Russia probes officers over China arms sales: report

MILPLEX

China has long been a major client for Russian arms but the trade has become sensitive due to Russian concerns about piracy of Russian technology by the Chinese side as Beijing develops a home-grown weapons complex. Photo courtesy of AFP.

by Staff Writers
Moscow (AFP) Feb 25, 2009
Russia's military prosecutor on Wednesday announced a probe into high-level naval officers and businessmen suspected of supplying anti-submarine rockets to China illegally, Interfax reported.

The prosecutor, Sergei Fridinsky, said the suspects had transferred the 30 rockets as well as 200 aviation bombs to the ex-Soviet state of Tajikistan with the intention of selling them on to China for 18 million dollars (14 million euros).

"We have provided material for the launching of a criminal case against naval officers and several businessmen" in relation to the illegal supply, he told a prosecutors' meeting.

A source close to the enquiry said the probe concerned high-level officers and that 1.6 million dollars (1.2 million euros) had left state coffers in the course of the weapons transfer.

"Currently the possible participation in this affair of several naval officers including vice- and rear-admirals is being checked," the source said.

Russia maintains a military presence in Tajikistan, which borders western China.

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Analysis: European defense contracts

Brussels (UPI) Jan 26, 2009
French arms exports soared by almost 15 percent in 2008, the French government announced earlier this month. France hopes to further boost its international arms exports by finally creating overseas demand for its long-criticized Rafale fighter jet, manufactured by Dassault.

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