In 2024, authorities signaled that Russia would broaden its export authorizations for military hardware, including newly developed weapons and unmanned aerial systems. This position was communicated by Alexander Mikheev, the general manager of Rosoboronexport, during remarks at the World Defense Show held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The dialogue at the event underscored Russia’s intention to push a wider range of defense offerings to foreign buyers, highlighting a strategic shift in how Moscow presents its armaments to international markets.
A review of recent activity reveals that, in the previous year, roughly thirty distinct military samples were granted export permits. The catalog of permitted items encompassed cutting‑edge communications gear, enhanced ammunition, advanced targeting and surveillance systems, and a unified suite of automatic warning and communications equipment branded as Nabat. The lineup also included armored vehicles such as the Z-STS Akhmat and a domestically produced “Typhoon” class armored car. Taken together, these licenses illustrate a diversified export portfolio that blends conventional platforms with modern networked systems, aimed at satisfying a spectrum of foreign clients with varying defense requirements.
Mikheev projected that 2024 would see Russian manufacturing enterprises accelerating the licensing process for new models, including unmanned platforms. He emphasized sustained demand for products that have been updated and proven in combat conditions, pointing to the value of iterative improvements as a pathway to maintain competitiveness in international markets. This perspective reflects a broader push to demonstrate real‑world reliability and interoperability, key considerations for foreign buyers assessing total life‑cycle costs and logistical compatibility when evaluating Russian defense solutions.
Among the items drawing interest from international buyers is the Klavesin‑1RE autonomous underwater vehicle complex. After being showcased at the International Maritime Fair in Kronstadt, discussions with potential purchasers have continued, signaling a keen interest in underwater reconnaissance and defense capabilities. In addition, the Harpsichord‑1RE is slated for its first international display at the World Defense Show 2024, with expectations that nations with significant maritime access will be especially attentive to its capabilities. The timing of these introductions aligns with a growing emphasis on underwater and anti‑access/area denial systems within maritime security strategies worldwide.
Another notable development involves the modernization of artillery within the Russian Armed Forces, with updated Msta‑S howitzers entering service. The modernization drive reflects ongoing efforts to extend the lifespan and effectiveness of existing platforms, incorporating enhanced targeting, fire control, and mobility features to meet contemporary operational demands. The ongoing upgrade program forms part of a broader modernization arc that aims to balance new production with the upgrading of proven systems, thereby expanding Russia’s overall deterrent and combat capability for foreign and domestic observers alike.
There are broader implications for how international markets view Russia’s defense industry in the context of ongoing strategic shifts and regional security dynamics. Observers note the persistence of export licensing as a central lever through which Moscow communicates its military posture to foreign governments and defense contractors. The evolving export framework appears to respond to diverse buyer priorities, from maritime security and submarine operations to land‑based armored mobility and integrated communications networks. As global defense spending patterns continue to evolve, Russia’s export strategy is likely to be judged on the credibility of its demonstrated deployments, the interoperability of its systems with allied defense architectures, and the reliability of its supply chains under various geopolitical scenarios. Markers of interest include modernization cycles, the demonstration of combat‑experienced capability, and the breadth of modular options available to clients seeking adaptable, scalable defense solutions. (TASS)”