Russia donates 10 MiG-29 fighter jets to Lebanon

Moscow - Russia will deliver 10 MiG-29 fighter jets to Lebanon as a gift, the head of the federal military and technical cooperation service said Wednesday. The jets are to be fully outfitted to 'export standards' before being shipped, he said

Mikhail Dmitriyev called the donation a means of 'military and technical assistance provided for in the (Russian) budget.

Russia has long sought to expand its influence in the Middle East, and as a member of the Quartet of Mideast peace negotiators proposed to host a conference in Moscow next year.

[at 30M$ each that's a 'gift' of 300M$ - and they'll host a peace conference in Moscow. How nice of Russia to do so for purely altruistic reasons.]

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