The countries making Russia rich from weapon sales
Russia has historically been a leading arms exporter, with several countries significantly contributing to its defense revenue. Between 2019 and 2023, the primary recipients of Russian arms were India, China and Algeria among others.
Accounting for 34% of Russia's major arms exports during this period, India has been a longstanding customer, relying heavily on Russian military equipment.
21% of Russian arms exports are largely procured by China, including aircraft and air defense systems. With a share of 10.21%, Algeria has been a notable importer of Russian military hardware.
Vietnam accounted for 7.10% of Russia's arms exports, reflecting its significant defense procurement from Moscow. Receiving 6.42% of Russian arms exports, Egypt has been a key customer in the Middle East.
Iraq's share stood at 3.54%, indicating its procurement of Russian military equipment.
Another region Russia has made a strong weaponry presence is in Africa.
Africa has emerged as a significant arena for geopolitical competition, with both Russia and Western nations striving to expand their influence across the continent. This renewed interest is reshaping Africa's political, economic, and security landscapes.
Russia has forged military alliances with nations such as Mali, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Sudan. These partnerships often involve the deployment of private military contractors, notably the Wagner Group, to provide security assistance and training. In Mali, for instance, Wagner operatives have been active alongside local forces in counter-insurgency operations.
