Lukashenka asking Iskanders and S-400 complexes from Russia

Rosoboroneksort is to consider a request of official Minsk for buying weapons.

This statement was made by Valery Varlamov, head of Rosoboroneksort’s department, Interfax reports.

“If we have an appropriate order and a decision taken, we will settle the issue,” Varlamov said to a question on whether Rosoboroneksort was considering requests of Minsk for purchasing S-400 air defense complexes and Iskander tactical missile systems.

At the same time, according to a Rosoboroneksport representative, on should be careful with an issue of exporting such arms as S-400 complexes and Iskanders.

“Our position is that our Armed Forces must be equipped with these systems first of all,” V. Varlamov said.

Besides, he said Belarus also showed its interest in Tor-M2 and Buk-M2 missile systems. “We will continue negotiating on this issue as we have some problems to be solved,” Varlamov said.

He noted in particular that negotiations on delivery arms to Belarus would be discussed by Rosoboroneksport’s delegation at MILEX 2009 armament exhibition to open in Minsk next week.

It was informed earlier with a reference to General-Lieutenant Vadim Volkovitsky, first deputy commander of the Russian air force, that Russia would deliver S-400 missile systems in the frameworks of the development of the joint regional air defense system.

The general said S-400 systems to Minsk delivery was discussed during a visit of the head of the Russian Joint Staff to Belarus, where an issue on implementation of the agreement on the joint air defence system signed between the two states.

Israeli media referring to a source close to the Kremlin said the Belarus was going to sell Iskanders to Iran and Syria.