Russia to 'donate' 10 MiG-29 jet fighters to Lebanon

MOSCOW, December 16 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will supply Lebanon with 10 MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters, Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Murr said on Tuesday after a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Anatoly Serdyukov. 

Serdyukov said Moscow had received a weapons procurement list from the Lebanese armed forces which would be considered in the near future. 

He added that the fighter deliveries would provide a fresh impetus to military cooperation between the two countries. 

A member of the Lebanese delegation said the aircraft would be provided "as aid." 

According to inside sources privy to the deal, the warplanes "will be sold at a hefty discount." 

Media reports say the Lebanese Air Force is in a deplorable state with virtually no airworthy planes. 

Currently the Air Force is 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.

• Russia |
• contract |
• delivery

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