Russia Fighting to Save Arms Sales to the Middle East

Ariel Cohen / May 02, 2011

Ambitious efforts to modernize Russia’s defense and industrial base undertaken during the Putin administration have been paying off—at least, in some cases. The Russian leadership uses arms sales for economic gain, but also as a tool of influence in the recipient countries.

The Russian military-industrial complex, one of the few national industries that maintain some competitive advantage in comparison with the West, is a source of the Kremlin’s cash and prestige. Leftover stockpiles from the Soviet military past were large enough to keep Russia active in arms sales in the post-Soviet years. To capture and maintain market share, Russia sells equipment at deep discounts or fosters joint weapons development.

The recent instability in the Middle East, however, is likely to have a negative impact on the country’s arms sales, because in the past decade this region has been one of the most significant recipients of weapons “Made in Russia.” (more…)