Russia eyes Brunei as potential arms buyer

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MOSCOW: Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport expressed the hope on Wednesday that it could initiate military-technological cooperation with the sultanate of Brunei.

The sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, arrived on an official visit to Russia on Monday and met with Rosoboronexport officials for discussions on the possibility of future arms purchases from Moscow.

"We hope that our recent meeting will mark the beginning of mutually beneficial and constructive dialogue in the sphere of military-technological cooperation between our two states," Rosoboronexport general director Viktor Komardin said.

Bolkiah was given a multimedia presentation of Russian-made air defense systems and was shown a Ka-52 attack helicopter in action. He also visited a training center for special forces units, and watched a demonstration of spetsnaz tactics.

"Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah showed an active interest in Russian weaponry and expressed satisfaction with the talks and presentations," Rosoboronexport said in a press release.

Rosoboronexport has not yet received any orders for the delivery of military equipment to Brunei, a former British colony in southeast Asia, although the Russian company exhibited a variety of military export items during a special presentation in Brunei in 2005.

Brunei has a limited military contingent, comprising ground forces, air force and navy, to counter aggression, terrorism and insurgency. The most combat capable force is the Gurkha Reserve Unit, which serves to protect the sultan, the royal family, and oil installations.

The Royal Brunei Armed Forces use a wide range of foreign equipment, mostly from Britain, France and the United States.

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