Putin: Unfair rivalry on global weapons market on the rise

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday the unfair rivalry on the global weapons market has increased recently.

"The rivalry on the global market of weapons and military equipment has noticeably sharpened of late, although this sphere was and remains rather competitive," Putin said at a session of the commission for military and technical cooperation with foreign countries.

"This was felt by our defense enterprises that have faced unfair rivalry of some Western companies and countries this year," the Russian leader said, adding that "working in conditions of the politically motivated sanctions is of course twice as difficult."

"Of course, this situation is not unique," he said.

Russian defense industry’s order book tops $50 bln

The Russian defense industry’s order book exceeds $50 billion, Putin went on to say. "Russia continues to build up interaction with foreign countries in the military and technical sphere. The order book of our companies confidently exceeds $50 billion," he noted.

Russia’s plan for the supply of armaments and military equipment in 2015 has been 70% fulfilled as of October 1, the Russian president said.

At the same time, Russia is implementing a program of import substitution in the defense industry, Putin added.

Russian manufacturers are becoming more independent from the delivery of imported components, he said.

"In a word, our exporters of military products are confirming their reputation of responsible partners," Putin concluded.

Putin calls for actively promoting Russia’s defense industry production on regional markets

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for promoting more actively Russia’s defense industry production on regional markets.

"Of course, we should not only maintain positions in relations with key partners, but also make more active efforts in promoting domestic production on regional markets, use flexible payment options, launch cross-industry projects and modern schemes of logistical support," Putin said at the session of Commission on military and technical cooperation between Russia and foreign countries.

Putin noted that "it is vitally important to secure further additions to the portfolio of orders in the military-technical sphere, broaden cooperation, first of all, in the sphere of joint production of military equipment and training foreign specialists in servicing and repairing the equipment." The Russian president added that opportunities provided by large international salons and exhibitions should be used to achieve this goal as cutting-edge military equipment can be demonstrated there.

"In 2015 such events held in Russia were attended by delegations from more than 60 countries from the Middle East, Africa, South America, Central, South and Southeast Asia," Putin said. "After talks with foreign purchasers, large contracts were signed on supplying aviation equipment and armored vehicles, as well as air defense systems. Contracts worth more than 350 billion rubles were signed at MAKS-2015 [International Aviation and Space Salon]," he added.

Putin said it is necessary to "analyze the experience of other countries exporters in military-technical sphere, and borrow the best in order to prevent the decrease of level and quality of our cooperation with countries from all regions of the world in the current circumstances."