Russia Bets On Turkey As Next Big Arms Customer

Russia will showcase 240 pieces of Russian military equipment, including the Arena-E active protection system, Kornet-E antitank missile system at the International Defense Industry Fair IDEF'17 that will be held in Istanbul on May 9-12.

A joint Russian display will be organized at the International Defense Industry Fair, IDEF'17, state Arms exporter Rosoboronexport announced Wednesday.

Russia's armored vehicle protection assets, including the Arena-E active protection system, Kornet-E antitank missile system and various Kalashnikov rifles will pose interest for the Turkish Land Forces.

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense is interested in a wide range of military equipment, in particular, various Russian air defense systems, Vladimir Goncharov, Rosoboronexport's Marketing Department head.

“We are also discussing a number of technical partnership projects envisaging joint development and production of advanced weapons," said Goncharov added.

Rosoboronexport also plans to organize an extensive business program on the sidelines of the IDEF'17, including meetings with representatives of the Turkish government, the armed forces and business community, as well as with officials from some Middle Eastern countries.

Russia’s official delegation is headed by Mikhail Petukhov, Deputy Director of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC).