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Russia Reportedly Strikes Fighter-Jet Deal With Iran

By Heather McPherson,  Newser User

Posted Jul 30, 2007 4:19 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Israel is investigating reports that Russia will supply Iran with $1 billion in long-range fighter jets and aerial fuel tankers, the Jerusalem Post says. Israeli officials say the pact could be a partial response to a billion-dollar US arms deal with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.

Teheran's purchase of 250 Sukhoi-30 warplanes and refueling tanks would give it unprecedented long-range offensive capabilities, posing an increased threat to Israel. Russia signed an arms deal with Iran last year, despite US-Israeli protests, but the weapons were considered defensive—designed to protect Iran's nuclear installations.

Air Force crew members of a Russian made Sukhoi Su-30 MK 2 jet participate in an air show at the inauguration ceremony of the elite Simon Bolivar Air Force squadron in Barcelona, Venezuela, Friday, May 25, 2007. 250 jets like these will be sold to Iran as part of the...
Air Force crew members of a Russian made Sukhoi Su-30 MK 2 jet participate in an air show at the inauguration ceremony of the elite Simon Bolivar Air Force squadron in Barcelona, Venezuela, Friday, May...   (Associated Press)
A Sukhoi SU-30K of the Indian Air Force lands at Gwalior Air Base in India. The Russian air superiority fighter can also perform ground strikes and is overall comparable to the U.S.'s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-15E Strike Eagle.
A Sukhoi SU-30K of the Indian Air Force lands at Gwalior Air Base in India. The Russian air superiority fighter can also perform ground strikes and is overall comparable to the U.S.'s F/A-18E/F Super...   (Wikimedia Commons)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad waves as he boards his plane in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, July 19, 2007, for Damascus, Syria. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad waves as he boards his plane in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, July 19, 2007, for Damascus, Syria. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)   (Associated Press)
Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Cabinet meeting in Zavidovo, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of Moscow, Tuesday, July 24, 2007. (AP Photo/RIA-Novosti, Presidential Press Service, Dmitry Astakhov)
Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Cabinet meeting in Zavidovo, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of Moscow, Tuesday, July 24, 2007. (AP Photo/RIA-Novosti, Presidential Press Service, Dmitry...   (Associated Press)
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More on the US arms deal in the MidEast
Wall Street Journal

Iran speaks out against US deal
Associated Press

Russia to set up Iran's first nuclear plant next year
Sydney Morning Herald

 
Iran • Russia • Israel • Middle East • Saudi Arabia • fighter jet • fuel tankers • arms deal

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