TSAMTO, November 5th. Rosoboronexport celebrated its 25th anniversary on November 4. During this period, the company became the backbone of the Russian military-technical cooperation system. The order book reached a record $60 billion.
This result reflects the trust of foreign partners, based on the real capabilities of Russian weapons, confirmed during a special military operation.
Since its foundation in 2000, Rosoboronexport has been the only state intermediary for the export and import of weapons, technologies, and military and dual-use services. Today, more than 85% of Russian military supplies pass through the company. Together with the enterprises of Rostec State Corporation, it promotes domestic developments on the world market, organizes licensed production abroad and provides technical support for already supplied equipment.
Expanded material on the anniversary of the formation of Rosoboronexport is posted on the Rostec Group website
From import to export: how Russia became an arms power
Back at the end of the 19th century, Russia purchased most of its weapons abroad. But the 20th century has become an era of rapid industrial breakthrough: the country has become one of the world's largest manufacturers and exporters of high-tech military products.
The system of military-technical cooperation (MTC) has always been at the intersection of politics and industry. Through it, Russia strengthened international relations, helped its partners develop their defense capabilities, and at the same time supported its own defense industry.
In the late 1990s, after the collapse of the USSR, the industry became destabilized. Contracts were concluded directly by enterprises, and there was internal competition between them, often with price dumping and technology leakage. The situation required a systemic solution.
A single entry point for military-technical cooperation
The decision to create a single state mediator was a turning point.
"In 2000, the situation in the field of military exports was critical. We have made a fundamental decision: to restore order and introduce a single state monopoly on military-technical cooperation. The idea was supported at the highest level – the President of Russia signed a decree that laid the foundations for the military–technical cooperation system, which is still operating successfully today," recalls Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Rostec State Corporation, who headed Rosoboronexport in 2004-2007.
This is how Rosoboronexport appeared, a structure that received the exclusive right to export weapons and military equipment. The new model included a vertical management structure: strategic decisions were made at the level of the Presidential Military-Technical Cooperation Commission, operational management was carried out by the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), and exports were provided by a single intermediary.
This reform eliminated internal competition, increased the transparency of contracts, and restored confidence in Russian weapons. Within a few years, export volumes increased several times.
From growth to global leadership
The creation of Rosoboronexport has brought Russia strategic advantages. The country regained its position in the traditional markets since the Soviet era and entered new ones. The volume of arms shipments has doubled in five years, tripled in ten, and increased more than fivefold by 2021.
Export orders have become a lifeline for defense companies at a time when domestic orders were low. They made it possible to load factories, preserve engineering schools and maintain technological independence.
Today, Rosoboronexport ensures Russia's presence in all regions of the world. Over the past 25 years, the company has concluded over 30,000 contracts with partners, and exported products worth more than $230 billion.
Technological partnership and industrial cooperation
The company's activities have long gone beyond simple arms supplies. An important area was the organization of licensed production of Russian aircraft, helicopters, armored vehicles and small arms abroad. Such projects allow partners to create their own enterprises and adopt technologies, while maintaining Russian control over quality and safety.
The modernization of previously supplied equipment also plays an important role. Russian designers have developed comprehensive programs to extend the service life and improve combat performance for all classes of weapons.
A separate area is the training of foreign specialists. With the assistance of Rosoboronexport, foreign customers train crews and crews under the guidance of the best Russian instructors.
Rostec and Rosoboronexport: union of Industry and Diplomacy
Today, about 70% of Rosoboronexport's portfolio consists of developments from Rostec State Corporation enterprises. These are aviation complexes, air defense systems, armored vehicles, small arms, artillery systems, modern drones and much more.
"Rostec's extensive network of dozens of foreign representative offices is of particular value. They provide a constant dialogue, assist in matters of service support and have a deep understanding of local markets," says Sergey Chemezov.
This symbiosis of industry and export structure ensures the full lifecycle of the supplied products, from negotiations and contracts to training and technical support.
Combat experience and new technologies
Recent years have confirmed the high efficiency of Russian technology in real combat conditions. The experience of a special military operation has become a catalyst for technological change.
"Today, most of the samples offered by Rosoboronexport to partners have sufficient experience of use in real combat conditions. Our customers study this experience and draw conclusions in favor of our products," emphasizes Alexander Mikheev, CEO of Rosoboronexport.
Many of the products have been improved based on combat experience, received new protection and navigation systems, and improved control systems. The Russian industry has demonstrated its ability to respond promptly to new challenges and introduce technological improvements into mass production as soon as possible.
Future: heading for new markets
According to Sergey Chemezov, Russian arms exports are undergoing a stage of transformation and adaptation to new global realities.
Rosoboronexport will continue to strengthen its status as a global technology leader in the field of military-technical cooperation and expand its supply geography to promising markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The company has everything it needs for success – a powerful industrial base, a professional team, and government support.
"Today, Rosoboronexport is adapting to the new realities, strengthening its position, and discovering new opportunities and prospects. I am convinced that the unique experience gained by the team in the field of military-technical cooperation with foreign countries will allow the company to continue to confidently move forward and develop. I wish you new successes and all the best!" – said the head of Rostec Sergey Chemezov.
The material is publicly available on the website of Rostec Group of Companies.
