Archive for June, 2009

BANGALORE, February 12 (RIA Novosti) – Russia is planning to increase arms exports by 6% to $8.5 billion in 2009, a senior government official said on Thursday. “Despite the financial crisis, we are planning to boost our arms exports in 2009. I believe I would not be mistaken if I were to mention a figure... »

MOSCOW, May 26 (RIA Novosti) – The Russia-Belarus financial and industrial group Defense Systems will supply Pechora-2M air defense systems to five countries in the near future, the company’s deputy general director said on Tuesday. The Pechora-2M is an upgraded version of the Pechora (SA-3 Goa) low-altitude surface-to-air missile system. The modernized system features a... »

MOSCOW, May 29 (RIA Novosti) – The acquisition of new aircraft for Russia’s military transport aviation will begin in 2012, while modernized Il-76, An-22 and An-124 aircraft will remain in service for another 20-30 years, a senior Air Force official said on Friday. According to various sources, there are up to 300 transport aircraft in... »

MOSCOW, June 1 (RIA Novosti) – Russia’s navy has 12 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines in service, but only eight of them are combat-capable, a Russian military analyst said on Monday. “Out of 12 vessels, Northern Fleet’s Typhoon class Dmitry Donskoi submarine has been overhauled to test new Bulava sea-based ballistic missiles, six Delta-IV class units... »

MOSCOW, June 3 (RIA Novosti) – Russia’s prime minister warned on Wednesday that natural gas pumped via Ukraine to Europe could be cut off by early July if Ukraine fails to pay for its gas, and urged the EU to intervene. “During discussions with our European partners, I have called attention to this problem, and... »

MOSCOW, June 3 (RIA Novosti) – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has alleged that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency was planning to shoot down his plane, Latin American press agencies reported on Wednesday. Chavez was scheduled to attend the inauguration of newly elected El Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes earlier in the week, however, he cancelled the... »