The volume of Russia’s weapon exports is expected to reach a record $US 8 billion in 2008.
It is expected that this year's figures will break the record for 2007, when arms sales reached $US 7.4 billion, according to the Federal Service of Military-Technical Co-operation. Russia is currently preparing new defence contracts with a number of countries including Venezuela and Saudi Arabia. There are also plans to help the Indian Air Force to modernise its fleet of Russian-made MIG-29 jets. Aviation still accounts for the largest share of Russia's military exports.