“Rosoboronexport, a member of Rostec, is gearing up to push to the world arms market advanced individual combat systems and future small arms,” Director General Alexander Mikheev of Rosoboronexport commented on the decision reached by the Army Equipment section of the Scientific and Technical Council recently convened at the Degtyarev Plant in Kovrov, Vladimir region.

“We are facing growing demand for small arms, close combat systems, sights and ammunition in the world. In the past three years, Rosoboronexport's backlog of these products has grown more than five times,” notes A. Mikheev. “To improve chances and competitiveness of the weapons that we deliver, Russian enterprises will develop new systems and mount an effort of upgrading existing models through the use of advanced materials and technologies.”

According to the company’s Director General, the measures will boost characteristics of weapons and push down the price tag at the same time.

The participants decided to persist in replacing foreign components, particularly optical sights, including night vision devices, with Russian equivalents that boast at least as high performance.

Also, an issue was raised of completing export formalities in the near future paving the way for Rosoboronexport to offer foreign customers a state-of-the-art individual combat system, a.k.a. the Soldier of the Future.