One More Reason On Why Weapon Systems Should Not Be Sold To Unstable Regimes

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (C) and Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov (R) visit the 10th Taman brigade outside Moscow on May 5, 2010. UPI/Alex Volgin

Russia Fighting To Save Arms Sales To The Middle East -- Heritage Foundation

Ambitious efforts to modernize Russia’s defense and industrial base undertaken during the Putin administration have been paying off—at least, in some cases. The Russian leadership uses arms sales for economic gain, but also as a tool of influence in the recipient countries.

The Russian military-industrial complex, one of the few national industries that maintain some competitive advantage in comparison with the West, is a source of the Kremlin’s cash and prestige. Leftover stockpiles from the Soviet military past were large enough to keep Russia active in arms sales in the post-Soviet years. To capture and maintain market share, Russia sells equipment at deep discounts or fosters joint weapons development.

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My Comment: The problem with selling weapon systems to unstable regimes is that one day they may not be there and their successors will not be interested in honoring past contracts .... a fact that the Russians learned when Saddam Hussein was overthrown in 2003, and are learning (again) in the Middle East today. But .... like a broken record .... you just keep on doing the same stupid mistake.