Zimbabwe Interested in Russian Aircraft, Artillery at Army-2016 Forum

Zimbabwean Defense Minister Sydney Sekeramayi said that the ground forces assets that have been shown at the Army-2016 international military and technical forum are very impressive.

KUBINKA (Moscow Region) (Sputnik) — Zimbabwe may be interested in acquiring Russian artillery, fighter jets and helicopters being showcased at the ongoing Army-2016 international military and technical forum near Moscow, Zimbabwean Defense Minister Sydney Sekeramayi told Sputnik Wednesday.

"It is a very good exhibition and the ground forces assets that have been shown are very impressive. There are some that we are very interested in and that will be discussing with the relevant authorities. At this point in time we are still assessing and are coming to a conclusion on what we want to acquire from here but that could be artillery, jet fighters, helicopters," Sekeramayi said.

The Army-2016 expo, organized by the Russian Defense Ministry, kicked off on Tuesday and is due to last through Sunday. The forum is held in the military-themed Patriot Park in Kubinka near Moscow and in a number of locations in Russia's military districts.

The event brings together representatives from the Russian defense industry, research institutes, universities, as well as foreign companies. Over 800 Russian and foreign participants are expected to be involved in some 7,000 exhibitions throughout the week. The forum's participants and guests are attending a number of conferences and roundtables to discuss the future development of military technology.