Russia to create bank for defence industry
Russia will create a state-owned bank to finance its defence industry which has encountered difficulties in obtaining financing due to US sanctions, the Russian Ministry of Finance (MoF) announced on 18 January.
The MoF said the bank would specialise in conducting operations related to state defence orders and large state contracts.
Russian media have presented the opening of such a bank as a means to protect the country's other lenders from Western sanctions on Russia's military-industrial complex over the conflict in eastern Ukraine, including recently tightened US measures.
At the end of December 2017, Russian private bank Alfa said it would stop working with firms in the defence sector because of the US sanctions.
Russian media have said the bank could be created on the base of an existing medium-sized bank.
The MoF said the bank would soon become the property of the state.
More from Defence Notes
-
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.