Fifteen countries have signed arms agreements with Russia totaling $4.5 billion since the beginning of 2025

Rosoboronexport, the foremost arms exporter in Russia, has recently disclosed the extent of its defense contracts with international clients signed since the beginning of the year.

As reported by the company’s CEO, Alexander Mikheev, the order portfolio for Russia’s military-industrial sector has reached an unprecedented $57 billion by the end of 2024, equivalent to over 5.1 trillion rubles at the current exchange rate.

This milestone is achieved in the context of increasing global interest in Russian-manufactured weapons, particularly as international conflicts continue to develop.

At the IDEX 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Russia is showcasing a variety of advanced military equipment that has been consistently enhanced, informed by insights gained from contemporary combat experiences.

Mikheev highlighted that the exhibition’s main objective is to demonstrate Russia’s integrated approach to the development and modernization of armaments. This strategy has been bolstered by the practical lessons learned from recent military operations.

“The overarching theme of our exhibition is to illustrate Russia’s comprehensive strategy for the development and enhancement of various types of weaponry, reflecting the realities of modern warfare. This focus has already facilitated the signing of contracts exceeding $4.5 billion with 15 allied nations in 2025,” Mikheev remarked, emphasizing Russia’s growing influence in the global defense arena.

The influence of Russian military technology on contemporary warfare has been profoundly affected by the nation’s participation in conflicts such as those in Syria and Ukraine. The practical experience acquired from these engagements has enabled Russian military engineers to enhance their systems, making them more suited to current combat requirements.

While older models like the T-90 and Su-35 have regained popularity, the focus has shifted towards incorporating insights gained from recent conflicts into the creation of newer, more sophisticated systems.

This evolution encompasses not only the enhancement of the power and resilience of Russian weaponry but also improvements in precision, stealth, and compatibility with other modern military forces. The practical military experience gained has distinguished Russia’s armaments, establishing them as a competitive choice in the international arms market.

Consequently, the total value of Russia’s defense export contracts has surpassed $60 billion [5.4 trillion rubles], a notable figure that highlights the country’s robust standing in the global arms trade.

Nevertheless, specific information regarding these contracts remains classified due to the political, diplomatic, and economic pressures exerted by Western nations, which have been actively working to undermine Russia’s military exports through unfair competition.

These initiatives have particularly focused on Russia’s strategic defense sales to countries that are not aligned with Western interests. This ongoing pressure has propelled Russia’s strategy to broaden its military export reach, particularly to nations seeking to lessen their reliance on Western suppliers.

One of the most prominent topics in recent discussions surrounding Russian arms exports has been the impending delivery of Su-57 fighter jets to international clients. Rosoboronexport has announced that in 2025, a foreign buyer will receive the first-ever Russian fifth-generation fighter jet, representing a significant advancement in Russia’s military capabilities.

The Su-57, an advanced aircraft featuring stealth technology, is poised to play a crucial role in the air forces of nations increasingly looking to Russia as a dependable arms provider amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

Positioned as Russia’s counterpart to the Western F-35, the successful entry of the Su-57 into the global market would mark a strategic effort to challenge Western supremacy in the advanced fighter jet sector.

A vital aspect of Russia’s expanding export portfolio is its capacity to deliver a wide array of weaponry tailored to different geopolitical situations. Nations that previously depended on Western defense suppliers are now seeking Russian options for both economical solutions and enhanced strategic autonomy.

This geopolitical shift is particularly important for countries feeling the weight of US-led alliances and sanctions. As Western nations strive to isolate Russia, many countries are keen to broaden their defense supplier base, wary of the risks associated with close ties to Western powers.

In this context, Russia has established itself as a trustworthy alternative, supplying advanced military technology to nations cautious of NATO’s influence or seeking to steer clear of involvement in Western-led defense strategies.

The rising interest in Russian military technology, especially in aircraft and advanced weaponry, underscores a transforming global environment where countries are diversifying their defense procurement to mitigate reliance on Western nations.

1. In spite of persistent sanctions and political challenges, Russia is actively enhancing its presence and influence within the global arms market, particularly by supplying advanced military systems to countries seeking to strengthen their defense capabilities in an uncertain geopolitical landscape.

As nations look for alternative military suppliers, Russian products—especially those that leverage practical combat experience and cutting-edge technology—are increasingly appealing.

The effectiveness of Rosoboronexport’s approach is rooted in its capacity to address the current demands of its clients while also forecasting future military developments. There is a rising need for sophisticated, integrated, and adaptable military systems, and Russia is strategically positioning itself to take advantage of this evolution.

With the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced radar systems, and long-range precision munitions in global conflicts, Russian defense manufacturers are eager to create offerings that integrate these advancements.

Although competition remains intense, Russia’s ability to maintain a leading edge in modernization and adaptability in its product range will likely influence its future success in the arms industry.