Russia, Kuwait tied delivery contract of two Murena-type landing boats

31.03.2010
Russia and Kuwait tied a delivery contract of two Project 12061E Murena air cushion landing boats, said Viktor Komardin, Deputy Director General of Rosoboronexport. He heads the company's delegation at 2nd international maritime defense exhibition DIMDEX-2010.

Answering the question of ITAR-TASS interviewer about perspectives of military technical cooperation in naval area with Gulf States which traditionally purchase only land force equipment from Russia, Mr. Komardin said there had already been a sort of a breakthrough into the regional market. "In 2009 we signed a delivery contract of two Murena-type landing boats on account of Russia's debt to Kuwait", specified the official. "At present, the document is under appropriate procedures in Kuwait and will be put in force soon". Komardin assumed that Kuwait would unlikely confine itself to only two boats of this class.

Having reminded that Russia takes part in DIMDEX for the first time, the representative of Rosoboronexport pointed out that "to achieve definite results in Latin America, we've been trying to enter that market for five years".

"In particular, we offer here various types of boats, coastal missile system Club-M etc", said Komardin. "Previously, we couldn't even dream of naval sales in this region, but now we've started to show our worth. Especially as the invitation to participate the show was received from Qatar Navy Commander".

"Military cooperation always follows the policy. That was a political message to invite us here", considers the representative of Rosoboronexport. "We've come with naval arms; more specifically, we've been invited at a new market niche. Arms trade increases the degree of confidence".

According to the official, 'the willingness to buy is a very important sign'. The exhibition hits the headlines of local newspapers calling the show as 'the largest naval exhibition in Middle East'. Media noted that Russian companies take part in the exhibitions for the first time. Local press also drew attention to Russo-Indian joint project; they publish a picture of flying prototype of Russian-made fighter Su-30MKI with podded supersonic cruise missile BrahMos. As the matter of fact, the booth of Russo-Indian company BrahMos was situated next to exposition of Rosoboronexport.

Murena-type air cushion landing boat is capable to carry either 2 armored personnel carriers or 2 amphibious tanks or 1 medium tank or 130 fully equipped marines.

Source: ARMS-TASS, photo: landing boat Murena (rusarm.eu)