Rostec Reports Nearly 100 Percent Fulfillment of State Defense Order (Ростех отчитался о почти 100-процентном выполнении гособоронзаказа)

July 30, 2024 | Lenta.ru

Russian state corporation Rostec reported a 99.5 percent execution rate of the state defense order, with all major companies within its structure participating in its fulfillment. Highly demanded military systems utilized in the war in Ukraine are reportedly delivered at a 100 percent rate.

Russia's Vast Stocks of Soviet-Era Weaponry are Running Out

July 16, 2024 | The Economist

The report discusses Russia's long-term ability to produce military equipment for its offensive in Ukraine. Russia can reportedly still produce missiles, but it struggles to replace its losses of tanks and armored vehicles, relying on outdated Soviet-era stockpiles. Intelligence estimates suggest Russia has lost thousands of tanks and armored vehicles, with many replacements being old models refurbished from storage. Sanctions and the loss of Soviet-era supply chains have hampered Russia's ability to build or refurbish military equipment, leading to significant production challenges. Analysts predict that if current attrition rates continue, Russia's tank and infantry vehicle refurbishment will reach a critical point of exhaustion by the second half of next year, potentially forcing a shift to a more defensive posture.

Ghana Air Force Struggling Due to International Sanctions on Moscow

July 29, 2024 | Africa Intelligence

According to the report, sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine have severely impacted the Ghana Air Force's ability to secure spare parts for its Russian-made Mi-17 transport helicopters. With only five Mi-17s operational after a crash in March, Ghana's Military High Command now reportedly faces significant challenges in maintaining these aircraft due to reliance on now-unavailable Russian suppliers. The report notes that the sanctions are not just affecting Ghana but also other countries in the region including Nigeria.

Russian Weapon's Companies Continues to Eye the African Market

July 29, 2024 | Business Insider Africa

According to the report, Africa's largest defense and aviation exhibition, Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024, will feature several Russian companies, including Rosoboronexport. The event, held every two years since its inception nearly 50 years ago, will take place at the Waterkloof Air Force Base near Pretoria, South Africa, from September 18 to 20, 2024. Russia and South Africa have maintained a military cooperation agreement since 1995, with Russia continuing to expand its influence in the African defense market. At AAD 2024, Rosoboronexport will showcase a range of military hardware, including tanks, rocket launchers, and armored vehicles.

Peru Cancels Plans to Buy Russian Yak-130 Aircraft

July 25, 2024 | Defense Here

According to the report, Peru has decided to cancel its planned purchase of Yak-130 combat training aircraft from Russia, opting instead to acquire more advanced fighter jets. This decision reportedly aims to enhance Peru's defense capabilities amid increasing regional tensions and evolving security threats. The Peruvian Air Force (FAP) will soon initiate an international public tender to acquire state-of-the-art fighter jets that excel in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The selection criteria will include compatibility with current systems, maintenance and operational costs, and potential for technological advancements. Alternatives being considered include Lockheed Martin's F-16 Fighting Falcon and Saab's JAS 39 Gripen.

Armenia Shifts to India as Primary Weapons Supplier Amid Russia Diversification

July 24, 2024 | Defense Here

The report claims that Armenia has become India's biggest defense customer with purchases expected to total $600 million in this financial year. Agreements include the acquisition of Pinaka multiple-launch rocket systems and Akash anti-aircraft systems, as reported by Indian Aerospace Defence News and TASS. This development follows the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, after which Armenia and India strengthened their military ties, including contracts for Indian-made howitzers, anti-tank rockets, and anti-drone equipment. Armenia is set to receive 90 ATAGS howitzers over the next three years, with six units already delivered. Amid tensions with Moscow and the conflict in Ukraine, Armenia is diversifying its arms suppliers, including finalizing agreements with French companies.

Russia Proposes Joint Production of S-500 Air Defense System to India Again

July 19, 2024 | Army Recognition

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia, Russia reportedly renewed its proposal for joint production of the S-500 air defense system. This comes as India seeks to enhance its defense capabilities, having already procured the S-400 system. The S-500 represents a significant advancement, capable of intercepting a wide range of aerial threats at extended ranges. India's decision on the proposal remains uncertain due to potential sanctions and geopolitical considerations.

Indian Su-30MKI Could Soon be Offered for Export by New Delhi and Moscow

July 12, 2024 | Meta-Defense

The report claims that India, the largest international operator of Russian-designed Su-30MKI fighters assembled locally by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has initiated discussions with Russia to export Su-30MKI jets assembled in India. This is reportedly due to Russia's focus on the Ukraine conflict and U.S. CAATSA legislation which have significantly limited Russia's exports of combat aircraft since 2018. HAL handles the assembly, maintenance, and upgrades of these aircraft, integrating various locally designed or imported systems. This initiative may not be well-received by the United States but it could bolster HAL's position in the global combat aircraft market, despite the challenges faced by its indigenous HAL Tejas program.

India Ditching Russian Military Tech Despite Putin-Modi Embrace

July 08, 2024 | Newsweek

The report claims that India has started scrapping Russian-made weapons, affecting one of Vladimir Putin's economic lifelines. India is the world's largest arms importer but it is reportedly shifting away from outdated Russian military equipment. In March 2023, India's Ministry of Defence allocated $100 billion for future military imports, with large orders for Russian military aircraft and equipment halted. This change is partly due to Russia's preoccupation with the Ukraine war, making it difficult to fulfill export orders. India is now reportedly looking to the U.S. for military supplies, including talks for joint production of Stryker armored vehicles to replace aging Russian models.

China Prepared to Supply Russia with Combat Drones (Китай приготовился поставлять России ударные беспилотники)

July 03, 2024 | The Moscow Times

The article discusses a Bloomberg report, according to which Chinese companies are developing a combat drone for Russia similar to the Iranian Shahed. Negotiations between Russian and Chinese companies began in 2023, leading to the current development and testing of the drone in China. The drone, possibly named Sunflower 200, has not yet been used in Ukraine. China is reportedly considering whether to send ready-made drones to Russia or supply components from which drones can be assembled.

Advisor Kharrazi: There Are No Obstacles Between Iran and Russia for Arms Deals (Советник Харрази: между Ираном и РФ нет препятствий для сделок по вооружениям)

July 02, 2024 | TsAMTO

The article discusses an interview with Kamal Kharrazi, advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader and head of the country's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, published in the Financial Times. Kharrazi stated that there are no obstacles between Iran and Russia regarding military-technical cooperation deals. He mentioned that Iran is negotiating the purchase of Russian fighter jets. Additionally, Kharrazi dismissed recent accusations of Iran supplying weapons to Russia as false.

How One Chinese Machine Tool Maker is Helping Russia's War Against Ukraine

July 26, 2024 | The Washington Post

China has reportedly been a "decisive enabler" of Russia's in its war in Ukraine by supplying dual-use equipment, such as sophisticated machine tools, which have been used to manufacture Russian weapons. The report identifies Shandong Oree Laser Technology Co., a midsize laser machine tool company, as one of those enablers. The company has reportedly benefited from increased demand from Russia and was recently sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury. Analysts suggest that Chinese exports of machine tools and high-tech components are critical to Russia's military capabilities, despite Beijing's official stance of not supplying weapons. Oree Laser's business with Russia has grown significantly since the invasion of Ukraine, with the company adapting to meet Russian clients' needs and participating in Russian trade fairs.

‘Dirty' Russian Yuan: China Refuses to Accept Payment in Currency Purchased in Russia ("Грязный" российский юань. Китай отказывается принимать оплату в валюте, купленной в России)

July 20, 2024 | The Moscow Times

Russian importers are facing a major issue as payments in yuan purchased in Russia are being rejected by Chinese banks and payment agents. The distinction between "clean" yuan (bought abroad) and "dirty" yuan (bought in Russia) has made the latter problematic. Following U.S. sanctions, fewer Chinese banks are accepting money from Russia, and direct yuan payments have nearly stopped. Importers are now facing higher costs and difficulties, as payment agents increasingly refuse to handle "dirty" yuan. Paying in rubles is also challenging due to poor exchange rates and the difficulty of finding suppliers willing to accept them.

No go for Moscow: Russia's Military-Industrial Complex Keeps Trying to Order Key Equipment From Taiwan But Vigilant Banks Stop Exports

July 15, 2024 | The Insider

The report claims that the Russian military sought to purchase industrial testing equipment from Taiwan's Giant Force Instrument Enterprise, which specializes in devices like vibration testers and salt spray chambers essential for aerospace and submarine industries. Despite sanctions, Taiwanese businesses continued transactions with Russian firms, with Test Partner LLC in Yekaterinburg being a notable client. However, tighter trade regulations and cautious banks in Taiwan stalled these transactions, prompting discussions of complex payment schemes involving intermediaries in Malaysia. Ultimately, these efforts failed due to banks' refusal to process payments linked to Russia, reflecting the significant role banks play in enforcing trade sanctions.