Russia’s state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, has reported a record-breaking order portfolio that has surpassed the impressive figure of US$60 billion.  

Speaking to reporters, Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov attributed the surge to deferred demand and noted that while Russia is prioritizing its own military needs, surplus production capacity is allowing for continued arms exports. 

“So far, we are primarily doing this for our army, and the fact that there is an opportunity, some excess capacity appears, due to this, we produce products for export,” he added. 

Chemezov’s statement follows an earlier report from Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev, who stated that by the end of 2024, the company’s order book had reached US$57 billion and was continuing to grow.  

Mikheev added that in 2025 alone, Rosoboronexport has signed contracts worth over US$4.5 billion with 15 allied nations. 

Mikheev highlighted key Russian defense systems attracting foreign interest, including the Lancet-E drone system, the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, and various modernized military platforms designed for modern combat scenarios. 

Officials have stated that the Middle East and North Africa account for approximately 50% of Rosoboronexport’s total order portfolio, underscoring the region’s strategic importance in Russian arms exports.

Additionally, Rosoboronexport has been expanding its defense partnerships through joint development and production projects. Currently, the company is engaged in over 20 such initiatives with 10 countries and expects major growth in the coming years. 

“Taking into account the desire of partners to develop their own defense industry, Rosoboronexport’s proposals for the implementation of projects in the field of technological cooperation for the joint development and production of modern military products are of particular interest. Today we are implementing more than 20 such projects with 10 countries and assess the prospect of significant growth in the coming years – several times,” Mikheev said. 

Expanded Production 

Russian officials also stressed that Russia’s military-industrial complex (MIC) has reached a level of production so advanced that it not only fully supports the needs of the Ministry of Defense but also allows the country to successfully secure and fulfill new export contracts for weapons and military equipment. 

Mikheev said, “When planning contract and supply work together with industrial enterprises, Rosoboronexport primarily takes into account the interests of the Russian Ministry of Defense, its needs for modern weapons and military equipment.” 

“However, the military-industrial complex, including Rostec enterprises, has now reached a production level at which we can confidently work with foreign partners on terms that ensure reasonable production and delivery times,” Mikheev said.

This capability allows Russia to provide reasonable timelines for production and delivery, making it a reliable partner in the defense sector.

At the same time, Russia’s growing capacity guarantees that it is on par with its leading competitors in the global arms market. 

Mikheev added that this is evident in the strategic partnerships Russia has been able to forge and sustain with countries across the world, particularly in regions such as the Middle East.

Nevertheless, Russian defense officials are presenting all of these claims at IDEX 2025 as part of an effort to promote the country’s defense industry, which has faced significant challenges due to the impact of Western sanctions. 

These sanctions have placed considerable pressure on Russia’s military sector and have even limited access to certain technologies and markets. However, despite these obstacles, Russian officials are highlighting the resilience and growth of the country’s military-industrial complex. 

At the IDEX-2025 international defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Russia is showcasing its most cutting-edge military technologies, which have been developed to meet the evolving needs of the defense industry. 

Moscow said that these products not only reflect the latest innovations in military design but also cater to the specific requirements of Russia’s international partners. It also claims that Russian arms are increasingly sought after in the Middle East, both as complete systems and as modernization kits for existing military equipment.

A prime example is the Berezhok combat module, which is being proposed for installation on infantry fighting vehicles that several nations have already acquired.

This demonstrates the versatility and adaptability of Russian defense technologies, which are in high demand for both new and existing military platforms.

https://www.amazon.com/Africircle-AfriPrime/dp/B0D2M3F2JT