Maybe this has something to do with it. We were so quick to attack the Dubai Ports deal, only to find it was a COVERT CIA plan to increase security at ports which today we STILL have no access to. People need to think a bit in these times!
LLS
Reports: Iran to buy jets from Russia
jpost.com ^ | Jul. 30, 2007 | YAAKOV KATZ AND HERB KEINON
Posted on 07/30/2007 4:22:09 AM CDT by neverdem
Israel is looking into reports that Russia plans to sell 250 advanced long-range Sukhoi-30 fighter jets to Iran in an unprecedented billion-dollar deal.
According to reports, in addition to the fighter jets, Teheran also plans to purchase a number of aerial fuel tankers that are compatible with the Sukhoi and capable of extending its range by thousands of kilometers. Defense officials said the Sukhoi sale would grant Iran long-range offensive capabilities.
Government officials voiced concern over the reports. They said Russia could be trying to compete with the United States, which announced over the weekend a billion-dollar arms sale to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.
Despite Israeli and US opposition, Russia recently supplied Iran with advanced antiaircraft systems used to protect Teheran’s nuclear installations. At the time, Moscow said it reserved the right to sell Iran weapons, such as the antiaircraft system, that were of a defensive nature.
The Sukhoi-30 is a two-seat multi-role fighter jet and bomber capable of operating at significant distances from home base and in poor weather conditions. The aircraft enjoys a wide range of combat capabilities and is used for air patrol, air defense, ground attacks, enemy air defense suppression and air-to-air combat.
I am not against the deal, per se. I just think we could have put the screws on Saudi Arabia a bit. Do you honestly think Putin is going to supply Iran without concessions?