MOSCOW. Sept 30 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian defense industry is represented by more than 30 enterprises at the Defendory International 2002 arms show that opens in Athens on Tuesday.
In particular, at Defendory is presented full information on Russian-made infantry fighting vehicles of all generations, including the latest BMP-3. This multifunctional IFV combines combat capabilities of an IFV, tank killer, artillery piece and a ferry-landing means. Thanks to a clever combination of these superior characteristics, the vehicle surpasses the best foreign analogues. On its basis a family of specialized combat and support derivatives has been developed, the press service of the Rosoboronexport state-owned arms trader said in a release circulated on Monday.
Customers in the Mediterranean, including Greece, could be particularly interested in a BMP-3F version designed to perform combat missions in assault landing operations. The Russian party also counts upon interest of local visitors in a modernization program of BMP-1 IFVs operated by the Greek Land Forces.
Rosoboronexport offers latest developments of missile, artillery and anti-tank weapons. Specifically, it is the Iskander-E army tactical missile system providing unique accuracy on the target; guided weapon systems for upgrading foreign-made artillery systems; new types of rockets and warheads for multiple launch rocket systems; and unrivalled Khrizantema antitank missile system boasting enhanced armor-piercing capability.
At the Russian section of the show specialists can find information practically on all types of long-, medium- and short- range air defense systems. They may get acquainted, in particular, with a unique Buk-M1 air defense missile system - the world's only one capable of defeating not only air targets, including "stealth" aircraft, but also ships.
Foreign partners are offered a wide range of military helicopters including KA-50 Hokum combat helicopter with unsurpassed maneuverability; combat-proven MI-35 Hind transport- combat helicopter, as well as its MI-35М upgrade capable of performing troops landing operations and weapons delivery round-the- clock in worsened weather conditions; MI-17 type (Hip) multipurpose helicopter, the world's only one in its class capable of transporting cargoes up to 4.5 tonnes or 30 troopers; MI-26 Halo heavy lift helicopter with the highest payload capacity in the world.
One of the central places in the Russian display belongs to the naval weapons and equipment. In aftermath of successful operations by the Hellenic Navy of the Zubr landing air-cushion vessels, the Murena air-cushion landing vessel with lesser than Zubr's displacement and troop-carrying capacity is being offered to foreign customers. Joint operation of these two types of vessels enhances flexibility and combat sustainability of the naval units. The Murena vessel can be also employed for patrol, border guard and rescue, as well as mine-laying missions.