Russia’s MoD Wants ‘NATO Standard’ Defense Equipment

While the Russian Defense Ministry is looking to equip itself with ‘NATO standard’ weapons, Russian manufacturers tell the Defense Ministry to “buy what we have”, according to a Ria Novosti report. On Friday, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev was quoted as saying that it was “untenable when manufacturers do not comply to Nato standards”. Medvedev added that all tenders on state defense contracts are to be completed by April 15. And, ordered Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who oversees the defense industry, to personally supervise the placement of defense orders and not allow any delays. The placement of defense contracts last year, “was far from perfect, to put it mildly”, he said. “I hope this year the situation will be better". Medvedev stressed that it was essential to ensure the adequate quality of products and “prevent conflicts between the defense Ministry and arms makers,” he added.