This archive report was first published on 24 October 2019.
At the Russia-Africa summit in Sochi, President Vladimir Putin hosted dozens of African leaders to discuss various issues, including nuclear technology and mineral extraction. However, the event was dominated by stands for arms companies, showcasing Russia's military might.
According to Rosoboronexport director Alexander Mikheev, African countries now account for 40% of the exporter's current orders. The company plans to conduct meetings with the top leadership of 15 countries on the sidelines of the gathering.
Delegates were offered an array of exhibits, including infantry weapons translated into French and Portuguese. An official at one of the stands said, "We adapt to the needs of our clients."
One delegate, a South African doctor, was impressed by the new Kalashnikov assault rifles, saying, "It's so light." Rosoboronexport representative praised facial recognition systems, calling them "the most precise in the world" and saying they could help secure borders, protect infrastructure, and fight illegal trafficking.
As of this year, nine countries, including Rwanda, Mozambique, and Angola, are set to receive Russian arms. Mikheev estimated the value of current arms contracts with the continent at $12 billion, with combat jets, gunships, Buk missile systems, and S-300 surface-to-air missile systems accounting for 80% of Africa's purchases.
Russian Helicopters holding company showcased a modernised Mi-35 attack helicopter, praising the "huge potential for cooperation". The company stated that over 900 helicopters made by Russian Helicopters' enterprises are registered in African countries, which is almost one in four helicopters on the continent.
On the sidelines of the summit, Ethiopia agreed to buy a Pantsir missile system, but no major arms sales were expected to be announced at the end of the two-day gathering.
Moscow has struck a series of military agreements to provide military expertise and train soldiers in Africa. Central African leader Faustin-Archange Touadera asked Putin to extend military aid, while Namibian President Hage Geingob expressed interest in Moscow's military expertise.
According to Rosoboronexport's Mikheev, defence deals also lead to more business opportunities in non-military spheres such as infrastructure projects and geological exploration.
Observers say Moscow has been skillfully using a combination of arms exports and security expertise to expand its political and economic footprint in Africa. As Paul Stronski, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said, "Guns have opened many more doors for the Kremlin in Africa than butter."
