Russia and Libya Sign $1.8 Billion Arms Deal

摘要

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has taken the uncommon step of personally announcing the signature of a major deal for the sale to Libya of Russian weapons worth $1.8 billion. Mr. Putin made the announcement during a visit to the Izhmash small arms factory.rnWhile Prime Minister Putin did not elaborate on the exact content of the deal beyond indicating that it "does not involves small arms only", Russian sources have subsequently suggested a package of 20 fighter aircraft (almost certainly Su-30MK2s), un unspecified number of S-300PMU-2 SAM systems, and a couple dozen T-90 tanks.rnIf confirmed, the signature of the deal would mark the conclusion of a long an rather bizarre procurement process. Back in May 2007, a preliminary agreement was announced for the supply of US$2.2 billion worth of Russian weapons.