Russia's arms exports to reach record $10 bln in 2010

MOSCOW. October 28. KAZINFORM Russia's arms exports are expected to hit an all-time high of over $10 billion in 2010, the head of Russia's state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport said on Thursday. Kazinform refers to RIA Novosti.

In 2009 Russian arms sales were worth $8.5 billion, including $7.4 billion worth via Rosobornexport.

"Rosobornexport currently exports several thousands items of military production expanding arms sales by $500-$600 million each year," Anatoly Isaykin told a news conference on the 10th anniversary of the company.

Rosobornexport's portfolio of export orders is estimated at $40 billion, Isaykin said.

Despite constantly expanding arms exports, Russia faces increasing competition on the international arms market from the United States, Germany, France and the United Kingdom as well as Chinese military expansion.

Russia exports weaponry to over 100 countries. Kazinform cites RIA Novosti. See www.en.rian.ru for full version