EuropeSyria

Russia plans to sign jet deal with Syria

Baqeri_d20130601035120357

Russia plans to sign a deal with Syria to sell at least 10 multi-purpose MIG-29 M/M2 fighter jets to the country.

“The Syrian delegation is in Moscow now, and the details of the contract are now being determined,” MIG corporation CEO Sergei Korotkov told reporters in the Russian capital, Moscow on Friday.

Korotkov noted that Damascus is eager to purchase “more than 10” fighter jets.

The MiG-29 M/M2 is an advanced version of the MiG-29 twin-engine fighter jet, which could be used as both anti-aircraft interceptor and a bomber.

Korotkov’s remarks came days after Russia said that it would provide Syria with S-300 air defense missile systems to deter foreign intervention in the country.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on May 29 that Moscow may reconsider its commitments to restrictions on the delivery of arms to the Syrian government, following a recent decision by the European Union to end an arms embargo on the militants in Syria.

During an interview with Lebanon’s Al-Manar TV on Thursday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that Damascus is already in possession of the first batch of S-300 missile defense systems from Russia.

Syria has been gripped by turmoil since March 2011 and the foreign-sponsored militancy has taken its toll on the lives of many people, including large numbers of Syrian soldiers and security personnel.

Back to top button