MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin says that arms sales abroad have continued to increase over the past year.
Speaking Monday at a meeting with top officials, Putin said that arms exports are expected to top $13 billion this year, which he said exceeds last year's sales by more than $2 billion.
The Russian leader added that Moscow's positions on the global arms market have continued to strengthen despite Western sanctions.
Russian arms shipments abroad this year included the delivery of the S-400 air defense missile systems to Turkey — a deal that vexed Washington.
Putin said Russian arms manufacturers now have foreign orders totaling $50 billion.
During the meeting, Putin urged Russian officials to pay special attention to arms sales to Africa and show a "flexible" ap
