The defence ministers of Greece and Cyprus were most of all interested in Russian arms, he said.
Greeks would first of all like adapting the Russian air defence systems to the NATO standards. Reciprocating, Russia is ready to do such work. There is an outlook for updating the BMP-1 (infantry combat vehicle). Russians are going to participate in the planned Greek tender for buying such vehicles for the Special Forces. At Defendory International'2004 Rosoboronexport has presented the programme for upgrading the amphibious version BMP-3F.
The military from the late Warsaw Pact and NATO newcomers now, Hungarians, Poles and Slovaks, were active at the Russian stands. They bother of upgrading their Soviet-made arms. Most of all they are interested in the T-72 tank and rocket artillery systems.
The Algerian and Egyptian delegations were most interested in small vessels and boats.
As one of the main trends in arms manufacture and sale the Athens arms show revealed interest in modernising also old machines, such as the T-55 tank.
The main thing is that potential customers have understood: Russian weapons are upgraded on a new element base, pivoting on combat control automation, greater range and accuracy of fire, which means increased efficiency and survivability.
Bringing back into service of old weapons does not intend neglect for new weapons, such as the Khrizantema anti-tank and Iskander tactical missile systems, tested not long ago.
Another promising tendency has surfaced at Defendory International'2004 - Russians no longer shun lobbying deals in the field of military-technical cooperation.
