Private Firms to Take Part In Nuclear Arms Development

The St. Petersburg Times

Published: November 14, 2012 (Issue # 1735)

MOSCOW — Private weapons contractors will be allowed to take part in the development of nuclear weapons, a senior government official said Monday.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who oversees the defense sector, told RIA-Novosti that while the defense industry will remain under strict state control, private contractors will be able to play a role in producing nuclear arms.

He added that up to 400 companies could participate in such cooperation between the private and public sectors.

Rogozin, who supports the involvement of private enterprises in the defense sector, said that between 30 and 35 percent of the country’s defense contracts should be fulfilled with private companies’ involvement, reported RIA-Novosti.

Although private companies currently play a minor role in the government-controlled defense industry, Rogozin said earlier that private contractors have taken part in designing new sniper rifles and handguns for the military.