Russia sold battalions of S-300 air defense missile systems to Azerbaijan?July 29, 2010 - 16:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - In 2009, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry signed an agreement with Rosoboronexport, the Russian state-controlled arms exporter, for delivery of two battalions of S-300 PMU2 (Favorit) air defense missile systems. A top manager of a Russian defense plant producing components for the system said, Russian Vedomosti paper reported. According to the manager, the agreement's fulfillment has started and it can be completed within two years. Meanwhile, a Rosoboronexport official has refused to comment on the report and Azerbaijani President’s spokesman Azer Kasymov said he has no information on the issue. However, deputy spokesman of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry Teymur Abdullaev said in his comments that “Azerbaijan is systematically strengthening its army and will continue taking actions to this end,” 1news.az reported. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |