The general director of the Russian arms conglomerate Rostec admitted on Tuesday, November 21, that from 2022 arms exports from Russia decreased by half. He claims that almost all production was redirected to the needs of the army and sent to the front of the war in Ukraine.
Such an open admission of the scale of the problem is rare in the Russian arms industry. Official translations indicate that priority is given to the front, but this is only part of a larger puzzle.
Behind these numbers are the changes that can happen transform the global arms market for a long time.
According to Reuters, Rostec's president, Sergei Chemezov, explained this sharp decline in exports not because of Western sanctions, but primarily because of the growing and more urgent demand of the Russian army, which has increased dramatically with the escalation of the war.
In his opinion, it was the need to constantly supply the army that consumed it a significant part of the production capacity Russian arms industry.
The decline occurred “due to the fact that we had to supply most of the production to our army,” Chemezov told reporters.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov (left) watch demonstration flights during the MAKS 2021 International Aerospace Salon. Outside Moscow, Russia, July 20, 2021.EPA/ALEXEI NIKOLSKY/SPUTNIK /KREMLIN / POOL / PAP
According to Chemezov, Western sanctions actually hinder the ongoing operation of arms enterprises and complicate logistical issues, but – as he claims – they have not affected the scale of production itself. He also emphasized that he believed in a gradual reconstruction and, in the long term, a significant revival of Russian arms exports.
— I assure you that we will start to regain exports in the near future.
We have expanded our production capacity and increased production, so we will be able to not only meet the needs of our army, but also supply our partners
– he added.
Fatal arrears
Although Western sanctions have clearly hit the Russian aviation industry and deprived local airlines of access to many key spare parts, the situation is not clear.
There are reports that the authorities in Moscow have been undertaking intensive measures for some time now attempts to circumvent these restrictions. According to available information, these actions brought partial results. According to reports, despite the existing restrictions, the Kremlin managed to reach for Western electronics and use them in the production and modernization of combat aircraft.
Reuters noted that before 2022, Russia was the world's second largest arms exporter after the United States. Citing reports from Russian state media in November, the agency reported that export arrearsRostec exceed USD 60 billion. (approx. PLN 220 billion).
However, an analysis published in January by the US defense policy think tank, the Jamestown Foundation, revealed a much more pessimistic picture. According to this report, the decline in exports turned out to be much deeper than official data suggested and reached as much as 91%. in 2021–2024.
The think tank attributed the decline to “resource diversion to Ukraine, sanctions, inflation and financing issues,” noting that foreign buyers — such as India — have also turned away from Russian weapons.
This change may result from growing fears of the so-called secondary sanctions that threaten countries cooperating with Russia. It may also be the result of serious logistical problems caused by Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Taunts from China
Arms transactions, by their very nature, require many years of technical support and regular operation and maintenance of the equipment. Meanwhile, today the implementation of such commitments is in doubt because the Russian military campaign has been going on for almost four years.
The report also suggests that Russia's attempts to sell an export version of the Su-57 fighter (NATO code: Felon) – also unveiled at the Dubai Airshow 2025 aviation festival taking place from November 17-21 this year – have so far did not produce any results.
Russian Su-57 fighter during Aero India 2025. Bengaluru, India, February 13, 2025.PAP
Currently, Russia remains the only user of this aircraft. During one of the international air shows Chinese guests were said to have openly mocked its capabilities and design. Additionally, in 2018, India decided to withdraw from the joint development program for this machine, considering that its results do not meet expectations and do not meet modern battlefield requirements.
However, according to Reuters, Chemezov argued that Rostec notes a clear interest in the Su-57 fighter from some countries. He noted that the company receives signals about potential demand, but did not reveal which specific countries this applies to or at what stage any talks or negotiations would take place.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
