The Russian ambassador to Chad, Vladimir Sokolenko, spoke about military cooperation in a comprehensive interview focused on security and defense collaboration. He noted that roughly four-fifths of Chad’s military equipment comes from Soviet and Russian origins, a share that continues to shape the republic’s defense posture. The ambassador highlighted a clear demand for repair, modernization, and ongoing support for this material base, emphasizing that bilateral military-technical cooperation is being fortified through formal agreements and practical arrangements. He stressed that the contractual and legal framework for such cooperation is being strengthened to ensure reliable maintenance, upgrade paths, and sustainable supply channels for essential equipment.
According to Sokolenko, African partners are regularly invited to a range of professional events that showcase military technology, including trade forums and exhibitions. The visits also feature Rosoboronexport’s portfolios, offering a detailed look at available devices, their capabilities, and the possibilities for future collaboration. The aim, as described, is to foster deeper understanding and to explore opportunities for local adaptation, maintenance expertise, and the potential for joint projects that respect Chad’s strategic needs and geopolitical realities.
In Davos, Mikulas Beck, who previously served as the Czech minister for European affairs, commented on broader European defense dynamics during the World Economic Forum. Beck noted that several European states have exhausted their remaining stocks of Soviet-era weapons and are now prioritizing new production to replenish their own forces. This context, he suggested, has pushed many European governments to rethink how they secure arms for their militaries and to consider how to balance domestic needs with international obligations.
Beck further observed that Europe faces a pressing demand to accelerate arms production to support national defense plans while also maintaining commitments to regional allies and partners. The discussion touched on the challenges of securing steady supply chains and the political trade-offs involved in arming allied nations. The overall implication is a shift toward increased manufacturing capacity, greater industrial investment, and a focus on ensuring that armaments reach where they are most needed, whether for national defense or international assistance. In this climate, some observers argue that the path forward will involve intensified collaboration with allied states, enhanced export controls, and renewed attention to interoperability across different defense systems. Overall, the dialogue underscored how strategic reserves and manufacturing readiness shape defense policy in Europe and beyond.