Russia Expected to Re-Equip Syrian Army

Russia Expected to Re-Equip Syrian Army

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Production by Russia’s defense industry is expected to show a 15% increase this year over 2012, according to Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin.

Russian T-90 tank in action
Russian T-90 tank in action

Rogozin, who is also responsible for defense issues, said the projected growth is primarily due to orders placed by the country’s Defense Ministry and law enforcement agencies, local news agency RIA Novosti reported.

Russia’s demand for armaments and military equipment will be at it’s peak in 2015 and 2016, Rogozin said.

iHLS – Israel Homeland Security

The government has undertaken a major effort to overhaul and modernize the Russian armed forces. The program, which began in 2011 and will extend through 2020, is expected to be worth some 20 trillion rubles ($621 billion). Under the plan, the Defense Ministry is to acquire new aircraft, helicopters, ships, tanks, missile systems, and other weapons.

The Russian government wants to replace 30% of its outdated weapons and military equipment by 2015, and at least 70% by 2020, according to the ministry.

Israeli observers told i-HLS that the increased production will result in new contracts with other countries. “Syria will become a target market when it starts to re-build its beaten army.”