6 Russian weapons used in Ukraine are of interest to many countries

Speaking at the Aero India 2023 exhibition, Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev said that many countries have expressed interest in a number of Russian weapons systems that have proven effective on the battlefield in Ukraine.

These weapons systems include Ka-52E and Mi-171Sh helicopters, Su-57E and Su-35 fighters, Iskander-E tactical complexes and T-90M tanks.

Iskander-M system. Photo: Eurasian Times

“Foreign partners pay close attention to information about the actual use of weapons and military equipment in combat. They are studying official documents published by the Russian Ministry of Defense and Russian media. The partners' interest in modern Russian products is growing, in particular the Ka-52E and Mi-171Sh helicopters, Su-57E and Su-35 fighters, Iskander-E tactical ballistic missile systems, and T-90M Proryv tanks,” Mr. Mikheyev said.

The announcement comes as Russia's defense industry has been hit hard by Western sanctions, but some reports indicate the industry is trying to ramp up production despite the restrictions.

Mr. Mikheyev also emphasized that although the Russian Army's demand for weapons is increasing, the defense industry is on track to complete export orders as originally planned.

“When the Russian Army is performing the most important tasks, the defense industry must first of all meet the needs of the Defense Ministry. On the other hand, our enterprises have successfully fulfilled existing contracts and have no problems in concluding new export contracts,” Mikheyev added.

6 Russian weapons tested in combat

One of the missiles that Russia has widely deployed in the military campaign in Ukraine with outstanding accuracy and terrible destructive power is Iskander-M. This is a unique mobile ballistic missile system with a range of up to 400km and the ability to carry nuclear warheads.

The Iskander-M is connected to a sensor and missile system that can quickly attack targets around the battlefield. The Iskander-M is capable of rapid maneuvering in the terminal phase. In addition, the system also has a jammer to block the enemy's active detection equipment. After proving its effectiveness in combat, the Iskander-M was transferred to Belarus at the end of December 2022.

The Iskander-E export variant is attracting interest from many countries. This variant has an operating range of 280km.

Russia has also widely deployed two types of helicopters, the Ka-52 Alligator and Mi-171Sh, in Ukraine.

“We are closely monitoring the use of combat equipment in the special military operation in Ukraine. Ka-52 and Mi-28N military helicopters and the export version of the Mi-8AMTSh, the Mi-171Sh, were used effectively,” Rosoboronexport Director General said in May 2022.

Ka-52 Alligator helicopter. Photo: Eurasian Times

The Alligator is an advanced ground attack helicopter deployed to destroy enemy tanks and ground formations with advanced weapons. While the Mi-171Sh is a military transport helicopter specifically designed to operate in combat missions. Both helicopters were displayed at China's Zhuhai Airshow in November 2022.

Another group of systems that Russia is looking to boost exports of are the Su-57 and Su-35 fighters. The Su-35, the workhorse of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), is a single-seat, twin-engine, super-maneuverable fighter that the VKS has used extensively in Ukraine. Russia is said to have sold 20 Su-35s to Iran.

Su-35 aircraft. Photo: Eurasian Times

While the Su-35 has been in combat since the early days of the conflict in Ukraine, the participation of the fifth-generation stealth fighter Su-57 was only confirmed in late 2022.

Stealth features allow the Su-57 to conduct combat patrols and launch long-range missiles without being detected. Russia is betting big on exporting this advanced fighter.

Next on the list is the T-90M, an upgraded version of the T-90 tank with advanced Relikt integrated explosive reactive armor (ERA) replacing the earlier Kontakt-5. The T-90M is also equipped with NBC (Nuclear, Biological & Chemical) protection and an automatic fire suppression system.

In addition to the six weapons mentioned above, Mr. Mikheyev said that foreign partners are also interested in tank support combat vehicles (BMPT), TOS-1A heavy flamethrower systems, guided artillery shells, Orlan-10E and Orion-E UAVs, as well as coastal missile systems.

The Club-S and Club-N missile systems, Pantsir-S1, Viking, Tor air defense systems, Igla-S and Verba mobile air defense systems, and many electronic warfare systems and UAVs are also increasingly attracting foreign customers./.