Rosoboronexport has announced that it has resolved the logistical and financial obstacles that sanctions had placed in the path of military-technical cooperation (MTC). The assertion came from the company’s chief executive officer, Alexander Mikheev, during the International Aerospace Exhibition Dubai Airshow 2023. This update signals a notable shift in how Russia continues its defense industry collaborations, even in the face of financial and logistical pressure created by sanctions. The message was relayed by TASS and reflects a broader narrative of resilience and adaptation within Russia’s defense export sector.
According to Mikheev, the organization has learned to operate without the traditional messaging channels such as SWIFT, and without reliance on the dollar or euro for payments. He emphasized that, despite these challenges, common compromises have been found, and the overall framework enabling international cooperation has moved past the most acute constraints. The Rosoboronexport general director highlighted that all logistical and financial issues have been addressed, enabling smoother execution of contracts and sustained partnerships with foreign clients.
The executive pointed to strategic decisions in Russia that aligned with these developments. He described them as decisions taken to support ongoing cooperation with a diverse range of partners, including African nations. The emphasis was on maintaining long-term relationships and ensuring that defense trade could continue even when global financial channels are restricted. This stance underscores Russia’s intent to keep its arms export program active, leveraging alternative mechanisms and regional agreements to fulfill commitments.
Earlier, Mikheev gave remarks on the sidelines of the Army 2023 forum, where he announced that contracts for weapons supplies to various countries had reached a sum of approximately $600 million. That figure represented a clear signal of Russia’s continued engagement in international arms trade and its ability to secure orders despite a challenging sanctions environment. The announcements at Army 2023 also reflected confidence in the reliability of existing customers and the strength of established supply chains, as well as preparedness to expand into new markets where strategic alignment and capability meet client needs.
There have been prior statements indicating that Rosoboronexport would halt cooperation with entities that fail to meet obligations. Those statements framed the company’s approach as principled and standards-driven, reinforcing a policy to terminate engagements where commitments are not honored. Taken together, these updates illustrate a balance between rigorous compliance and practical flexibility in pursuing international defense business, a balance that Rosoboronexport asserts is essential to sustaining MTC under diverse geopolitical conditions.