MOSCOW. June 9 (Interfax) - It would be premature to speak about a decline in orders for Russian armaments in spite of the crisis and Arab revolutions, Rosoboronexport General Director Anatoly Isaikin said in an interview published by Vedomosti on Saturday.
"We signed $10.7 billion contracts last year and $5 billion contracts in almost five months of this year, with the annual plan exceeding $11 billion. So, our order portfolio is not reducing; we are all right. Other subjects of military-technical cooperation have a decline, but that is the question to ask the Federal Military-Technical Cooperation Service," Isaikin said.
The current order portfolio of Rosoboronexport amounts to $35.5 billion, as against $32.5 billion in the end of last year, he said.
The crisis hit developed countries - Europe and the United States, which have minimal military-technical cooperation with Russia, Isaikin explained.
"Asia Pacific countries, Arab countries and China did not cut their budgets; some countries even increased them. So, I see no reason to suggest the soonest decline in contracts caused by the economic crisis," he said.
Latest conflicts did not have an effect on the amount of supplies but influenced the types of supplied products, he said.
"We have noticed an interest in Russian air defense systems - anti-aircraft missiles of the near, medium and long range - and such complex systems of S300 and S400 not only in the countries neighboring conflict zones but also worldwide," Isaikin said.
He said the Russian defeat in a number of latest tenders could not be explained with systemic problems of the defense ministry.
"Each particular case had its own reasons. In my opinion, the Mikoyan MiG-35 fighter jet lost in India because it was not a serial product, while French and U.S. companies presented serial models," he said.
Nevertheless, Mikoyan MiG-35, Mil Mi-28N, Yakovlev Yak-130 and Sukhoi Su-30MK of both modifications have "good export prospects," he said.
The drafting of a contract on the construction of two Mistral helicopter carriers in Russia is on schedule, Isaikin said.
"The negotiations go on, and I think we may sign a contract on building two more ships with 80% localization in addition to last year's contract on the construction of two ships in France," he said.
Isaikin noted that Russia had losses caused by lengthy formalities in the cases urgent deliveries were required.
"Our procedures do not imply immediate supply permits, and there are plenty of urgent orders. So, it is an important task to upgrade laws without damaging arms control, and it is being resolved," Isaikin concluded.