Russia Confirms it Would Give Lebanon 10 MiG Fighters
Russia is to deliver to Lebanon 10 MiG fighter jets for free, the head of the Russian defense cooperation body said Wednesday.
"Russia”s defense ministry has decided to deliver to Lebanon, as part of defense cooperation, 10 MiG 29 fighter jets from our existing contingent," the Interfax news agency quoted Mikhail Dmitriyev as saying.
The fighter jets would be modernized before delivery and the Russian defense ministry would pay for the transport of the jets, he confirmed, following a visit to Moscow by Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Murr.
"Military-technical assistance, this means assistance in budgetary funds," he said.
He said the warplanes would be covered by a limited warranty period and the parties would later have talks on a service agreement for after the warranty period expires.
The leader of the anti-Syrian parliamentary majority in Lebanon, Saad Hariri, welcomed the move as support for Lebanon”s "legitimate institutions."
"Russia gives a good example of how to deal with Lebanon”s cause, and we hope that all those calling for Lebanon”s independence and sovereignty would do the same," he said.
Dmitriyev said Russia could also supply ground equipment to the Lebanese army.
"We consider the Lebanese army a key element of political stability and we are ready to provide it with arms."
The United States has given 410 million dollars in military aid to the Lebanese army since 2006 but this has been limited to light weapons and vehicles.