African countries are showing great interest in Russian drones and small arms, as well as electronic warfare (EW) weapons and elements of the "Safe City" system, Rosoboronexport’s head Alexander Mikheev told Russian reporters during the Army-2023 forum.
"We have seen significant interest in Russian drones and firearms, equipment for electronic warfare and individual armor protection, for non-lethal effects, detection of prohibited substances and elements of the "Safe City" system, means of ensuring information security. [...] As a new solution, a system of monitoring and protection of the coastal zone was presented – relevant for island and sea-faring nations in Africa," Mikheev said.
According to him, representatives of the African countries also paid attention to Russian civilian products, including bulldozers, tankers, fire trucks, service centers for servicing automotive equipment.
He also noted that during the second Russia–Africa Summit, Rosoboronexport presented a wide range of security tools, including solutions to counter terrorism, organized crime, cyber threats, protection of the constitutional order and public order, protection of borders and important facilities to partners from 30 countries.
The International Military-Technical Forum "Army-2023" is taking place from August 14 to 20 at the Patriot Convention and Exhibition Center, near Moscow.
About 1,500 leading Russian defense industry enterprises, as well as 85 foreign companies and organizations from seven countries, take part in the exposition and business program. The organizer of the forum is the Ministry of Defense of Russia.