What's happened
Russia's defense exports remain strong despite sanctions, with Rostec expanding capacity and securing over $60 billion in orders. Meanwhile, Myanmar continues to acquire Russian and Chinese military equipment, increasing its air power amid ongoing civil conflict. Both stories highlight resilience in military supply chains.
What's behind the headline?
Russia's defense sector demonstrates resilience despite sanctions, with Rostec expanding capacity and securing large export orders. The company's focus on new technologies like the Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter indicates a strategic push to regain market share. The ongoing military build-up in Myanmar, facilitated by Russian and Chinese equipment, suggests a broader pattern of military reliance amid geopolitical tensions. These developments underscore a shift towards self-sufficiency and strategic partnerships in global defense, with implications for regional stability. The increased air power in Myanmar signals a potential escalation in its civil conflict, while Russia's export recovery hints at a long-term strategic resilience that may influence global arms markets.
What the papers say
Reuters reports Russia's defense exports declined in 2022 due to military prioritization and sanctions, but Rostec is now expanding production and expects to meet both military and international demand, with a backlog exceeding $60 billion. The company is also developing the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet, with high demand from several countries. Meanwhile, AP News and The Independent detail Myanmar's recent acquisition of Russian Mi-38T helicopters and Chinese Y-8 aircraft, which are likely to enhance troop mobility and air operations amid ongoing civil war. Experts highlight Myanmar's reliance on Russian and Chinese military hardware despite economic and diplomatic pressures, with the military making significant territorial gains using air power, including recent control of key towns and ethnic rebel areas. The stories reveal a pattern of resilience and strategic military procurement in both Russia and Myanmar, driven by geopolitical considerations and regional security concerns.
How we got here
Russia was the world's second-largest defense exporter until 2022, with exports declining due to prioritization of military needs and sanctions. Rostec, Russia's state tech conglomerate, has expanded production capacity and maintains a backlog exceeding $60 billion. Myanmar, under military rule since 2021, has acquired Russian Mi-38T helicopters and Chinese Y-8 aircraft to bolster its military operations amid ongoing civil war and international pressures.
Go deeper
Common question
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How Is Russia Maintaining Its Defense Exports Despite Sanctions?
Russia has long been a major player in global military exports, but recent sanctions have challenged its ability to sell arms internationally. Despite these hurdles, Russia continues to expand its defense exports, with companies like Rostec increasing production and securing billions in orders. This resilience raises questions about how Russia sustains its military trade and what it means for global security. Below, we explore the key factors behind Russia's defense export strategies and the implications for the world.
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How Do Sanctions Impact Russia's Military Exports?
Sanctions imposed on Russia have significantly affected its economy and military industry. Despite these pressures, Russia has shown resilience in maintaining its defense exports, with companies like Rostec expanding production and securing billions in orders. This raises questions about how sanctions influence global military trade and what it means for countries relying on Russian military hardware. Below, we explore the effects of sanctions on Russia's defense sector and the broader implications for regional security.
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What Are the Main Economic Challenges and Political Responses in 2025?
2025 has brought significant economic and political upheaval across the globe. From rising unemployment and fiscal deficits to international sanctions and internal leadership struggles, this year has tested governments and economies alike. Curious about how nations are responding and what the future holds? Below, we explore the key questions shaping the economic and political landscape of 2025.
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