Russia courting Arab weapons market

MOSCOW, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Russia Monday acknowledged its most promising market for weapons systems is in Arab countries.

Speaking at the annual Dubai air show, Sergei Chemezov, deputy director of Rosoboronexport, said: "The current sales volume (to all customers) amounts to $4.6 billion to $4.7 billion and is constantly growing."

The total will exceed $5 billion if Rosoboronexport delivers an already finished frigate to India by the end of the year.

According to Chemezov, Russia is the second largest arms exporter in the world after the United States.

"Technical and electronic characteristics of our products are not as advanced as American, but our machinery is easy to operate, more reliable and requires less maintenance," Chemezov said.

"The Emirates express a strong interest in Russian air defense systems," Chemezov said. "In particular, we are currently collaborating on the development of a S-400 missile system."