Published: 8/21/1998

Moscow is set to expand arms deliveries to Latin America, a representative of the Russian Air Force press service has said. Latin American countries are showing an interest in multiple rocket launchers of the Smerch type, BMP-3 armored personnel carriers, T-80U, T-80UK and T-90S tanks, anti-tank missile complexes, Buk-M1 and Tor-M1 air-defence missile systems, Su-27SK aircraft, submarines, and other equipment. Russian producers are ready not only to offer Latin American buyers the most advanced equipment, but also to organise their assembly in importing nations. Besides, Moscow can set up the necessary infrastructure, provide material and technical support, ensure maintenance services, organise personnel training centres, and supply spare parts. Russia's interest in Latin America is explained by the fact that the volume of the international arms market has reduced from $60-80bn in the late 1980s to $25-35bn now. Latin America accounts for $0.8-1.5bn, which is about 4 to 7%, and its market is marked by tough competition. Russia's share in the Latin American market is about $100-120m, which is approximately 10% of it, whereas the US controls 50% of the arms imports into the region. This situation cannot help develop Russia's military and industrial potential, and Moscow is trying to boost cooperation with Latin American nations. Brazil, Columbia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru are Russian partners in military co-operation. Moscow has interesting projects to implement with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. From 10-17 August the Gagarin Air Force Academy in Monino outside Moscow hosted an international conference on the possibilities of Latin American nations using Russian military aviation equipment. Deputy Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov, Economics Minister Yakov Urinson, officials from ministries and agencies concerned, and experts from more than 30 countries attended (DF898.4) (VZ)  

Article ID: 262