September 23, 2023 | Octagon
The Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan plans to diversify the procurement of weapons for the country's military. The Ministry noted disruptions of the supply chains for military systems due to the geopolitical situation and sanctions. Previously, up to 80 percent of weapons and military equipment Kazakhstan received from Russia. According to the Ministry, transfers of Russia-made components have been suspended since September 11, 2023. The country will look for new suppliers and focus on localization.
September 21, 2023 | Izvestiia
The head of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, Fuad Mohammed Hussein, stated on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly that Iraq is interested in Russia's assistance in repairing old weapons, but Western sanctions are hindering this collaboration. Although the countries currently do not cooperate militarily, the Iraqi military acquired many Russian weapons in the past. These systems periodically need maintenance, but the sanctions prevent Iraq from using Russian specialists.
Drones Do Not Reach Russia (Беспилотники не долетают до России)
September 18, 2023 | Kommersant
China's restrictions on drone exports have reportedly severely impacted their supply to Russia and caused a shortage of some components, such as thermal images. Russian drone producers expect their suppliers to obtain licenses for export to Russia, but this process might take up to a year and involve providing evidence that the drones would not be used for military purposes. Chinese drone suppliers are reportedly trying to establish parallel imports, which was further complicated by Kazakhstan tightening its import procedures.
Seller's Remorse: The Challenges Facing Russia's Arms Exports
September 18, 2023 | CSIS
The report analyzes the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent Western sanctions on Russia's arms exports. Russia's arms exports began declining in the early 2010s due to the imposition of Western sanctions and the efforts of Russia's key customers, China and India, to strengthen their domestic arms production. Following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent imposition of Western sanctions, Russia has faced challenges including with defense production capacity, fulfilling its arms delivery contracts, payments, and reputational challenges for its arms. The report adds that Russia will likely retain a niche in the lower-cost arms market but the revenue from this market will not be enough to insulate the decline in Russia's arms export industry. Lower-cost arms sales, especially to Africa, are however expected to yield diplomatic benefits to Russia.
September 17, 2023 | Military Review
India's Ministry of Defense has reportedly approved the purchase of an additional batch of Su-30MKI fighter jets from Russia. The Defense Ministry has allocated funds for the purchase of 12 fighters. They will come in their "most advanced version" and be equipped with various India-made weapons. The aircraft will consist of at least 60 percent locally-made components and be assembled at Indian Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, licensed to produce Russian fighters.
First Russian-Made Iranian Shahed Kamikaze UAVs Appeared in Ukraine
September 14, 2023 | BulgarianMilitary.Com
The report claims that despite denials by Iran and Russia that Iran will produce its Shahed-136 drone in Russia, the drones are now being manufactured in Tatarstan, Russia. The drone factory is reportedly being managed by Albatross, an agricultural drone technology firm which is now believed to have expanded into military applications. The report also mentions claims that the drone factory will produce other UAVs apart from the Shahed drone. The Russian-origin Shahed drones are said to incorporate the Kometa-M antenna system, instead of Iran's CRPA satellite dish, which will make it more difficult to intercept the drones.
Russian Arms Exports in a Tailspin
September 14, 2023 | GIS Reports
The report claims that arms export is a key tool of Russia's foreign policy and declining Russian arms exports will lead to a diminished geopolitical role for Russia. The report notes that Russian arms exports declined from 22 percent of global arms exports between 2013-2017 to 16 percent between 2018-2022. Apart from China and Egypt that increased their imports from Russia, Russia's other top ten arms customers reduced their purchases. One of the biggest drops was recorded in arms transfers to India, which is now reportedly turning to Western countries for arms. The report finds that Russia's customers are disappointed with the quality and reliability of Russian arms and suggests that Russia will face long-term supply issues due to Western sanctions.
Vietnam Chases Secret Russian Arms Deal, Even as It Deepens U.S. Ties
September 09, 2023 | The New York Times
The report claims that Vietnam is secretly planning to acquire Russian weapons systems in contravention of U.S. sanctions, despite its growing relationship with the U.S. According to an official Vietnamese document, Vietnam would pay for Russian arms through "transfers at a joint Vietnamese and Russian oil venture in Siberia." The document adds that the arms deal would "strengthen strategic trust at a time when Russia is being embargoed by Western countries in all aspects."