system and the Tor-M2E anti-aircraft missile system.

Today, India also operates about 400 units of Russian helicopters. On the eve of Defexpo India 2018, Andrey Boginsky, General Director of the Russian Helicopters Holding, noted: “During the negotiations, we plan to pay special attention to the issues of after-sales service, repair and modernization of equipment previously delivered to India, we are preparing several signings on this topic. In addition, the implementation of a joint project - the Russian-Indian enterprise for the assembly of Ka-226T, registered in May last year, will be discussed. For our partners, a presentation of the shipborne Ka-226T will be held, which, in our opinion, could also be assembled as part of the joint venture.”

Big Picture

As for the global market as a whole, a month ago the Stockholm Institute for Peace and Conflict Research (SIPRI) published its regular report, from which it followed that in 2013-2017. export volume Russian weapons fell 7.1% compared to 2008–2012 The share of Russia in the world arms market, in turn, decreased by 4% in 2013–2017, to 22%. According to the report, Russia's key clients are India (35%), China (12%) and Vietnam (10%). Russia supplies weapons to more than 100 countries.

For comparison, the United States, our main competitors in the arms market, during this time increased its share by 4% (from 30 to 34%). The volume of US arms exports increased by 25%. Saudi Arabia (18%), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (7.4%) and Australia (6.7%) buy the most weapons from the United States. About 49% of US military exports go to the Middle East. The states supply their products to 98 countries of the world.

If we talk about the amount of contracts, Vladimir Kozhin, Assistant to the President of Russia for Military-Technical Cooperation, cited the following figures: new contracts worth more than $16 billion.”

In March, Vladimir Putin held a meeting of the Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation of the Russian Federation with Foreign States, at which he announced that the volume of foreign deliveries of Russian-made weapons and military equipment has been growing for the third year in a row, and in 2017 it amounted to more than $15 billion.

Experts note that domestic demand for military products is reaching its ceiling and Russia will have to focus on developing arms exports one way or another, entering into fierce competition with other world players.

Where else?

Among the recent successes of this year, one can note the visit of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to Myanmar in January this year and the signing of a contract for the supply of six Su-30 fighters to this country.

In January, the Indian Minister of Defense approved the purchase of 240 corrected aerial bombs for the Indian Air Force from the Russian JSC Rosoboronexport. The purchase price will be $197.4 million. This munition, designed to destroy especially fortified targets - objects in the mountains, buried command posts, underground bunkers, weapons depots, reinforced concrete shelters, has proven itself well in Syria.

In February, a contract was signed for the purchase of 11 Su-35 multipurpose fighters for the Indonesian Air Force. The deal is valued at $1.14 billion, of which $570 million will be covered by Indonesian commodities.

In March of this year, Algerian media reported that the licensed assembly of Russian T-90S/SK tanks in Egypt would begin in the 4th quarter of 2019. Egypt will receive and assemble 400 T-90S/SK main battle tanks at its enterprises.

T-90S/SK tanks, like other equipment, are also already being delivered to Iraq, and deliveries of these vehicles to Vietnam are next in line, by agreement.

At the end of March, Rosoboronexport announced the start of promotion of the latest Russian air defense system Viking (Buk-M3) to foreign markets. The firing range of the new complex was increased to 65 kilometers, the number of simultaneously fired targets was also increased by 1.5 times - 6 air targets for each self-propelled firing system, the number of anti-aircraft guided missiles ready for launch in a firing position consisting of two combat units increased from 8 to 18.

Pushing elbows with the Americans

The main struggle between Russia and the United States in the field of military supplies is unfolding in India. From 2012 to 2016, India was the world's top arms importer, accounting for 13% of all sales, according to SIPRI. India imported 68% of weapons from Russia and only 14% from the United States. Of course, the Americans would like to increase their share. India is also seeking to diversify its suppliers and is building relationships with Israel, France, Spain and South Korea.

By 2025, India, as stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, plans to spend $250 billion to modernize its armed forces. The game is worth the candle.

In addition to the MiG-35, Russia plans to supply S-400 systems, 200 Ka-226T, 48 Mi-17V-5 helicopters, two A-50EI radar detection and control aircraft, eight Su-35 aircraft, four Project 11356 ships, as well as modernization already available in India Su-30MKI and carrier-based MiG-29K. According to the Indian newspaper The Economic Times, arms deliveries worth $10.5 billion are at stake.

The long history of military-technical cooperation, the presence of an established base for the repair and maintenance of equipment, the quality and relative cheapness of the weapons offered are in favor of Russia in the struggle for the Indian market.

The Americans entered the Indian market in earnest only in 2013, selling almost $2 billion worth of arms - five years before that, sales amounted to only hundreds of millions of dollars. In addition to India's desire to diversify supplies and localize military production at home, US strategic plans to contain China played a role. The US also theoretically views India as a replacement for Pakistan in the fight against Afghan Islamists and as a significant player in putting pressure on Iran. Per last years India has already ordered Apache helicopters, Chinook transport helicopters, P-8 anti-submarine aircraft, transport aircraft C-130, Globemaster C-17 military transport aircraft, US reconnaissance aircraft - Gulfstream-3. Since 2008, India has bought $15 billion worth of weapons from the United States.

Another country is a field for competition. The aggravation of relations between Turkey and the United States also gives Russia a good chance to gain a foothold in the Turkish market. What, in fact, is indicated by the agreements on the supply of S-400, the likely purchase by Turkey of Russian Kornet anti-tank missile systems and cooperation with Russia to strengthen the armor of Turkish tanks.

Sanctions and pressure

Not everything is going smoothly for Russia due to US pressure on potential buyers and in other countries. For example, Lebanese Defense Minister Yacoub Sarraf also returned to Lebanon from Moscow last weekend empty-handed. It was expected that he would arrive with signed agreements on interest-free supplies of Russian weapons (primarily tanks) to Lebanon, and before that, the possibility of opening Lebanese airspace for Russian aviation, permission to use ports and air bases, the exchange of intelligence information, and the training of Lebanese military personnel by Russian military and cooperation in the field of combating terrorism. The Lebanese cabinet did not even discuss a potential deal in April, which is explained by the influence of the United States and Western countries on Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri.

Representatives of Hezbollah are most outraged in Lebanon by the delay in signing agreements with Russia. For example, Lebanese MP Nawaf al-Musawi rhetorically asks why Lebanon does not buy weapons from Russia and China, why does not sign an agreement with Russia, why does not go under the “air umbrella” of Russia, referring to air defense systems and the presence of military aviation in the country ? Hezbollah cites Assad's agreement with Russia as an example and wants the same for Lebanon, saying that if Russia wants to have naval and air bases in Lebanon, then Moscow should be given such an opportunity.

The Asia Times resource writes that in Lebanon, not only Hezbollah listens to Russia, but also the Greek Orthodox community, socialists, and Arab nationalists. And given that the cash supply from Saudi Arabia is in doubt, the US and the EU are in no hurry to pour their resources into Lebanon because of Hezbollah and Iran is increasing its influence in Syria, the money, weapons and geopolitical weight of Moscow may appeal to the Lebanese man in the street .

Saudi Arabia is a major purchaser of US weapons, and in October last year the world was shaken by the news that the Saudis could buy $3.5 billion worth of Russian weapons. So far, everything has remained within the framework of intentions, and the very fact of such negotiations and the possibility of Russian manufacturers entering the US-owned market is rather a slight blackmail of their American partners by the Saudis. Of course, the United States will not allow Saudi Arabia to become a client of Moscow.

Qatar also negotiated the purchase of the S-400 last year, but now, under pressure from the United States, the deal is a big question mark.

Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation for military-technical cooperation Vladimir Kozhin also spoke about how the United States is trying to disrupt Russia's deals in Asia. According to him, for example, the Americans put pressure on Indonesia: “We are grateful to the military-political leadership of Indonesia for their firm position, which they were not afraid to openly declare, including to their American partners ... When everything was ready, the American partners took the stage and put unprecedented pressure on the Indonesian side so that this contract (delivery of the Su-35) did not take place. Kozhin also mentioned US attempts to influence Vietnam: "Let's not recall the history of the relationship between Vietnam and the United States, and last year we observed what kind of activity was deployed by the United States in order to pull Vietnam towards itself and turn it away from us."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was even more direct: “Sanctions against our defense industrial complex- this is clearly unfair and unscrupulous competition, because in parallel with these sanctions, the United States is “rushing” around the world and, through its ambassadors, is demanding that the countries of Latin America, Asia, and Africa refuse to purchase military equipment and weapons from us, conditioned by the fact that the Americans compensate for the lack of appropriate equipment in a particular country. This is just a gross exclusion from the market, and through the methods of blackmail and ultimatums.”

So far, most Russian military analysts are convinced that the sanctions will have no effect on Russian arms sales to other countries. However, it is worth considering that so far the United States has not taken any real economic measures or military-political influence (unofficially, Washington warned Turkey that it would not sell F-35 aircraft to Turkey if the Turks buy Russian S-400s), and the United States also thought about how can influence India) on possible buyers of Russian weapons under its phasing in of the Countering America's Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), and that "containment of Russia" and attempts to "remove" it from geopolitical arena so far only at the very beginning. One should not underestimate the capabilities of the United States and its allies, which are slowly swaying, but sticking to their line.

New distant niches or mirages?

The possible prospects of Latin America for the supply of Russian weapons are often mentioned, especially in the light of US sanctions and US pressure on other countries cooperating with Russia. In theory, there is no such intense competition with political overtones in the Latin American market, and Russia could go beyond the usual customers in Asia. But so far this is more of a desired than a real direction of development.

According to a study by the British analytical center Chatham House, from 2000 to 2016, Latin American countries accounted for only 4.6% of Russian arms exports, and 80% of them were to Venezuela. Deliveries to Brazil and Peru were relatively noticeable in dollar terms, but only Nicaragua and Venezuela account for more than 60% of their arms imports from Russia. For all other countries in the region, this figure does not exceed 20% in best case. In Latin America, suppliers from Europe, the USA and Brazil dominate.

With Venezuela, the main buyer of Russian weapons in the region, Russia is also not doing well, since, for example, in 2015, 90% of the country's arms imports came from China. In addition to competition from China, the deplorable economic situation of Venezuela poses a threat to Russian supplies.

In 2017 Alexander Mikheev, general manager Rosoboronexport noted what approaches Russia uses to obtain contracts: “From 2001 to the present day, more than 10 billion US dollars worth of weapons and military equipment have been supplied to Latin American countries. In recent years, competition from American and European arms manufacturers has increased significantly in this region, but we are ready to fight for a customer. To do this, we use all modern marketing tools. We offer flexible financial schemes, including netting, offset, trade-in, individual approach to each partner. Customers have confidence in us and highly appreciate the quality after-sales service, extensive upgrade options, as well as the willingness to provide any technical and legal advice 24/7.”

Latin America is interested, according to a representative of Rosoboronexport, in Russian aviation and helicopter equipment, the use of which in Syria has increased the attention of potential customers to it. Clients are also interested in Russian armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, KamAZ, Ural, UAZ vehicles and Tigr armored vehicles. Rosoboronexport also promotes Integrated Security Systems to the Latin American market, which serve as a platform for integrated solutions in the field of cybersecurity, control of air and coastal zones, state borders, large administrative entities and facilities.

It is also worth noting that if we consider the African arms market, which Russia could also theoretically rely on (in addition to the already traditional client in the person of Algeria), then Moscow will have to take into account the fact that China is targeting this piece of the pie with its cheap weapons. France also remains a serious competitor in this area.

The main trump card of Russian weapons is the campaign in Syria, where Russia tested more than 200 types of new weapons. After the beginning of Russia's participation in the war in Syria, interest in Russian weapons has increased dramatically.

On the other hand, the United States is beginning to influence potential buyers, in Washington they are ready to make either competitive offers or dumping, and openly intimidate partners for ties with Russian companies. So far, this tactic does not work in Indonesia, Turkey, Vietnam, Egypt, but the activity and aspiration of the United States to disrupt deals with Russia cannot be discounted.

These two factors have a neutralizing effect on the market balance and growth prospects for Russian arms exports.

The lack of reliable information on the operation of Russian air defense systems is also an uncertain factor. When the US attacked the Syrian air force base with cruise missiles a year ago, Russian air defense systems were not officially activated. Israel regularly and effectively launches air strikes on Syria without incurring tangible losses. The air defense market is a tasty piece of the pie and all potential buyers pay special attention to it.

But here it should be noted that the same American-made Patriot systems have ambiguously proven themselves in Saudi Arabia when they do not work properly when intercepting missiles launched by the Yemeni Houthis, or are not at all able to “cover” protected objects.

Last year, Chatham House made the following findings regarding the prospects for Russian arms exports in general:

• Russia is seeking to strengthen its position as an arms exporter in new markets.
• Russia, the world's second-largest arms exporter with a wide product line and a diverse portfolio of orders, will continue to occupy an important market niche in the near future and remain a reliable supplier of weapons to countries that do not have the best relations with the United States.
• 70% of Russian arms exports go to Asian countries, where the main buyers are India, China and Vietnam. The Middle East and North Africa market is important, but there is a lot of competition. The markets of Latin America and Africa are of moderate importance for Russia.
• Domestic purchases support Russia's military-industrial complex, but the peak of 2011 has passed, and now the industry is unlikely to receive so much attention, which may also affect the ability to export.
• It is also not yet clear what role Western sanctions against Russia have played, whether Russia has been able to carry out a real import substitution of Western military technologies and high-tech products, or whether Russia will begin to lose its technological level and, accordingly, export orders due to sanctions.
• There are a number of more general internal factors that may affect exports: the aging material and production base of the Russian military-industrial complex, the aging layer of highly qualified specialists capable of advanced R&D (research and development work), and weak ties between higher educational institutions and military-industrial companies in Russia.

An analysis of the prospects for Russian arms exports by foreigners is interesting, but be that as it may, Russia will strive to actively develop this area. Based on the results of the operation in Syria, the emphasis will be placed on air defense systems, aviation and high-tech equipment of the army and navy.

The Asia-Pacific market will continue to be a priority for Russia, given the arms race fueled by the fears of China's neighbors that the Celestial Empire will dictate its terms to them. Also, Donald Trump's foreign policy in the Middle East is forcing some countries in the region to diversify their arms suppliers, not relying only on the United States.

Most likely, the localization of the production of Russian equipment in other countries (India, Egypt) will develop.

Sanctions against the military-industrial complex by the United States and Western countries and pressure on potential buyers of Russian weapons, the growth of exports of Chinese products (ground equipment, drones) will be the main limiting factors for the development of Russian arms exports.

Ilya Plekhanov

On September 28, it became known that the commander-in-chief of the Libyan army, General Khalifa Haftar, turned to Moscow with a request for supplies to Libya. Deliveries have been banned since 2011, and many world powers are active on this, but the Libyan army chose Russia. Like many other armies.

Demand for Russian weapons with the start of the operation of the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation in Syria has grown. In the harsh Middle East conditions, the products of the domestic defense industry (including software for cruise missiles and GLONASS) have confirmed high reliability and efficiency.

Russian planes launch airstrikes against ISIS in SyriaAttacks are made on military equipment, communication centers, transport, warehouses of weapons, ammunition and fuel and lubricants belonging to terrorists from the Islamic State.

In 2015, Russia exported arms worth $14.5 billion. The portfolio of orders reached a record amount since 1992 - $ 56 billion. The predominant share of deliveries is high-tech aviation products and air defense systems. Rosoboronexport's portfolio includes aircraft orders worth $18 billion and air defense systems worth $9 billion.

In addition to recognizing outstanding tactical and technical characteristics and application capabilities, global demand and 27% of the arms market testify to the steady scientific and technological progress in Russia and the collapse of the policy of isolation and economic pressure of the West.

If the beginning or outcome of armed conflicts on the planet ceases to depend on US military power, the Americans will finally lose control over geopolitics.

However, the authoritative American politician Henry Kissinger once said: "Diplomacy is the art of harnessing power." Thus, both the S-300 air defense system and the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system, which will soon receive, can only be considered tools of diplomacy.

First of all, helicopters

Virtual battles of the most advanced developments in aviation technology and weapons are taking place at international arms exhibitions. The winners receive not only money, they determine the level of military-technical cooperation and the technological level of future military conflicts.

For example, the legislators of the helicopter style live in the Russian Federation - this is confirmed by the International Exhibition and hundreds of joint Russian-Indian projects in the field of helicopter construction.

In September 2015, the Indian Defense Procurement Board approved the purchase of 48 Mi-17V5 helicopters for the amount of . Earlier in May, the purchase of 197 Kamov helicopters was approved in the same way. Note that India is already operating more than 400 Russian rotorcraft.

And in the future, according to an agreement with Russia, helicopters of the Mi-17 and Ka-226T types (up to 400 per year) will be produced on Indian territory. By the way, the Russian Ka-226 competed in the Indian tender with the European AS550 Fennec, but the tender was canceled - the high performance of the Ka-226 in mountain and marine modifications completely satisfied the customer.

"Dry" suppresses

In recent years, Russia has been supplying India with weapons and military equipment worth about $5 billion. In February 2015, the Aero India-2015 exhibition strengthened the tradition.

Aero India-2015: Russia has shown that it is open and high-techDespite the aggravation of the international situation, Russia remains a leader in the field of high-tech defense developments, a welcome guest and participant in arms exhibitions around the world, Alexander Khrolenko notes.

Today, the Su-30MKI fighters, which have repeatedly demonstrated superiority over most modern fighters, form the basis of the combat strength of the Indian Air Force.

In October 2015, India again gave preference to Russian fighters, which pressed the French. Prospects for military-technical cooperation with India are visible for years to come.

Our other neighbors are also catching up. China will be the first country after Russia to receive 24 Su-35S aircraft. Fighters of this type have an increased fuel capacity, a range of more than 1,500 km, and will effectively complement the capabilities of the Navy.

Potential buyers of the Su-35S include Indonesia, Algeria, Vietnam, and Venezuela. According to experts, the Russian aviation industry can annually export up to a hundred Su-35S fighters to the world market. Vietnam plans to expand its fighter aircraft fleet by purchasing fighters.

Steady demand for international market The civilian products of CJSC Sukhoi Civil Aircraft are also used - only within the framework of the salon, foreign companies ordered Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft worth over $1 billion. The priority is the joint production of defense products on the territory of the partner countries.

New items for the ground forces

At the end of September, Russia presented over 300 samples of military equipment at the ADEX 2016 exhibition in Azerbaijan. Among them are the Tigr armored vehicle, the Tor-M2KM anti-aircraft missile system, the T-90S tank, the Metis-M1 anti-tank systems, the Krasnopol-M2 artillery system, the Gran mortar system, missiles for the Pantsir air defense missile system. -S1", AGS-30 grenade launcher, as well as small arms and flamethrower weapons. And near the stands - crowded.

Earlier, at the international defense exhibition IDEX-2015 in Abu Dhabi, the Russian Federation for the first time showed a modernized tank and an uninhabited combat module with a rapid-fire 57 mm cannon.

The era of robotization of weapons, combat drones in all spatial environments begins. Russia has already done a lot in this direction. The weight of the Russian defense industry was also appreciated at the arms exhibition DSA-2016.

Competitive advantages of Russian manufacturers - independent foreign policy of the Russian Federation, effective combat use in local conflicts, successful long-term operation of weapons in all climatic zones of Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Perfection wins

There is a high interest in Russian weapons innovations for Navy. In July 2015, this was confirmed by the Naval Salon, with the participation of 46 countries and 10 commanders-in-chief of the Navy.

Today, only the Russian Navy has. Not every country can boast of the Kalibr-NK shipborne missile system, which has proven itself well. Export potential of these and other samples.

Over the past 15 years, the Russian Federation has delivered warships worth more than $21 billion abroad (a third of this amount is accounted for by submarines). This is not the limit. Future plans are related to expanding the boundaries of military-technical cooperation and prompt response to market conditions and geography.

By the way, about geography. Over the past 12 years, Russia has sold military equipment and weapons worth $14 billion to Latin American countries. The most active partners in the field of military-technical cooperation are Cuba, Nicaragua, Peru, Venezuela, Argentina, Ecuador, Uruguay, Mexico, Colombia, which account for about 15 percent of Russian arms exports. The capacity of the Latin American arms market for the next ten years may reach $50 billion. A very promising continent.

In today's world, only militarily strong states have real sovereignty. Russia offers ready-made high-tech products, an honest technology transfer and samples of combat use.

The military-political leadership of Great Britain is considering foreign arms trade and military equipment as an important means of strengthening the positions of monopoly capital in the struggle against world socialism, the international workers' and national liberation movement. That is why Great Britain continues to actively supply arms to its allies in aggressive blocs and countries with anti-people, reactionary regimes, continuously strengthening their military potential.

In addition to solving problems of a military-political nature, the British government, by exporting military products abroad, is trying to improve some economic indicators countries (in particular, income from arms supplies is used to cover the deficit in the balance of payments).

The British monopolies engaged in the production of military equipment are interested in the export of military equipment. modern species and weapons systems, since it is for them big business bringing in huge profits.

According to the foreign press, in recent years there has been a particularly rapid increase in the volume of arms supplies to the foreign market in Great Britain. So, during 1964 - 1973, this volume increased almost 4 times (from 121 million pounds in 1964 to 400 million pounds in 1973) and for the entire indicated period amounted to a huge amount - 2,140 million pounds. . At present, as the foreign press notes, more than 1/3 of the products manufactured by the military industry are exported. In terms of the total export of weapons and military equipment to other countries, Great Britain is second only to the United States and in some years to France, significantly ahead of the rest of the capitalist states.

The rapid growth of exports of British military products is not only a reflection of the course of modern imperialism towards the militarization of foreign economic relations. To a large extent, it is also due to the changes that have occurred in the foreign policy and economic situation of the country after the end of the Second World War. In particular, an important role was played by the fact that British imperialism, despite all its efforts, failed to stop the national liberation movement of the peoples it enslaved. By the end of the 1960s, the British colonial system had virtually ceased to exist. Therefore, the ruling circles saw in the foreign trade in military equipment an effective tool for implementing the policy of neo-colonialism, aimed at maintaining the influence of the former metropolis on the main aspects of life in the newly free countries.

Moreover, in a deteriorating economic situation Great Britain has narrowed its ability to load the exorbitantly bloated production capacities of the military industry, far exceeding the needs of the country's armed forces. Faced with the threat of losing some of their superprofits, the military-industrial monopolies seek to expedite the export of their products abroad as much as possible.

All this explains the feverish activity that Great Britain is showing in the struggle to expand its positions in the world arms market.

Although the export of British arms has acquired a truly global character, nevertheless, the bulk of it is directed to the most important regions of the world for British imperialism. Thus, in recent years, considerable interest has been shown in the states in the Persian Gulf region, where significant British investments are concentrated. oil companies and British political and military influence still remains.

The first major buyer of British military equipment in the area was Saudi Arabia, which at the end of 1965 ordered a batch of weapons worth 275 million pounds. According to the order, Saudi Arabia received 40 interceptor fighters, 25 Jet Provost combat training aircraft, Firestreak missile defense systems and a large amount of radar equipment to create an air defense system. The first deal was followed by others, as a result of which the country received English Thunderbird missiles, Red Top missiles, tactical fighters, Strapkmaster combat training aircraft, hovercraft, helicopters and light reconnaissance tanks and combat reconnaissance vehicles. In May 1973, a contract was signed to modernize the air defense system of Saudi Arabia (approximate cost of 250 million pounds).

In terms of purchases of English weapons, Iran competes with Saudi Arabia, which acquired 800 tanks, 250 Scorpion tanks, Fox combat reconnaissance vehicles, a large number of missiles, and PC vocational schools, 4 patrol ships with a displacement of 1200 each during 1968-1974. m. each, equipped with missiles, and 14 hovercraft.

Recently, the Sultanate of Oman has become a major buyer of weapons and military equipment, the ruler of which, with the direct support of British troops, is intensifying military operations to suppress the national liberation movement in the country. From 1970 until mid-1974, Oman received 12 Hunter fighters, 16 Skyvans and 8 Defenders, as well as a large number of ground weapons, including 40 armored vehicles. According to the British press, on September 4, 1974, an agreement was signed on the purchase by Oman of a ZURO system worth £47 million and 12 Jaguar supersonic tactical fighters worth £36 million.

Great Britain supplies weapons to other countries of the Near and Middle East. For example, over the past few years, Jordan has received 120 tanks, 90 Saladin and armored vehicles, 80 armored personnel carriers and over 30 Hunter fighters.

The most important client of the British military-industrial monopolies in the Middle East is still Israel, the worst enemy of the national liberation movement of the Arab peoples. According to the foreign press, in the summer of 1974, 400 Centurion tanks were sold to the Israeli military in the amount of more than 30 million pounds to compensate for the losses suffered by Israel in the October 1973 war. At present, three diesel submarines equipped with Slam missiles are being completed at the British shipyards for the Israeli Navy.

The second most important after the Near and Middle East, the sales market for British weapons, as noted foreign specialists, is Western Europe. Here, the largest buyer is West Germany, which in 1955-1973 purchased weapons from the UK for 350 million pounds sterling (Sea Cat missiles, Sea King helicopters, 105-mm cannons for tanks, Green Acher ground reconnaissance radar and other military equipment). In recent years, deliveries of weapons to Belgium have significantly expanded (Scorpion tanks, self-propelled launchers for Swingfire ATGMs, Sea King helicopters). So, in 1971, an order was received from Belgium for the supply of Swingfire ATGMs in the amount of 6 million pounds, which was the first order for the export of ATGM data.

In connection with the entry into the "common market" Great Britain counts on a further increase in the share of participation in trade in the Western European arms market.

The traditional buyers of British weapons, especially aircraft and rocket technology, are the neutral states of Europe. In particular, Switzerland is also armed with English missiles, Finland is armed with Net fighters and Vigilent ATGMs. In 1972 - 1974, Switzerland purchased 60 Hunter fighters for a total of £30 million. Sweden has acquired 78 Bulldog combat training aircraft.

Using the growth of anti-American sentiment in Latin America, in recent years, Great Britain has significantly pressed the United States in the arms markets of the countries of this continent (in 1968-1972, it supplied arms worth $548.2 million, and the United States - $334.1 million). ). In 1970, she managed to conclude with Brazil the largest contract for the supply of naval equipment in the entire post-war period (6 URO destroyers for 100 million pounds). Currently, the Brazilian Navy is building 3 diesel-powered submarines of the . In addition, in October 1974, Brazil ordered 12 Lynx anti-submarine helicopters for £10 million.

Large orders for the construction of warships also came from Argentina (2 destroyers of the Sheffield type URO, armed with the system), Chile (two patrol ships of the type and two diesel submarines), Mexico (21 patrol boats) and Venezuela (6 patrol boats). boats).

They acquire Latin American countries and British aviation equipment. In particular, Brazil purchased H.S.748 military transport aircraft, Chile - Hunter fighters, Peru - bombers, Ecuador - Strikemaster combat training aircraft and Jaguar tactical fighters.

A significant amount of military products is supplied to other parts of the world, especially to the developing countries of Asia and Africa. For example, only in 1973 - 1974 was purchased by Pakistan: two Whitby-type patrol ships; India helicopters "Sea King" and missiles "Tiger Cat"; Thailand patrol ship; Singapore aircraft "Hunter" and "Skyvan"; Ghana Islander, Bulldog and Sky Van aircraft; Nigeria, Bulldog aircraft, Scorpion light tanks, Fox combat reconnaissance vehicles; Senegal patrol boats.

About 50 per cent. of all British arms exports are aviation equipment. In the following years, the UK exports tactical fighters, Hunter and Jaguar, Lightning fighter-interceptors, military transport aircraft HS748, Islander and Skyvan, combat training aircraft Strikemaster and Bulldog , Sea King, Wasp and Whirlwind helicopters. As the foreign press notes, military transport and combat training aircraft are in the greatest demand. By the end of 1974, 619 Islanders, about 300 H.S.748s, 260 Bulldogs, over 100 Skyvans, and 134 Strikemasters had been sold.

The export of combat aircraft is difficult due to intense competition from the American and French aviation industry. Therefore, for example, the Buccaneer attack aircraft was purchased only by a full-time country (South Africa), the Lightning fighter-interceptor - two (Kuwait and Saudi Arabia), the Jaguar tactical fighter - two (Ecuador and Oman). Somewhat more interest is shown in the VTOL or short takeoff and landing fighter "Harrier", which is so far the only serially produced aircraft of this type in the capitalist world. The Harrier has already been purchased by the United States (110 aircraft) and Spain (8 aircraft).

British rocket weapons are in active demand on the arms market. Thus, the Sea Cat ZURO ship system is in service with the navies of 15 countries, Tiger Cat ZURO was purchased by 5 countries, Vigilent ATGM - 4 countries.

Recently, the UK air missile industry has been offering for export some new missile systems (Rapier, Swingfire, and ). Contracts have already been signed for the supply of the Rapier ZURO system to Iran, Oman and Zambia for a total of 176 million pounds sterling. The largest order for this system was made by Iran - 100 million pounds sterling. The first batches of Blowpipe missiles (Canada), Swingfire ATGMs (Belgium and Iran) and (Argentina) were purchased.

The most important item of British export is the supply of ships, naval armaments and equipment, in terms of sales of which the country ranks first in the world in terms of value. From 1964 to 1973, foreign governments placed orders with the UK for 115 warships, including 9 diesel-powered submarines. URO destroyers, submarines, patrol ships, hovercraft and ships of other classes are also exported.

The export of ground weapons is dominated by the supply of armored vehicles. Tank "Centurion" is in service with the ground forces of more than ten states, including Australia, South Africa. Switzerland, Israel, Canada, Jordan, Kuwait. In total, from the beginning of serial production of the Centurion tank to the present, more than 3,500 tanks of this type have been sold for more than 200 million pounds. In addition, a light tank was created on the basis of the Centurion tank specifically for deliveries to developing countries (already purchased by Kuwait and India).

On the world arms market, Saladin and Ferret armored vehicles and Saracen armored personnel carriers, created back in the 1950s, also find significant demand. In the 70s, the production of new armored vehicles was launched (Scorpion light reconnaissance tank, Simiter and Fox combat reconnaissance vehicles, Stryker self-propelled launcher, armored personnel carrier) both on tracked and wheeled bases. Scorpion tanks and Fox combat reconnaissance vehicles have already been purchased by some countries. After the purchase by Iran of a large batch of Chieftain tanks, British military industrialists are placing great hopes on an increase in exports of this tank, which for a long time was not successful on the world market for armored vehicles.

Great Britain also exports other types of military equipment and equipment on a large scale. The government is taking effective measures to maximize the range of exported military products. The entire state apparatus is involved in increasing the arms trade. Members of the government and the Prime Minister himself are more and more often directly involved in the conclusion of the most responsible agreements on the supply of weapons.

The efforts of the military monopolies to expand markets for their products abroad in the interests of maximizing profits are promoted by the government as the highest degree"patriotic" activity. In 1965, a special royal award was established in the UK, annually awarded on April 21 (the Queen's birthday) to industrial firms for successfully penetrating markets or for a sharp increase in the share of exports in total output. In 1974, the department for the production of military aircraft of British Aircraft, the largest air and missile concern in Great Britain, was named the first in the list of awardees.

Thus, a constant increase in volume foreign trade weapons indicates that the policy of the ruling circles of Great Britain is still aimed at further intensifying the arms race. Such a course runs counter to the emerging shifts in detente on the European continent.

TRENDS

In 2015, the share of arms exports in total Russian exports reached a historic high. In absolute terms, the dynamics are not so favorable, but the volume of contracts already signed suggests that Russia will remain among the leaders in the global arms market for a long time to come.

The tank on the Armata platform was developed taking into account the export potential of Russian armored vehicles (Photo: Ilya Pitalev / RIA Novosti)

It follows from the statements of Russian officials that in 2015 Russia sold weapons and military equipment worth over $15 billion. Thus, the share of external sales of military products reached a record high of 4.4% of total exports. The Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (ACT Center) gives a similar estimate - 4.22%. Five years earlier, in 2011, the share of military exports barely exceeded 2.5%. However, this achievement was ensured not so much due to the growth of the segment, which, compared to 2011, added no more than 10%, but due to the fall in civilian exports, which decreased by a third during this time, and for the most part just last year, due to for falling oil prices. Therefore, to understand the real state of affairs with the export of Russian weapons, its absolute volumes and the country's share in the world market are much more important. However, it is not easy to evaluate these indicators objectively.

Statistical deviations

For quite understandable reasons world trade weapons is not the most transparent area of ​​the economy, complete and reliable data on it in the public field is a rarity. Experts conduct an assessment based on direct (statements by the authorities, company reports, data on contracts) and indirect (assumptions about the volume of illegal supplies) data. The share of illegal shipments increases when the number of armed conflicts increases, and now is such a time.

It is not surprising that published data differ, and sometimes significantly. For example, according to the estimates of the US Congress published by The New York Times, US revenues from arms sales in 2014 amounted to $36.2 billion, and Russia - $10.2 billion. from the United States and $13.092 billion from Russia. OJSC Rosoboronexport, which controls more than 85% of Russian military exports, indicated in its annual report for 2014 the volume of external deliveries of military products (MP) in the amount of $13.189 billion. And according to the ACT Center, in 2014 Russia supplied abroad with weapons and military equipment for $15 billion, including $13 billion through Rosoboronexport.

The report for 2015 has not yet been published by Rosoboronexport; The AST Center estimated Russian arms exports for the past year at $14.5 billion (a decrease of 4% year-on-year), TsAMTO at $13.944 billion (an increase of 6.5%), and taking into account the "unaccounted volume" - more than $15 billion, that is, approximately the same amount that appeared in the statements of officials.

When analyzing the arms market, assessment methods differ quite a lot. TSAMTO estimates the value of exports at current prices for the current year and averages data over a four-year period. The ACT Center calculates at current prices and, for comparison, at five-year-old prices.

The Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is not at all interested in current prices, which, according to this organization, distort the real picture. His calculations are carried out in 1990 prices, and not only real sales, but also licenses for the production and even gratuitous transfer of weapons. For example, in Russian exports in 2014, estimates were included in the line of “military trade agencies of Novorossiya”.

As a result of all this disagreement, there is a strong discrepancy in the assessment of the shares and ranking of exporting countries. The only thing that all experts agree on is the definition of leaders: the United States is in first place, Russia is in second, the rest follow by a wide margin. But the shares of leaders are distributed differently. According to TsAMTO (in current prices), in 2015 the United States controlled 44.77% of the global export of military products, and over the last four years - 41% of the world market. Russia accounted for 15% of global supplies, and in general for the last four years - 18.3% of the world market. According to SIPRI (in 1990 prices), the US accounted for 36.62% of the arms market in 2015 and 32.83% over the past five years, while Russia accounted for 19.15% and 25.36%, respectively.

Airplanes first.

In the structure of Russian arms and military equipment exports, the dominant share is occupied by military aviation - more than 56% in 2015 and almost 44% over the five-year period (according to SIPRI). The report of the Russian Federation, submitted to the UN Register of Conventional Arms, lists the deliveries of 28 aircraft - these are, apparently, 14 Yak-130 units sold in Bangladesh, six MiG-29s for India and four Su-30s delivered to Kazakhstan and Vietnam, and also 62 combat helicopters, most of which fell on India (24 units) and Peru (16 units), presumably these are Mi-17s of various modifications.

In second place in sales over the five-year period are naval equipment (14%), followed by missiles (13%), as well as armored vehicles and air defense systems (10% each). At the same time, against the background of an increase in the share of aviation equipment, other types of weapons are losing their positions.

According to SIPRI estimates, in 2011-2015, Russia accounted for one in four exported military aircraft in the world and one in two air defense systems. As well as every fifth armored vehicle, every fourth warship, every fourth missile and every fourth engine. In fact, this is not so - SIPRI estimates are not quite quantitative and not quite monetary, since they consider the equipment exported in some general conditional prices of 1990. So, according to SIPRI data, it is difficult to judge the real volumes of deliveries, but the existing database allows us to see the dynamics. And she says that, despite the price advantage, Russia in the past two years has been reducing not only the total volume of arms exports, but also its market share both in general and in its main types.

In almost all major types of military equipment that have weight in the structure of exports, Russia's share in 2015 was below the five-year average. For comparison: the shares of the United States in all major types, with the exception of the naval, showed a positive trend.

Foundation for the future

The exporting countries have so far managed to retain permanent consumers of military products and not overlap too much, since in order to change the supplier, it is sometimes necessary to carry out a complete rearmament of military units, and this is quite expensive.

The majority of Russian arms exports over the five years were to Asian countries (68%), followed by Africa (11%), the Middle East (8.2%), Europe (mainly the countries of the former USSR - 6.4%). During the five-year period 2011-2015, 39% of exports went to India, China and Vietnam (11% each), while Algeria received 7.28% of Russian military supplies. In 2015, the ratio shifted towards China and Vietnam: their shares increased to 15%, while supplies to India decreased to 35%. The share of Algeria also decreased to 5%, but the shares of Iraq and Kazakhstan increased to 7.5%. All this without taking into account Syria, data on which are not available in all sources. In smaller markets, shipments to Pakistan, Belarus and Bangladesh have increased recently, with Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Peru, Rwanda, Thailand and Zambia among buyers. At the same time, deliveries to the UAE, Sudan, Uganda and Malaysia were stopped.

Despite the emerging decline in volumes, Russian defense exports have prospects for maintaining and even expanding their market share. First, in 2015 there was a significant increase in the number of new contracts signed. The most important of them is the contract for the supply of 48 Mi-17V-5 helicopters to India for $1.1 billion, half of which can be shipped this year. Also last year, they agreed to sell 46 Ka-52 helicopters (the amount is unknown) to Egypt and 24 Su-35 fighters for $2.5 billion to China within three years (according to the AST Center). In addition, deliveries under previously concluded contracts will continue. In particular, these will be Mi-28NE helicopters for Algeria, frigates and diesel-electric submarines for Vietnam.

Support for domestic manufacturers of weapons and military equipment should also be provided by the program for the rearmament of the Russian army; With the funds allocated for it, manufacturers will be able to maintain the competitiveness of their products on the foreign market as well. Therefore, given the significant gap between the market leaders and the group of countries fighting for third place, at least the loss of second place in the arms market does not threaten Russia yet.

10. Netherlands
The Netherlands closes the top ten with a market share of 2%.

The main buyers of weapons from the Netherlands are countries such as Egypt, India, Pakistan.

It is worth noting that in recent years the Netherlands has been losing its position in the arms market. If in 2008 the country was in the top 5 largest arms exporters in the world, now it has dropped to 10th place.
9. Ukraine
Market share: 2.6%

The main recipients of Ukrainian weapons are countries such as Nigeria, Thailand, Croatia, China and Algeria.

Among the weapons - battle tanks T-72, armored personnel carriers BTR-4EN, BTR-3E1 and others.

As a result, Ukraine became the ninth largest supplier weapons in the world.

8. Italy
Market share: 2.7%

Italy is one of the world and European leaders in arms exports.
7. Spain
Market share: 3.5%

The main recipients of Spanish weapons were also the countries of the Middle East - Oman, Bahrain, the UAE, as well as Australia.
6. UK
Market share: 4.5%

Great Britain took sixth place in the ranking, becoming one of the largest arms exporters to Europe. The main direction of British arms exports has become the Middle East - a region in which military operations are constantly taking place and, accordingly, there is a constant need for arms supplies.
5. Germany
Market share: 4.7%

Germany dropped to fifth place with a market share of 4.7%.

For the period from 2011 to 2015. German arms exports halved.

In Europe as a whole, imports decreased by 41% between 2006 and 2010 and between 2011 and 2015.
4. France
Market share: 5.6%

France, having shifted to fourth place, reduced the supply of weapons by 9.8%.

During 2015, France signed several major arms contracts, including the first two contracts for the supply of the Rafale military aircraft.
3. China
Market share: 5.9%

Chinese arms exports grew by 88% and ranked third in the market.

"China continues to build up its military capabilities both through imports of weapons and through domestic production," said Simon Wezeman, senior fellow at the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Program.

At the same time, China also entered the top 5 leaders among arms importing countries. In this ranking, the country ranks third, behind only India and Saudi Arabia.
2. Russia
Market share: 25%

Russia ranked second among arms exporting countries.

Compared to 2006-2010 deliveries of Russian military equipment increased by 28%.

However, SIPRI points out, in 2014 and 2015. exports were significantly lower than in 2011-2013 and were at the levels of the previous five-year period.

In 2011-2015 Moscow has supplied weapons to 50 countries, as well as insurgents in Ukraine, according to the Stockholm Institute for Peace Research.

India became the largest buyer of Russian weapons with 39% of the volume of weapons sold by Russia, China and Vietnam share the second and third places - 11% each, Vedomosti notes.
1. USA
Market share: 33%

The United States, with a 33% share of the arms market, remains the main arms exporter in 2011-2015, having increased its share during this period by 27%.

"As tensions mount and regional conflicts escalate, the US maintains its leading position as an arms exporter, well ahead of competitors," said Aude Fleurant, director of the Military Expenditure Program at SIPRI (Arms and Military Expenditure Program).

"Over the past five years, the US has sold or transferred weapons to at least 96 nations, and the US military industry has numerous export orders, including the delivery of 611 F-35 military aircraft to nine nations," he said.