Russia debuts Sarma MRL as export revenue hits $15 billion

Rostec has revealed details of a new multiple rocket launcher called Sarma, as Russia looks to re-establish its defence export portfolio following the diversion of much of its production to the War in Ukraine. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on February 2, 2026. 

BLUF: 

• Rostec will display its new Sarma multiple rocket launcher at the World Defense Show. The system fires 300 mm rockets from the Smerch and Tornado-S family and may have a good shot on the export market. 
• Russian exports experienced a 14-fold collapse following the invasion of Ukraine. But Putin recently indicated that “foreign currency revenue” reached $15 billion in 2025. While this may signal a rebound in Russian defence exports, there are a few caveats to bear in mind. 

Russia’s Rostec Corporation will show its new Sarma multiple rocket launcher (MRL) platform at the World Defense Show in Riyadh from 8-12 February, according to a January 30 press release. 

The new system is based on an 8×8 truck and carries six 300 mm rockets that can be from the BM-30 Smerch or modernised Tornado-S family. This gives the vehicle the ability to fire guided and unguided rockets with high explosive or cluster warheads out to 120 km. 

Sarma can come into action in under three minutes and requires around the same time to be ready to move after a fire mission, the press release states. It takes 18 seconds to fire all six rockets in a salvo, and has a crew of three. All functions related to firing can be conducted from inside the armoured cabin.

Russia has reported $15 billion in export revenue for 2025 (£11.84 billion/€13.83 billion) to more than 30 countries, President Putin told his Commission for Military Technical Cooperation with Foreign States on January 30. 

This marks a considerable turn around in the country’s export fortunes as its export revenue collapsed following the invasion of Ukraine. The cause was most likely the need for Russia’s defence industry to focus on resourcing the sudden demands of the war, as opposed to a loss of support. 

Why does Russia need defence exports?

The export rebound is critical for Russia’s defence industry. The head of Rostec, which is the overall parent company for most of Russia’s state-backed defence industry, told Putin in 2023 that the entire industry was struggling because of state orders. 

“Unfortunately, our net profit has dropped significantly to only 39 billion [Rubles – approx $458.82 million], as opposed to 163 billion [$1.92 billion] last year. This outcome is mainly due to the corporation taking more state defence orders, with zero or even negative profitability,” Sergei Chemezov explained. 

Civilian production helped to offset some of the revenue losses, but the collapse in export revenue added a confounding factor. State orders have always had a relatively low margin, with exports providing the profits needed for Rostec’s enterprises to expand. 

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However, with much of the production effort focused on the war in Ukraine, Russian manufacturers found themselves unable to meet export deliveries, especially for consumables like ammunition. The reported increase is no doubt welcome, but comes with an important caveat. 

Chemezov has also told the Kremlin that export contracts typically come with a limited cash payment upfront, and that the company would rely on finance to bridge the gap and enable production. But the difficult financial situation in Russia has made borrowing very expensive, with interest rates reaching 17%. This, combined with sanctions, could lead to bankruptcy of many enterprises, Chemezov warned in 2024.

So, whilst the export rebound appears to benefit Russia, it does not necessarily spell a reversal of its fortunes unless the borrowing mechanisms and contract terms with its new customers can be refined to better suit Rostec’s current situation.

Russia’s key exports in 2025

And who are those new customers? Well, Rosoboronexport reported $4.5 billion in contracts to 15 countries during the 2025 edition of IDEX. And throughout the year, the following contracts and deliveries were reported: 

• Algeria: Received first two Su-57E stealth fighters in November 2025 as part of an estimated $2 billion (£1.66 billion/€2.04 billion) contract. Algeria is also receiving Su-35 fighter aircraft. 
• China: In 2023 Russia started discussions with China in 2023 to supply a battalion set of BMD-4M air deployable armoured fighting vehicles. It is not clear if or when the vehicles will be delivered, but this stands as another example of Russia’s growing export portfolio. 
• India: Scheduled to receive a fourth S-400 Triumf squadron by May 2026 under a total $5.43 billion (£4.51 billion/€5.54 billion) deal. Further orders for S-400 missiles are also expected in the near future. Although this order was placed in 2018, it is reasonable to assume that completion will release t
• Iran: Commenced active production for 48 Su-35 multirole fighters valued at approximately $6.5 billion (£5.4 billion/€6.63 billion). 
• Ethiopia: Reported to have received Yak-130 trainer aircraft and supposedly Orion UAVs. 
• Myanmar: Commissioned three Mi-38T transport helicopters and a fleet of Orlan-10 UAVs in late 2025, although the Orlans were ordered in 2021. 

Rumours of Egypt’s T-90MS main battle tank order have also resurfaced, as they periodically have done for the past few years. 

Calibre comment: Will countries want the Sarma MRL?

There is a lot of focus, somewhat understandably, on Russia’s failings in Ukraine. Militarily the war should have been straightforward for the Russian forces. However, erroneous planning assumptions and use of forces combined with an apparently minimal level of training have consistently resulted in underperformance. But in terms of long-range strikes using MRLs, loitering munitions, and electronic warfare, the Russian forces have evolved to become very competent. They are routinely able to conduct strikes deep behind Ukraine’s frontline using a variety of means and systems like the Tornado-S and Iskander-M are important tools used to deliver those effects. 

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So, when a new system like Sarma emerges, it is reasonable to assume that there will be some interest. And this especially so where states are essentially non-aligned, which is often the case in the Middle East. There, armed forces could – in many cases – have the choice between the HIMARS from Lockheed Martin, Chunmoo from Hanwha Systems, the export versions of the PHL-16 from NORINCO, or now the Sarma from Rostec. Even with sanctions and financial struggles, it is probable that Rostec can compete on price and delivery timelines to some extent with most of its competition. All in all, the World Defense Show will be an important barometer for the health of Russia’s defence industry, and the global interest in what it is producing. 

The lead image shows the Sarma MRL on the factory floor in Russia. Credit: Rostec.