Is Syrian - Russian Relations On The Way Out?

MiG-31E Foxhound interceptor-Fighter(Photo from TestPilotRU.)

Russia Freezes Warplane Contract With Syria -- RIA Novosti

MOSCOW, May 20 (RIA Novosti) - Russia has put on a hold a contract to deliver MiG-31E Foxhound interceptor-fighters to Syria, a Russian business daily reported on Wednesday, citing defense-industry sources.

According to Kommersant, the $400-500 million contract for the delivery of eight MiG-31E aircraft was signed in 2007. Since production of MiG-31E's had stopped in 1994, Syria was to receive retrofitted aircraft from Russia's Air Force reserves.

There has been no official comment on the decision to freeze the contract, but an industry source quoted by the daily said the contract was terminated due to Damascus's financial problems.

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Update: Belarus denies plans to sell Syria, Iran weapons -- RIA Novosti

My Comment: Belarus is a very close ally of Russia ... they would never do anything that would contravene Russia's foreign interests. Therefore ..... Belarus is not going to sell weapons to Iran or Syria unless Russia gives its A-OK. For the moment .... this arms sale appears to be dead.

Some have commented that this may mean a change in policy by the Russian government to favor the West. I do not believe this is the case .... to me, it is a question of money. Russia needs money and jobs, and they are more than eager to sell their weaponry. But (unfortunate for the Russians) Syria has a huge debt .... and Iran has a lousy history in paying off its bills. They are not the best customers.