14.01.2005, 23:10
Syrien hat vor neue Flugabwehrsysteme von Russland zu beschaffen.
Zitat:ASSAD MULLS BIGGEST ARMS DEAL IN 20 YEARSQuelle: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2005/january/01_14_1.html">http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2005/ ... _14_1.html</a><!-- m -->
MOSCOW [MENL] -- President Bashar Assad has been mulling an effort to complete what could mark the biggest Syrian arms deal in 20 years.
Russian officials said Assad plans to discuss the purchase of Russian long-range rockets, long- and short-range anti-aircraft systems, anti-tank missiles and other weapons during his visit to Russia. Asad was scheduled to arrive in St. Petersburg on Jan. 24 for a four-day visit in what officials said would focus on defense and military cooperation between Russia and Syria.
President Vladimir Putin has approved the sale of several of the systems requested by Syria, officials said. They include the export of the Iskander-E mobile long-range rocket, also called the SS-26 missile, and the SA-18 surface-to-air missile. Both systems have been developed by KBM Instruments, based in Tula.
In 2004, Russia reported a record export year of about $5.7 billion, with China and India deemed the leading defense clients of Moscow. Still, as late as two weeks ago, officials discounted the prospect of a major Russian arms deal in the Middle East during 2005.