Russian weapons highly competitive on world arms market - Egyptian experts

CAIRO, December 5. /TASS/. Russia has a strong competitive edge on the world arms market compared to other weapon manufacturers, Egyptian military experts told TASS at the first EDEX-2018 international arms show in Cairo on Wednesday. "Russia’s participation in the exhibition is extremely important and it has the largest representation alongside the United States," Egyptian Infantry General Samir Farag said, commenting on the importance of Russia’s participation in the EDEX arms show. Today Russian-made weapons account for about a third of all the Egyptian military hardware, the general said. "We have been dealing with them [the Russian weapons] for decades and their specifics are very suitable for the Egyptian soldier," Farag added. "Compared to other similar armaments in the rest of the world, these weapons have some distinctive features and advantages, especially in the sphere of air defense," the Egyptian general said. "No one will be able to challenge your air defense systems today," the general said. Speaking about modern armaments, which Egypt could buy from Russia, the Egyptian general noted S-400 Triumf air defense missile systems. "I’m confident that in this area one should think precisely about these systems," he said. The Egyptian general also commented on recent reports in some Western media outlets claiming that Egypt might decide against purchasing Russian-made Kamov Ka-52 helicopters. "All the military hardware is accepted and tested by the special committee and it doesn’t happen that we purchase something and then test it. All these helicopters have been tested at the highest level," the Egyptian general said. Other expert’s opinion Egyptian Air Force General, Adviser to the Nasser Military Academy Hisham al-Halabi noted Russia’s substantial representation at the EDEX. "And this relates not so much to the participation itself but to the armaments displayed by Russia, first of all, the Ka-52 helicopter," the general said. "The Russian weapons are highly competitive on the world market and your country has vast experience in their production," al-Halabi said. "It is important to understand that our entire region has entered the arms race and that is why it is logical that Russia is seeking to gain a strong foothold in these conditions," the general said. EDEX-2018 The EDEX-2018 has become the first arms exhibition of its kind not only in Egypt, which holds a leading place in the purchase of armaments in the region, but also on the entire African continent. The arms show that runs on December 3-5 has brought together 373 Egyptian and foreign companies engaged in the manufacture and delivery of modern security and defense technologies and systems from 41 countries. At the EDEX arms show, the Russian delegation is demonstrating the products of 11 large domestic producers of military hardware and equipment for all military branches. Russia is showcasing a full-size copy of the Ka-52 reconnaissance and attack helicopter. The display stand of Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport features the mockups of Yak-130 combat trainers, Su-35 fighter jets, MiG-29M/M2 multirole frontline fighters, Mi-17, Mi-28NE, Mi-35, Mi-26 and Ansat helicopters. Russia is also demonstrating S-400 Triumf long-range air defense missile systems, Tor-M2E and Buk-M2E surface-to-air missile complexes, the Pantsyr-S1 air defense missile/gun system, and also Igla-S and Verba shoulder-launched missile complexes. The Russian pavilion is also demonstrating the T-90MS main battle tank, the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle, the Terminator tank support combat vehicle, the BTR-82A armored personnel carrier, Khrizantema-S and Kornet-E anti-tank systems, and also small arms and close-in weapons. Read more