Russia showcases new anti-terror weaponry

Russia's state arms exporter showcased new weaponry and equipment intended to combat terrorism Wednesday, as officials called for stronger international cooperation to prevent global terrorism.

Some of the Russian-made weapons on display at an Interior Ministry research center were unique, such as an underwater assault rifle, Rosoboronexport deputy chief Anatoly Isaikin was quoted as saying by the AP.

The exhibition also featured a broad range of guns, bomb-defusal equipment and non-lethal weapons intended for hostage-release operations.

"Demand is growing by the year," Isaikin told The Associated Press.

Sergei Goncharov, a former KGB anti-terror expert, said he was impressed with the high-tech gear, and noted that the feared Soviet spy agency mostly used standard army weaponry modified for terrorism operations. But he said not even the best weaponry could replace good information and intelligence gathering.

"Even the best weapons are of secondary importance," he said. "The most important thing is the operative work."

Isaikin and other officials said that the terror attacks in London, Egypt and elsewhere showed the need for closer international cooperation.

"Russia has repeatedly come under attack by international terrorists and it has much to offer to its partners in terms of both technical equipment and tactics," said Isaikin, a former senior officer with an anti-terror unit.

Photo: Vesti.ru