RIO DE JANEIRO - An International Aero & Defense Show (LAAD-2005), which recently took place in Rio de Janeiro, is an important tool for promoting Russian military equipment not only in Brazil, but also in other Latin American countries, announced in an interview with RIA Novosti deputy head of the Russian Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) Alexander Fomin, who led the Russian delegation at the show.

"The level of organization of the show has been improving year after year, and Russia continues to increase its presence there," Alexander Fomin said. "We believe LAAD is becoming one of the most important exhibitions of aircraft and weaponry in Latin America."

Alexander Fomin said Russia presented the most advanced models of aircraft and weaponry at the LAAD show.

"The certification of the Russian-made Mi-171 helicopter for flights in Brazil is a great success," the head of the Russian delegation stressed. "It opens possibilities to operate this helicopter not only in Brazil, but also on the whole Latin American continent and allows Russia to sell this model in the region."

Brazilian and other Latin American partners showed great interest to the presentation of the Russian-made BMP-80 and BMP-90 armored personnel carriers, which are perfect for local conditions and have competitive prices compared to rival European and US models.

"There are prospects of delivering Russian-made helicopters, armored vehicles and small arms to Latin America," the deputy head of the FSMTC said. "In addition, Russia is not only willing to sell weapons to Latin America, but also provide the potential buyers with manufacturing and servicing technologies, and create networks of service stations." Summing up the results of the LAAD-2005 show, the head of the Russian delegation underlined Russia and Brazil had great prospects of cooperation in manufacturing double-purpose military equipment.

RIA Novosti
09.05.2005
www.en.rian.ru