Russia's weapons sales topped USD 5 Billion in 2003

More than USD 5 billion worth of Russian military weapons and technology were exported in 2003, according to Konstantin Makienko, deputy director of the Center for the Analysis of Strategy and Technology, Rosbalt reported. Makienko said arms exports in 2003 exceeded the annual totals for all preceding years of the post-Soviet period. The figure for 2002 was USD 4.8 billion. Airplanes and related materiel led the way, accounting for 70% of total 2003 sales. Including the sale to India of two frigates, navy-related sales came to 12%-15% of the total. Equipment for land-based troops also made up 12%-15% of the total. The chief element in the latter group of sales was the transfer to India of parts for the licensed assembly of T-90C tanks.