T-14 Armata

[Husar]

Does this not rather bear out my point - viz Russia being unable to maintain a consistent quality level? What you're saying is that they came up with the "clever" solution of selling the duds.

No: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Export_...tary_equipment

Export variants of Soviet military equipment were versions of Soviet military equipment (armored vehicles, airplanes, missiles) of significantly inferior capability to the original designs and intended only for export.

[Papewaio]

No surprise there. USA doesn't release their best tech particularly fighter planes. Sure might be the same airframe but key components will not be as advanced.