Lebanon plans to buy Russian helicopters and air defense systems

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Defence & Security News - Lebanon

 
 
Monday, October 6, 2014 01:32 PM
 
 Lebanon plans to buy Russian helicopters and air defense systems
Lebanon is reportedly planning to buy weapons from Russia, including helicopters and air defense systems, in a bid to battle the persisting threat of Takfiri terrorism along its borders. The report of the potential deal came on Friday, October 3, following a formal visit to Moscow by Lebanon’s Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk in late September, US-based World Tribune reported.
     
Lebanon is reportedly planning to buy weapons from Russia, including helicopters and air defense systems, in a bid to battle the persisting threat of Takfiri terrorism along its borders. The report of the potential deal came on Friday, October 3, following a formal visit to Moscow by Lebanon’s Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk in late September, US-based World Tribune reported.
Lebanese military urgently needs arms and special equipment to battle ISIL, such as Russian Mi-35 attack helicopters
     
There are talks on buying Russian arms and special equipment by Lebanon,” Machnouk was cited as saying by the Tribune during his Moscow visit intended to discuss purchase of arms for Lebanese Internal Security Forces, using a pledged Saudi grant that is yet to be delivered.

According to the report by the online journal, the Lebanese military may obtain “advanced models of Russian helicopters and air defense systems” through its potential deal with Moscow.

The Lebanese military has a lot of experience working with Russian weapons,” Machnouk said, adding, “So they will soon determine what is needed.

The report further cited authorities as saying that the Lebanese military urgently needs helicopters, night-vision systems, sniper rifles and reconnaissance systems to battle the ISIL Takfiri terrorist as well as other radical terror groups.

It added, however, that Beirut was still waiting for Saudi authorities to make good on the pledge to send money to Lebanon for military and security purchases.

This is while Lebanon’s Army Chief General Jean Kahwaji announced last week that an earlier Saudi grant of USD 3 billion to purchase French military hardware has not come through yet.

Riyadh has made two financial pledges to the Lebanese security forces since 2013: the first was USD 3 billion worth of French weapons and equipment, while the second was for an immediate deal to reinforce its security and military agencies.