Dmitry Shugaev: ‘Russia and Vietnam have a particularly
strong historical background in military-technical bonds. It dates back to the
period of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the Soviet Union. Today we
continue active interaction in this field and, since 1998 there is a joint
intergovernmental commission on military-technical cooperation between our
countries.’
In accordance with the law of the Russian Federation, activities in the field
of Military-Technical Cooperation (MTC) with foreign countries shall be
controlled and supervised by the Federal Service for Military-Technical
Cooperation (FSMTC of Russia) that, among other things, shall ensure
implementation of basic principles of the Russian government policy in the field
of MTC. Dmitry Evgenyevich Shugaev, FSMTC of Russia Director discusses main
directions and tendencies in development of military-technical cooperation
between the Russian Federation and foreign countries, the peculiarities of
Russian military purpose product exporters’ activities at the present stage in
his interview to our magazine.
- Mister Shugaev, what are the main principles of Russia's military-technical
cooperation with foreign countries today?
- As you know, military-technical cooperation is one of the components of the
foreign policy pursued by our state. The main principles of our foreign policy
remain the same for military-technical cooperation. They are: mutual respect and
cooperation on the basis of equal rights, non-interference in the internal
affairs of other states, compliance with international laws and commitments.
Naturally, at the same time we are against the use of threats, blackmail,
coercion, use of force and any kind of restrictions in international relations.
All of the above allows us to build cooperation not only with states that share
the views and foreign policy of the Russian Federation, but also with countries
that are under serious Western influence.
- In your opinion, why does Russia confidently maintain its leading positions
in the world market of weapons, security equipment and systems?
- Indeed, over the past several years the Russian Federation has been
confidently holding the leading positions in the world arms market. This is due
to the fact, that all parts of a well-functioning system professionally work
together within the military-technical cooperation between the Russian
Federation and foreign countries.
Specifically, when our foreign partners make contracts with Russian suppliers
for the purchase of military products, they understand that they will get high
end equipment that meets their needs and has the characteristics of the world's
best models, tested in real-world combat conditions. Besides, Russian suppliers
are always ready to discuss any issues within the framework of contract
performance.
Of course, foreign customers of Russian military products planning to develop
military-technical cooperation with Russian Federation, along with other
factors, also take into account our historical background, and see us as a
reliable supplier capable of providing its partners with top level products.
- Russia has always been and is an extremely reliable partner and supplier,
including in such a complex area as the military-technical field. What makes
Russia's commitment consistent and reliable? What are Russia's unconditional
advantages as a military-technical partner?
- I reiterate that our relations with our foreign partners are built on the
basis of mutual respect and equality, not recognizing any use of political or
economic pressure or blackmail.
We make no political nor legal demands, except as set forth in recognized
international instruments.
Certainly, Russia is willing to honor the wishes of foreign customers to the
maximum extent possible, as long as this does not pose a threat to national
security.
Furthermore, our commitments to protect the interests of our partners remain
strong, especially in the context of the US illegal anti-Russian sanctions
policy and Washington's cross-border approach to the Countering America's
Adversaries through Sanctions Act.
For the sake of the common interest, we use alternative payment solutions for
the products delivered and increasingly use national currencies for payments. It
is imperative that we take into account the requirements of the national
legislation of foreign customers.
Traditionally, we offer high-end weapons products on the international market
with characteristics comparable to, and in some cases surpassing, those of their
foreign peers, including in terms of price-performance ratio.
Needless to say, we are committed to preventing delays in the delivery of
purchased equipment. We are actively developing an after-sales service system
for previously supplied equipment, arranging licensed production and cooperating
in high-tech areas.
Overall, throughout a long period of time, the Soviet and, after that, the
Russian system of military-technical cooperation has systematically strengthened
its global credibility both as a reliable partner and supplier of military
products. And now, in the face of unprecedented sanctions pressure, we continue
to honestly and efficiently carry out the work entrusted to us - to develop
military and technical co-operation with foreign countries.
- What allows Russia to overcome unparalleled pressure by Western countries,
as well as sophisticated technologies of unfair competition?
- Now we live in a world that faces a transition from unipolarity to
multipolarity. Washington with the desire to maintain its global hegemony is
increasingly using illegal methods of coercion in international relations in the
form of direct blackmail and various kinds of sanctions, including threats of
the use of military force. All this does not make the US any more popular in the
international field. The introduction of sanctions against any state always has
a more or less negative impact on the global economy. When powerful global
players such as China and Russia are involved in the sanctions war, the
consequences of the confrontation can be very unforeseeable.
Most of the world community understands this. This is evidenced by the failure
of U.S. plans to isolate Russia internationally, as most of the world does not
support the policy of sanctions pressure by the United States and its allies
directed against the Russian Federation.
Convinced of the ineffectiveness of economic and political sanctions, Washington
and its supporters began to use blatantly terrorist methods.
As propagandistic anti-Russian outbursts, there is a bloat on the issue of
«Russia's readiness to use tactical nuclear weapons» in a special military
operation, among other things. Unfortunately, we cannot expect the situation to
change any time soon, so our system of military-technical cooperation, which has
been under Western sanctions pressure for many years, is systematically
improving working methods to successfully counter the restrictions imposed on
it.
We have achieved good results in this direction: alternative schemes of mutual
settlements are introduced, the system of insurance of international freight
transportation is improved, and the interests of our partners are protected.
International economic organizations are being created at the state level, the
financial policy of which provides for the rejection of the U.S. dollar. And
more and more countries are striving to join them.
Our world is being reshaped; a new world order is being established. In order to
strengthen Russia's international standing, its political position and national
security, we, the employees of the Russian Federation's system of military and
technical cooperation with foreign states, are also rearranging ourselves.
- How successful is Russia's historical military-technical cooperation with
Southeast Asian countries?
- Historically, Russia has maintained strong friendly ties and develops military
and technical cooperation with many South-East Asian countries. These include
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and others.
Russia and Vietnam have a particularly strong historical background in
military-technical bonds. It dates back to the period of the Democratic Republic
of Vietnam and the Soviet Union. Today we continue active interaction in this
field and, since 1998 there is a joint intergovernmental commission on
military-technical cooperation between our countries.
The Russian-Myanmar military-technical cooperation is certainly worth
mentioning, as it has evolved since 2001. Today, the mechanism of the
Russian-Myanmar Joint Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation is
successfully functioning.
We also have a good and very positive history with other countries in the region
- Cambodia and Laos. During the Soviet era, military-technical cooperation
provided great assistance to the people of these states, both in the supply of
weapons and military equipment and in equipping military facilities.
Russia is certainly interested in ensuring that our relations in the sphere of
military-technical cooperation in Southeast Asia will continue to deepen.
- How important is the partnership with Vietnam in this region and in the
context of Russian defense exports?
- The strategic partnership with Vietnam plays a crucial role for Russia in the
Southeast Asian region. This country remains one of Russia's main
military-technical partners in the region.
Despite attempts made by some Western countries to pursue their own interests in
military-technical cooperation with Vietnam, Russian arms and military equipment
exports to Vietnam have grown manifold over the past decades. It illustrates the
strategic nature of the partnership between our countries, which are
historically bound by strong friendship.
- What traditions of cooperation between our countries, founded in the middle of
the twentieth century, can be considered the most stable and successfully
developing?
- Strengthening Vietnam's defense capabilities by supplying Russian modern
weapons and military equipment is the most successful form of cooperation
between our countries.
During the Soviet period, T-54/55 and T-62 tanks, ‘Su’ and ‘MiG’ airplanes, ‘Mi’
and ‘Ka’ helicopters, artillery, missile and patrol boats and other equipment
were supplied to Vietnam. The military hardware stock is currently being
upgraded with more up-to-date types on a routine basis.
Besides, for decades we have been successfully training Vietnamese soldiers in
higher military institutions. This is also an unwavering tradition that has been
steadily developing.
- What types of Russian arms and military equipment are most popular in the
region and in Vietnam?
- Armored vehicles and aircraft, artillery pieces and ships of various types are
the most popular in the region, and particularly in Vietnam.
- What features of Russian weapons and technical expertise are particularly
appreciated in Vietnam (and in Southeast Asia as a whole)?
- In Vietnam, as elsewhere, the capability of the Russian weapons and technical
expertise to produce top-quality, reliable weapons and military equipment that
operate flawlessly in humid tropical climates is most highly appreciated.
- To what extent is there technological inheritance between Soviet and Russian
military equipment and armaments? What examples of the refurbishment and
updating of armaments and military equipment from the USSR and Russia in the
Vietnamese People's Army can be given as the most telling?
- It is a fact that most of the Vietnamese People's Army is equipped with Soviet
and Russian-made equipment, the stock of which is being renewed by our countries
on a planned basis today. This best demonstrates the continuity of Soviet and
Russian armaments and military equipment.
For example, Su-27, Su-30MK2 and Yak-130 aircrafts were delivered to Vietnam to
replace MiG-21s, and the tank park was improved, which reinforced T-54/55 and
T-62 tanks with T-90 tanks. The Vietnamese Navy is equipped with modern Project
636 submarines and ‘Molniya’ missile boats.
- What important military-technical cooperation contracts between Russia and
Vietnam can be identified as the most promising? In which areas is cooperation
developing particularly dynamically?
- The most promising are contracts for the supply of ‘Mi’ and ‘Ka’ helicopters,
‘Su’ aircraft, armored vehicles and various types of ships to Vietnam.
Cooperation in the area of retrofitting Vietnamese enterprises and establishing
joint ventures is also promising.
- What does the Russian FSMTC leadership think of the Vietnam Defence 2022
exhibition venue? What are its key benefits and importance for strengthening
cooperation between our countries?
- We are deeply impressed with the Vietnam Defence 2022 exhibition platform.
Vietnam Defence 2022 is a key feature that offers exhibitors an excellent
opportunity to discuss the technological specifics of producing and running
military products and to promote their latest products and services to
practically every country in South East Asia.
