MOSCOW, August 12. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia’s state arms trader Rosoboronexport expects to sign a contract on the delivery of Pantsir-S1 short-range gun and missile air defense systems to Brazil by the end of the year, Rosoboronexport CEO Anatoly Isaikin said on Tuesday.

“We’ll try to sign a contract on Pantsir systems by the end of the year. We have agreed to expedite the preparations. Also, firing exercises for Pantsir systems will be held, which will be attended by a Brazilian delegation,” the Rosoboronexport head said.

Brazil also continues to display interest in a wide range of Russian helicopters, Isaikin said.

“Our work was expedited by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to the region as part of a BRICS summit in Brazil. These issues were also discussed as part of military and technical cooperation,” the Rosoboronexport head said.

“Interest in developing cooperation with us was confirmed at the level of the heads of state. That is why, we’ll be gradually transforming it into firm orders,” he said.

Rosoboronexport, which is part of the Russian state-owned hi-tech corporation Rostec, is Russia’s sole state company specializing in the export of the entire range of military and dual-purpose products, services and technologies.

Rosoboronexport accounts for over 80% of Russian armaments and combat hardware exports.