Article Posted on : - Dec 18, 2008

A file photo of MiG 29 Fulcrum fighter. Photo creditt: RIA Novosti

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia has received a weapons procurement list from Lebanon under which it will supply 10 MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters to that country.

An announcement to this effect was made by Lebanese Defence Minister Elias Murr on Tuesday after a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Anatoly Serdyukov, who told the media that Moscow had received the weapons procurement list from the Lebanese Armed Forces which would be considered.

Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoting Seryukov said that the Fulcrum fighters’ delivery would provide a fresh impetus to military cooperation between the two countries. However, a member of the Lebanese delegation said the aircraft would be provided “as aid.”

The news agency, however, quoting inside sources said the warplanes “will be sold at a hefty discount”.

Reports appearing in the media state that the Lebanese Air Force is in a terrible state with virtually no planes worth flying.

The Lebanese Air Force is currently equipped with Bell UH-1 Iroquois combat helicopters, developed back in the 1950s, and Robinson R44 Raven II civilian helicopters, all of which were supplied by the United States.

In 2007, Beirut took delivery of nine SA342L Gazelle helicopters from the United Arab Emirates, the agency said.