European Defence Firms Keen On Partnerships With Russia, Claims Rosoboronexport

European weapons manufacturers are keen on closer cooperation with Russia, but the current “political situation” makes this cooperation rather difficult, said Sergey Ladigin Deputy Director General of Rosoboronexport at the Euronaval exhibition.

Russian defence firms are facing sanctions from European countries over the Ukraine crisis, though many European governments have responded half heartedly over the US call for Western sanctions.

“We are planning to discuss with our partners prospective lines of cooperation. This is about promoting production cooperation, joint development projects aimed at developing and introducing new products to the world market. We will also make sure and take the opportunity to promote the whole range of Russian naval equipment,” Sergey Ladigin said in a statement.

Rosoboronexport is presenting a range of fast patrol boats, frigates, corvettes, landing craft and submarines. The exhibits include missiles, guns and launchers.

The equipment offered by Rosoboronexport will boost capabilities of the navy of any country, make it fit to protect the exclusive economic zone, provide security in offshore mining operations, and counter the still increasing threat of pirates.

The schedule has meetings both with traditional and budding partners from Western Europe, South-East Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Particular attention will be paid to discussions of further cooperation with leading European manufacturers, as well as projects for third countries.