Russia announced the purchase of the Saudis-400 and manufacture Riyadh AK-103
Russia has officially announced it is supplying the Saudis complex With-400 “Triumph”. Earlier media reports estimated the cost of this contract is $2 billion But in addition, Riyadh is going to produce the AK-103.
Russia will supply Saudi Arabia of anti-aircraft missile air defense system s-400, anti-tank missile complexes “Kornet-EM”, heavy flamethrower system TOS-1A “Pinocchio” and grenade launchers AGS-30. This was stated by the official representative of the Federal service for military-technical cooperation Maria Vorobyov, reports “RIA Novosti”.
In addition, Saudi Arabia will start production of Kalashnikov AK-103 and ammunition. The corresponding contract was signed by Rosoboronexport and Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI).
That Riyadh and Moscow agreed to supply s-400 was known on 5 October. Information confirmed the source of RBC in the concern “Almaz-Antey”, which produces these defense systems. “As for payment, Saudi Arabia is able to buy everything once and for many years to come, but they do not because they are businessmen and avaricious people,” — said the source of RBC.
According to “Kommersant”, the amount of all arms contracts with the Saudis in excess of $3 billion, $2 billion of them will be the purchase of s-400. The Saudi king arrived in Moscow on 4 October, and the next day met with President Vladimir Putin. This is the first visit to Russia, for the monarchs of Saudi Arabia.
Russia has agreed to supply s-400 Turkey. Selling air defense systems to U.S. allies — Turkey and Saudi Arabia — were criticized in Washington, but it is the outcome of the transactions is not affected.