Russia-Belarus firm to export Pechora-2M systems to 5 countries

Зенитный ракетный комплекс "Печора - 2М"

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MOSCOW, May 26 (RIA Novosti) - The Russia-Belarus financial and industrial group Defense Systems will supply Pechora-2M air defense systems to five countries in the near future, the company's deputy general director said on Tuesday.

The Pechora-2M is an upgraded version of the Pechora (SA-3 Goa) low-altitude surface-to-air missile system. The modernized system features a longer range (up to 27 kilometers), an increased kill probability, better resistance to jamming, and the ability to engage multiple targets, including cruise missiles.

"We will deliver Pechora-2M air defense systems to three former Soviet states and two [other] foreign countries soon," Vyacheslav Karatayev said, without specifying the customers.

He added that the company was holding talks with another 10 countries on sales of Pechora missile systems.

"This system is very popular around the world. However, we have not yet been able to increase the production capacity to 15-17 systems annually, as was the case during the Soviet era," the official said.

Some Russian media sources earlier reported that the portfolio of 2009-2011 export orders for Pechora-2M and Pechora-2A SAM systems totaled 200 units, including 70 for Egypt.

The Defense Systems joint venture was formed in 1996 under a Russia-Belarus intergovernmental agreement. The company comprises 38 subsidiaries in both countries and focuses on the production, export and post-sale servicing of Pechora-2M air defense systems.