- Latin American countries showed a growing interest in purchasing Russian-made weaponry during a recent arms show in Brazil, an official from Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said.
Latin America Aero and Defense (LAAD) is the largest and most important biennial event for the Armed Forces and defense industries of Latin American countries. This year it was held on April 14-18 in Rio de Janeiro.
"The countries of the region showed an increased interest in Russian aircraft and helicopters, armored vehicles, technical means for military training, and other military equipment including air defense systems," said Sergei Svechnikov, the head of Rosoboronexport delegation at LAAD-2009.
Russia was represented at the show by 10 defense industry companies, including the Sukhoi aircraft maker, which exhibited its Su-30MK and Su-35 fighters.
The Su-35 Flanker-E is participating in an ongoing tender for the delivery of over 100 fighters to the Brazilian Air Force. Russia will also start deliveries of 12 Mi-35 Hind attack helicopters to Brazil by the end of 2009.
"The results of working consultations and talks held in Rio de Janeiro confirm the trend for strengthening relations between Russia and Latin American countries, including in the sphere of military-technical cooperation," Svechnikov said.
Rosoboronexport sold about $8 billion worth of weaponry in 2008 and has a current portfolio of orders worth a total of $27 billion.
Russia exports weapons to about 80 countries. Although China and India remain key buyers of Russian-made weaponry, Moscow has been actively expanding its presence on arms markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
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