Putin sacrificed over efficiency of Russian weapons in Syria war

"The capability of Russian weapons, their exceptional reliability and efficiency, were demonstrated in the fight against terrorists in the Syrian Arab Republic and in combating terrorism throughout the Middle East,” Putin said on Wednesday at a session of the commission for Russia’s military and technical cooperation with foreign countries.

"The use of aviation and air defense systems in actual combat conditions gives an absolutely invaluable experience for the flight and technical staff, the air defense detachments, as well as developers of domestic military products," the Russian leader added.

Moscow launched its military campaign against Daesh and other terror outfits in Syria in September 2015 at the Damascus government’s request. Russia's airstrikes have significantly helped the Syrian forces deal heavy blows to foreign-backed militants operating in the Arab country since 2011.

Putin also praised the Russian military’s role in “neutralizing the terrorists' chemical weapons" and demining operations in the Syrian cities of Palmyra and Aleppo, which was fully liberated in December last year.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Russian president called for a “constant analysis” of the country’s “practical use of the defense technologies” in order to “improve the methods of military training.”

Russia second biggest weapons exporter

Commenting on the value of Russia’s military hardware exports, Putin said the country signed contracts worth $9.5 billion last year.

"Russian military products enjoy stable demand and are supplied to 52 countries of the world. Last year, new contracts worth a total of $9.5 billion were signed," the Russian leader said, adding that “the export order book of the defense industry remains at $50 billion."

Therefore, he said, “Russia confidently holds the second place in the world by the volume of military exports, which exceeded $15 billion last year."

KD