Russian arms exports may reach $9bn in 2011, compared with $8.5bn last year, state-run Rosoboronexport chief Anatoly Isaikin has said.

“I am sure that we will exceed this year’s targets – the amount will be $9 billion as a minimum,” Isaikin added.

RIA Novosti also quoted the chief as saying that the volume of arms imports, ranging between $100m-$150m, to Russia largely consisted of aircraft and armour components.

“This does not include the cost of Mistral amphibious assault ships from France. This is because the contract has yet to enter into force,” Isaikin said.

Rosoboronexport had lost a total of $4bn over the cancellation of contracts with Libya and is currently not supplying any arms to Libya in accordance with international agreements.