Russia Exported Weapons to 17 Countries in 2024: Rosoboronexport CEO

Russia's Rosoboronexport (ROE) has exported weapons to 17 countries so far in 2024, with its order book standing at $55 billion, said ROE General Director Alexander Mikheev.

The orders include military, dual-use, and civilian products for 45 countries, Mikheev stated at the International Helicopter Industry Exhibition HeliRussia 2024 in Moscow today.

He mentioned that military helicopters occupy approximately 10% of Rosoboronexport’s total order portfolio, which includes contracts for the supply of Mi-28NE and Ka-52E combat helicopters, Mi-35 transport and combat helicopters, Mi-17/Mi-171 military transport helicopters, and others.

“Today we see great interest from foreign partners in helicopters that have shown high performance results during a special military operation. First of all, these are the Ka-52E and Mi-171Sh, as well as other modern Russian helicopters,” Mikheev said.

In 2023, Rosoboronexport supplied helicopters to more than ten friendly countries, and new contract documents were signed. Today, Rosoboronexport’s order portfolio includes more than 170 helicopters, with deliveries planned to more than 20 countries.

He added that partners from the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region, and Africa are showing interest in purchasing the Mi-28NE helicopter.

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He said all helicopter models promoted today on the world market are capable of effectively destroying unmanned boats. "Today, along with helicopters, I would note the increasing role of UAVs in combating these targets, as well as means of detecting unmanned boats," he added.

Among ROE’s offerings to the foreign market are the reconnaissance and strike complex featuring long-flight UAVs, such as the "Orion-E" from Kronstadt, alongside tactical UAV systems like the "Orlan-10E" and "Orlan-30," developed by the Special Technology Center. Complementing these are the KUB-E loitering munition, crafted by the Kalashnikov concern under Rostec's umbrella.

Mikheev noted a sharp increase in attention to Russian weapons and military equipment that have gained experience in participating in combat operations, including the Su-35 fighter, the Ka-52E combat reconnaissance and attack helicopter, the T-90MS tank, the TOS-1A heavy flamethrower system, and armored vehicles of the "Tiger" and "Typhoon" families, the S-400 "Triumph" anti-aircraft missile system, the "Viking" anti-aircraft missile systems and the "Thor" family, the "Verba" and "Igla-S" MANPADS.