US Ban on Russian Defense Firms Raises the Stakes

DID has covered a number of stories lately dealing with defense export restrictions, especially with respect to Venezuela. We’ve also covered stories before involving sanctions against firms who have dealt prohibited materials to Iran, and other stories involving Immigration & Customs Enforcement of trafficking in military items. Our January 3, 2006 report focused on the December 2005 sanctions list for Iranian dealings, which added a number of Chinese firms including Norinco. The latest list, published in the US Federal Register on August 4, 2006, names a pair of significant Russian companies as well: Russia’s central arms export hub Rosoboronexport, and jet fighter manufacturer Sukhoi. While other companies in North Korea, Cuba and India were also named, the fallout has extended into overall US – Russian relations. DID will explain what’s going on and what the resulting sanctions mean, while offering our readers additional sources for their perusal. Armed SU-24 Fencer(click to view full) While there have been accusations from sources including the Russian TASS news agency that the decision against Sukhoi was taken as a result of its sales to Venezuela, the State Department’s Public Notice 5483 in the Federal Register notes that decision was issued July 25th – just […]