Egypt in $3Bn Arms Deal with Russia

Egypt and Russia are said to have agreed on a $3b arms deal, in a direct snub to the US, even as President Vladimir Putin endorsed Egyptian army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's presidential bid during the latter's visit to Moscow.
The move is bound to irk Washington which is the primary arms supplier of the Egyptian military as the likely new regime in Egypt leans towards Moscow.
According to the deal either initiated or signed by Egypt and Russia, contracts for the delivery of MiG-29 M/M2, Fulcrum fighter aircraft, Mi-35 helicopters, air defence complexes and light weapons have been sealed.
If confirmed, this will be the biggest military purchase by Egypt from Russia since the Soviet era.
There has, however, been no official announcement on the deal.
Earlier, there was speculation that Egypt was keen on an arms deal worth billions of dollars with Russia originally initiated by Russian Foreign Minister and Defence Minister.
Local reports suggest the latest deal between the two countries is being backed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
ibtimes