Problem with Russia is its lack of funds and its economic structure. The collapse of Soviet Union severely weakened its military, and research institutes within that military-industrial complex suffered. It was not until 2002 that the Russia economy slightly recovered. The problem with this recovery was that it was driven by exporting natural resources such as oil and natural gas.
From a manufacturing perspective, Russian products cannot compete with the high-end stuff from Japan, Europe and North America. On the lower end, it doesn't have the competitive advantage of China. This caused Russian industries to be snuffed out and marginalized on the world market. Because of a shrinking industrial base, it has to depend more on natural resources to make up the income. The problem with that, is that prices are subject to speculation and these resources are finite. Putin talked big about how he planned to strengthen the Russian military when oil/natural gas was at an all time high before 2008 economic crisis. Sadly, the economic crisis hit oil/natural gas prices especially hard, and sent Russia back to the bottom.
Now not to knock on Putin, he did a good job taking the wealth back from the oligarches back to the state, but he did not/could not fundamentally change Russia's economic structure. Certainly Russia will remain a strong regional power, but that's about as high as it can go.
i disagree.
the russians do have a large portion of the arms market.
the largest arms suppliers have purchased Russian, even China. Su-27, S-300, and so on for license production.
i think, they will have the arms market, certain areas for a while especially for industries the firms that have survived because they have an edge.
Twin engine fighter jets<---su-27/30
Tanks<----t-90 is 2 to 3 and has same dimension of t-72
missile systems<---s-300 which has made large sales and has become competitive in terms of price
know while the Su-27 airframe is old, it has massive potential to grow. with the new engines, it can super-cruise and bring it near or on par with the euro fighters.
the t-90, is of course a dead struggle, but a tanks a tank. and this one is competitive. its only competitor is the AK and T-84's from Ukraine. However, the Soviet, research has been applied and it keeps on seeing upgrades. Production is also cheap as well, not to mention maintenance.
As far a civilian market is concerned, the Russians, have just recently started competing in it. I know a few firms, that have made a reputation for them selves in services to Europe. The Soviet skills training paid off. Especially in heavy manufacturing of steal etc..