These were the words of the CEO of Rosoboronexport (the Russian state export conglomerate), Alexander Mikheyev, during an interview with Russian media prior to the SITDEF 2021 international defense exhibition.
SITDEF 2021 is a Defense and Security exhibition taking place in the city of Lima (capital of Perú) from October 28-31. At that event, Russia plans to have a very strong presence, as it will promote more than 300 different types of weapon systems and vehicles.
According to TASS news agency, Mikheyev noted that «we reaffirm our readiness to supply new Russian combat aircraft of Peru’s choice».
According to Mikheyev, Russia is also ready to upgrade Peru’s warplanes. «Russia is ready to ensure modernization of MiG-29 and Su-25 fighter jets if Peru requests it,» the Rosoboronexport general director said.
Mikheyev stressed that, in addition, Russia is ready to supply new Mil Mi-171Sh helicopters to the Latin American nation. «Russia is ready to supply Peru with as many Mil-171Sh helicopters as the country’s armed forces need to perform their tasks, as well as to ensure the full maintenance cycle and a compensation program, and to train Peruvian specialists in their use,» the Rosoboronexport director general added.
The Peruvian Air Force (FAP) is equipped with Mikoyan MiG-29 multirole fighters, Sukhoi Su-25 jet aircraft and Mil Mi-171Sh-P military transport helicopters.
Rosoboronexport will show mock-ups of a Yak-130 combat trainer aircraft, and a Mi-28NE combat helicopter. In turn, data will be provided on Su-35, Su-30SME and MiG-35 fighters, Mi-35M, Mi-171Sh and Ansat helicopters and their advanced air-launched weapons complexes. The wide range of Russian air defense systems will also be publicized, from the shoulder-launched Igla and Verba, through the famous Pantsyr S-1 system, to the powerful S-400 «Triumf».
Alexander Mikheyev also mentioned that he will take the opportunity provided by the SITDEF 2021 show to promote and give more details of the Checkmate, the future Russian 5th generation single-engine fighter, as «the Air Forces of many countries, including in South America, have a need for aircraft of this type».
