The LAAD-2015 arms exhibition ended in Rio de Janeiro

On Friday, the international exhibition of aviation and defense systems LAAD-2015 ended in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). At it, the Russian delegation tried to consolidate its position in Latin America. As Kommersant learned, this summer Rosoboronexport may sign a firm contract with Brazil for three batteries of the Pantsir-S1 air defense systems, and then begin negotiations on the Igla-S MANPADS.

Rosoboronexport sees ways of cooperation with Brazil in the military-technical sphere, although few contracts have been concluded so far
Photo: Rosoboronexport

As a source in the Russian delegation told Kommersant, during the four days of the LAAD-2015 exhibition, negotiations were conducted both with Latin American countries and with partners from other regions - for example, with Kenya. “Not everything went smoothly, but the overall tone was positive,” he noted.

Who is among the leaders in arms purchases from Moscow?

The subject of negotiations with Brazil was the purchase of three batteries of Pantsir-S1 air defense systems and Igla-S MANPADS, as well as the possibility of selling Yak-130 combat training aircraft. For this purpose, Deputy General Director of Rosoboronexport Sergei Goreslavsky met with the Minister of Defense of Brazil, Jacques Wagner. In the context of the Olympic Games in Brazil, Russia presented to the government of the state of Rio de Janeiro and the leadership of the city of Brasilia a project for an integrated security system for cities, industrial facilities and state borders called “Safe City”, which was used at the Sochi 2014 Olympics. According to Kommersant's information, instead of the 30 minutes expected for the presentation, the parties discussed adapting this system to the conditions of Latin America for more than two and a half hours.

“Russia sells its weapons to more than 80 countries”

Negotiations on the Pantsir-S1 complex began in 2012, but the contract has not yet been signed. “Our plans to purchase Pantsir complexes remain in force, and we are not abandoning them,” said Mr. Wagner. “The contract has been technically worked out, and the main issue today is related to its budgetary support.” He admitted that the deadlines for the contract are already “tight”, since there are less than 500 days left before the opening of the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro (these complexes should provide cover for its facilities), but emphasized that the final word on this issue lies with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff . Kommersant's sources claim that, according to the latest agreements with the Brazilians, the parties intend to sign a firm agreement for three batteries of these air defense systems this summer. The situation with the purchase of Igla-S MANPADS, according to Kommersant’s interlocutors, is “stuck”: “The Brazilian Ministry of Defense will consider the issue of its purchase only after the Pantsirs are contracted.” There is also no need to talk about the “short-term prospects” for the Yak-130 aircraft in Brazil, although, according to Mr. Goreslavsky, Rosoboronexport is ready for dialogue and is waiting for proposals from the Brazilians.

At the exhibition, it also became known about negotiations ongoing between Russia and Brazil on the acquisition of two civilian Ka-32 helicopters. Let us recall that in 2009, the country’s Ministry of Defense, after a long break in the field of military-technical cooperation, entered into a contract for 12 transport and combat Mi-35M, the last of which, together with the Transas training simulator, were delivered to the customer in December 2014. As part of its implementation, a service center for the maintenance and repair of helicopters will be created in Brazil.

Ivan Safronov, Rio de Janeiro - Moscow

Brazil needs a Russian "Pantsir"