Moscow hosts summit to modernize Iran military
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 E-Mail this story Free Headline Alerts
MOSCOW Ñ Iran and Russia have launched a defense summit in an effort to pave the way for major weapons sales.
On Feb. 17, Iranian Defense Minister Mustafa Najar began talks with Russian leaders in Moscow, Middle East Newsline reported. Officials said Najar held meetings with his Russian counterpart, Anatoly Serdyukov, on Moscow's offers to sell major weapons systems to Teheran.
"There will be decisions that come out of this visit," an official said.
Officials said Russia has presented proposals for the modernization of much of Iran's military. They said the package would include new aircraft, including the upgraded MiG-29SMT, S-300 air defense systems and naval platforms.
"Teheran and Moscow are to review ways to enhance military cooperation during an upcoming visit to Russia by the Iranian defense minister," Iran's semi-official Fars news agency said.
The Moscow-based Interfax news agency reported that Najar arrived in the Russian capital on late Feb. 16. Interfax said the focus of Najar's visit would be the procurement of the S-300 long-range air defense system.
"Najar is planning to meet with Rosoboronexport officials and will visit a defense plant," Interfax said. "The implementation of a contract for the supply of S-300 anti-aircraft missiles, prospects for signing new contracts and post-sale maintenance for the already supplied 29 Tor-M1 anti-aircraft systems promise to be at the center of Najar's visit."
Russia has been deemed the leading military supplier of Iran. Officials said Iran has demanded technology transfer and coproduction in any deal with Moscow.
Officials said Moscow has been pressing hard for major arms sales to Iran in 2009. They said the Kremlin sees Iran as a major market in plans to increase Russian defense exports to $8.5 billion over the next year.
"Despite the financial crisis, we are planning to boost our arms exports in 2009," Russian Federal Service on Military-Technical Cooperation deputy director Alexander Fomin said.