From RIA Novosti:  Russia sold a record $15.16 billion worth of weaponry in 2012 while expanding its foreign client list, the Federal Military-Technical Cooperation Service (FSMTC) reported on Monday.

“The volume of arms exports has reached $15.16 billion, according to preliminary calculations…which means that our plans have been fulfilled by 111.8 percent,” FSMTC chief Alexander Fomin told a government meeting on state defense contracts.

Russia reported arms sales of $13.2 billion in 2011, enough to maintain its position as the world’s second arms exporter after the United States.

"In the past ten years, we have seen a general increase in exports, which have tripled since 2003,” Fomin said.

“The portfolio of orders for defense-related products has also tripled. Its current value exceeds $46 billion,” he added.

India is the leading purchaser of Russian arms, with Myanmar, Vietnam, Venezuela and Middle East countries also among the Russian defense industry’s main clients.  (photo: Moscow Top News)