In retrospect, Russia's engagement was a "risky, but successful move," Austria's national daily broadsheet Der Standard observed. And it is what helped to push the deal forward.
Moscow had been in talks with Algiers for the delivery of the expert version of the Sukhoi Su-34 for eight years. The negotiations appeared to be moving nowhere. In late September 2015, Russia launched its campaign; the Su-34s took part in their first battle.
The aircraft's performance was so impressive that defense experts expect it to become an export bestseller in the coming years.
"Experts say that future arms deals will bring Russia's defense industry some $6.8 billion," Der Standard added.
Russia's arms exports amount to more than $15 billion annually, he added. Moreover, there has not been a single year when revenues dropped.
Leading buyers of Russian-made weapons include China, India and Vietnam, who Der Standard described as an "old and trustworthy client in Southeast Asia." In addition, Algeria, Egypt and Iran also purchase Russian arms.
