Report: Russia signs arms deal with Syria

The French, thought that they had a deal. They tried to bring in Pres.Assad from the cold. They hosted him in Paris, they bowed and scraped to his every whim, they even sponsored him towards the rather incredulous leaders of the EU, but to no avail, for Pres.Assad is a lost soul, lost to Tehran and Associates. The Russians are careful folk, with a long history in weapons sales in the Middle East. Lets be fair, Syria has a pretty shoddy military, most of all nobody really cares what type of aircraft they fly, for they normally lose their aircraft not only due to pilot error, but also due to bad maintenance. Then again anti tank missiles are fine. Even some anti aircraft canon or whatever they have mothballed is fine, since Syria is not about to pay cash for any of the above, for its called lease lend equipment. Syria will give up some of its port facilities. The real Russian intent, is rather facing off to the United States Navy both in the Med and Black Sea. This unfolding drama, will have no bearing on the security of Israel. Let the Syrians be content with some outdated military hardware for their parades and lets just watch the unfolding standoff between the Obama Administration and the Kremlin. Israel and Russia are far closer than many realize, they both share common values, unlike the current flip flop( "Lets check the Polls first, then talk"!) political establishment in Washington DC. A nice day to all, from snowy Swiss Alps.

How take off and how to eject they have a real problem understanding the concept of landing your plane in 1 piece rather than ejecting and leaving the plane to crash. The MIG 29 Syria is getting has inferior electronics systems to Israels and their Russian missiles are inferior to Israels so I doubt they will be shooting down any Israeli aircraft, Israel has also leased Indian MIG 29s and the IAF use them for training so they learn the strenghs and weaknesses of the plane in combat. Israel now equips its tanks with the Trophy system which destroys ant tank weapons before they hit the tank & IAF has shown in the past its capable of getting round Russian anti aircraft systems. I hope Assad likes looking at his new toys because thats probably the only way they will make him happy because in combat they will probably let him down. Israel of course like all countries want their enemies to be as weak as possible and so will try and get the deal called off through diplomatic means. if diplomacy fails its not a problem, this is not a game changer and won't make Syria anymore capable of dealing with Israel than it is already because the IDF is more than capable of dealing with any of these weapons

.Israel walked away when the issue of the Golan came up for negotiating. A few weeks later Operation cast Lead started. Why did ya finished the job during peaceful times.?

Why should self-defense weapons be troubling to any other country?

Israel sells arms to Georgia, thinking about making a profit and not about Russia. Surprise surprise, the Russians think about profits and not only about Israel. In fact, Syria is a strategic ally of Russia. As in the past, the deal probably includes some payment in kind, allowing Russia the use of 2 Syrian ports on the Mediterranean. As far as genuine Israeli interests, this arms deal is not bad at all. What was sold were only defensive weapons, to help Syria defend itself against an Israeli attack. Inconvenient for Israel, but no cause for complaint. If one worries about the Mig-29 fighter planes (and not bombers), one should take into account that Syria already HAS these planes, and even Israel has such planes which it uses for training pilots against them. The balance of power is unchanged. Amazingly, this is what the Russians said and, more amazingly, they even considered Israeli interests in the deal.

Israel sells arms to Georgia, thinking about making a profit and not about Russia. Surprise surprise, the Russians think about profits and not only about Israel. In fact, Syria is a strategic ally of Russia. As in the past, the deal probably includes some payment in kind, allowing Russia the use of 2 Syrian ports on the Mediterranean. As far as genuine Israeli interests, this arms deal is not bad at all. What was sold were only defensive weapons, to help Syria defend itself against an Israeli attack. Inconvenient for Israel, but no cause for complaint. If one worries about the Mig-29 fighter planes (and not bombers), one should take into account that Syria already HAS these planes, and even Israel has such planes which it uses for training pilots against them. The balance of power is unchanged. Amazingly, this is what the Russians said and, more amazingly, they even considered Israeli interests in the deal.

Britain negotiated with the IRA in order to settle the conflict in Northern Ireland. Israel negotiated with the PLO in order to bring them in and install them over the Palestinians when it became clear during the First Intifada that the alternative would be Hamas. Whom to negotiate with is not in the moral code but in the political code. Whether or not to negotiate with Hamas is primarily a political question. The Syrians and Russians are doing it because it makes sense for them. Should Israel negotiate with Hamas? They will be very tough negotiators, so if there is a better alternative, I would choose the other one TODAY. (Perhaps tomorrow circumstances will change.) I would reach a deal with Abbas and the PLO, get West-Bankers to approve it in a referendum, then destroy the Hamas regime in Gaza (either by helping the PLO and other Arab states do it or have the IDF do it), have Abbas take over Gaza, and let us all say Amen.

straight giving the arms to al-Qaida ???

HE UPSETS EVERY ONE HE MEETS

HE UPSETS EVERY ONE HE MEETS

syria is paying for its russia arms purchase from money made from scuds delivered to lebanon. they must be expensive old scuds perhaps from jurasic park :)

I wonder if these "air defense systems" will all be implemented purely in Syria, or if any of this weaponry should happen to "accidentally" slip into the border of Iran? Or possibly even Hezbollah? Russia shows when it comes to WW3, it has no problem supplying the arms and sit back to watch how things play out AFTER it already made it's arms-deal profits... If anyone thinks all these systems will stay only within Syria's borders they're crazy.

Syria is paying for the weapons and not recieving it free like the 200 million deal to Israel. Israel was offered peace by returning the Golan backs to its real owners but refused. So maybe there's another way or atleast this will make Israel think twice before attacking

And yet more Russian weapons will be used to kill Jews

Ha, what a joke, israel is the terrorist state in evrey way. Good to see Russia stepping up and balancing things out a bit. Best way to keep the cowardly US and israeli thugs at bay is military strength, sadly.

...Hellllooo!!!

Russia itself may not be a Moslem country but their circle of influence. (i.e.-the old USSR), had at least 50% or 150M Moslems within its territory. Moscow has always aligned itself the Moslems but has warmed considerably towards Israel over the last 20 years. This sale may work to draw Israel in tighter with them, since as its influence in the area increases Russia will get more attention from Israel, at a time when the US is spurning its longtime ally. Smart to show the Israelis that influence with Moscow would be beneficial.

Its coming to pass right before our eyes, and nobody cares.

Your failure to warn Syrians of the first talkback, and the second warning for June 21,2010. Will be the beginning of the first seven trumpet sounding across the ME. Then Iran shall be struck by non standard approaches before Russia gets its jaw pruned hooked just for having an evil thought. and drags itself into a war with ultra tragic consequences. Pray YHWH and His anger will simmer down before hearing the calling out of His Name. Oh ye of little faith. It is for the sake of your ancestors that you will be spared from an out and outright Judgement. Go ahead continue to listen to the noises you utter concerning yourselves, rather than listening to the Voice of the One True God. Who is responsible for your Promised Right of Return.Listen up you braggerts and fools, who disbelieve and try convincing the meek of another Messiah, when the Foundation of the world walked among you. Make the final prophetic abomination become a reality and pray for your death to be swift for it will not be with mercy for you goats and mules.

It's business as usual. If you have money you can buy arms.

Russia's sale of arms to Syria falls right in line with prophecy...and no one even notices.

go ahead...they going to deliver the weapons in like...50 years, just as they did qith the iranians...

It helps to level the playing field and contain Israeli military adventures. History has shown that Israel is reluctant to attack when there is a possibility of severe retaliation. If the anti aircraft weapons can be operational quickly, there will not be a war with Syria in 2010 or probably 2011 also.

You can have the best car in the world but if you suck at driving it won't matter much. Syria is still no match for the IDF!

You actually think Russia is selling Syria weapons that are more advanced than Israel's? Russia is getting rid of it's junk weapons to the Syrians. Israel's just salivating for a reason to pre-emptively strike Syria as it has been in trying to pre-emptively striking Iran or South Lebanon.

it is outrageous how US taxpayers continue to give israel a welfare check each year!

it is outrageous!

The RussianPresident's recent visit to Syria and Turkey was nothing more than a front for major arms deals. Russia's interests with the enemies of the U.S and Israel's is quite evident. The U.,S. needs to REALLY reevaluate our true relationship with Russia. Russia, China and North Korea used their nuclear engineers to help Iran build their nuclear reactors and now, Syria. This is even more evidence that the United States needs to stand behind Israel even more than ever. We need to continue with major arms sales in radars, air defense systems, anti-aircraft missiles and anti short/long range ballistic missiles. For Russia to meet with the Hamas leadership is deplorable. The U.S. needs to crack down hard on Russia and counter every action they take with the same for our Israeli friends.

At the end of the day, these weapons will only cause a minor inconvenience to IDF. If they start a war or actively participate in a war along with Iran/Hezbo, they will be crushed and as mentioned, MIg-29 will be added to Israel`s museum.

i've said many times russia will side with the arabs, and china will as well, there going to look after themselves with selling arms, israel and america cannot stop this, not with russia and china together.

It is only right.

Mr. Medvedev, in the end you will end up looking bad, because you know very well Israel will destroy your armaments quickly in the event of war. Your defense industry will loose international business (other then the losers you support). It seems to me that you are making a bad business deal in the long run.

Russia has been supplying arms to Syria for decades the question is who is paying for them? It seems that Iran is buying these weapons for the planned offensive against Israel they are sponsoring.

Still, Israel will not give back the Golan. Why not? Because it owns the US Congress lock, stock and barrel. I dare one poster to refute this claim. And Israel, which puckers up about anyone telling it what to do, goes on gaily and daily telling every other country what it should do. Give back the Golan and there will be no more pretext for Syria to do anything rash. Until then Israel is an arrogant thief, and the world knows it.

Russia is establishing a foothold in a country that totters between declaring Israel an enemy or a neighbor... ... hopefully Syria will think twice about overt animosity towards us, as long as Russia is around... ... until now, only Iran's influence prevailed in Syria... .

Arms deal with syria means Arms deal with hezbolah Al Qida, Hamas, Taliban Al shebab. There are 4 bad arms dealer countries . Russia , North Korea ,Iran and Syria . I think world must united against those countries . Always they are afriends of Terror Organizations. And most of those countries are direct war mongers. those 2 countries Iran and Syria must be punished for one and last time . Before they get Atomic Bombs . if they could make the bomb they will destroyed the world .even they do not care about their people because they are terrorists who they don,t want peace. Because they are evils. so Israel please go and destroy their arsenals before it is too late. PM Benjamin Nathanyahu hurry up do something to redeem the Jews and the promise land from the evils . Do not wait until Russia give the MG warplane air Defense missile or anti tank weapons to those evils. and in any conditions do not disagree with the US president Barack Obama . Dear PM Benjamin Nathaniyahu remember what happened for our for fathers . Remember the Holocaust of six millions of innocent Children .women .pregnant women elders religious leaders etc . The new bad man Haman From Iran is preparing to destroy your regime and the land of our fathers . So if you late to take any action against those modern Nazis you will be lose so many things . The Iron Dome doesn,t help you . If Israel had not took military action against Syrian nuclear Facility on 2007 Now it would be late. young Ethiopian jewish from America

aircraft that killed the Polish President and 100 other high ranking Polish Officers. They have collected a treasure trove of classified Nato information from the crash site to keep them happy for years to come. This is someone the West has to trust to do business with.

Is this news story a message to israel to show them how business is done. You pay for your goods, not get handouts.

Israel's days of military dominance in the Middle East is slowly but surely coming to an end. Gone will be the days when Israel could attack and violate it's neighbors territories at will, and that's a GOOD thing. Syria is determined to get the Golan Heights back through peace or war, that's up to Israel.

Ok, if China and Iran get involved, we're all screwed. Pack your bags, kids, we're leaving town.

Israel understands the power of power, talks to them much loweder than anything else. Jordan and Lebanon needs to follow suit and you'll see how the Israelis start singing different tune.

Arms are there for anyone to buy. Israel has no exclusivity.

Seems obvious that russia's intent is to sell Syria nuclear tech. So they are providing syria with the ability to defend against Isreal going after the nuke tech again. A promise to back Syria and make a multi-billion dollar sale. Russia is so considerate. :(

Some things will never happen and this won't either. It's true that Israel receives arms from the west and are only and ever used for defense. To allow these types of weapons to fall into the hands of those that only have the destruction of Israel on the mind and have no need for defensive weapons will simply never happen....

Israel and Syria is in a formal war. Israel is occupying vital parts of Syria. Is it strange that Syria is arming itself? When not peaceful waiting is enough.

Maintaining the balance of power? One has to wonder, what is Russia's objective?

What about SMUGGLING WEAPONS from AMERICA TO ISRAEL ? If terrorist Israel has the right to equip and defend itself with THE LATEST WEAPON TECHNOLOGY INCLUDING PROHIBITED CHIMICHAL WEAPON FOR MASS DESTRUCTION AS WHITE PHOSPHORUS, why can’t Palestinian have weapons to defend their people? It is really A HUGE DOUBLE STANDARDS.

It's better that Syria feels strong when it goes to the negotiating table. the peace of the brave would last longer than a peace built on one enemy's weakness

The IDF might have to fight an armed enemy for a change.

Russia is just playing her part in the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. And will, along with Israel's other enemies be destroyed by the living God.

I love the photo! Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Syrian President Bashar Assad. That's what we like to see. Smiles on faces. : )

No weapon against the Lord will stand. When you fight against Israel, you fight against the Mighty One of Israel; good luck with that one; not!!

if iran is any proof, Russia will just wait for US to pay it off and then they will cancel the deal with syria...or...as they did with the iran missile deal, delay it indefinitely. the Russians just want to be bought.

Those anti-tank weapons proved quite effective - that even Israel complained that it was not FAIR! to fight while the other team has guns too! boohhoo

Do you really think the Russians would trust Syrians to fly anymore of their planes? No way! If the Israelis even shot down one, nobody would buy them.

I remember when Shalit was first kidnapped. Israel sent several fighter jets into Syrian airspace to threaten the President of Syria by overflying the Presidential palace. I mean really do you expect to be able to go as you please as though you owned the place? They have as much right to protect their people from hostile forces as Israel does and Israel definitely exhibits not only hostility but arrogance in the way they freely violate their neighbors borders as they please, whenever they please.

...and I thought the cold war is over.......best thing that can happen to Israel....now no more excuses for the USA to promote and help a bunch of Palestinians terrorists

Syria should have been pulled inside the US sphere of influence after the fall of the Former Soviet Union. It was a US failure not to court and win Syrian allegiance in the post-Soviet era. It should be the US providing arms and holding Syria under their influence the same as is done with Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Israel should be surrounded on all sides by Arabic nations that are under the US sphere of influence, including ownership of US weapon systems.

The U.S. imposed sanctions and placed Syria on their terror list only because Israel insisted. The U.S. would place Mother Teresa on the terror list if Israel insisted. The country that is most deserving to be on the terror list is Israel but we know that would be impossible since we also know who controls the U.S.

Didn't Israel get through Syria's air defense system when it attacked the suspected nuclear installation recently?

During most of the cold war years, game-playing between the US and USSR had more to do with the Arab-Israeli situation than the locals did.

I hope the captured arms can be intergrated into Israels arsenal. If not the Israelis will have to sell the arms to countries that still use older soviet equipment, as they have done before following previous wars. And as usual the CIA will get first pick of the new stuff. Yes.. history will repeat itself.

If they combine their weapons and unite they can occupy Saudi Arabia destroy Islam and the region will have peace forever and ever.

My aunt, 73 yo, living in Russia, was awarded a medal - distinguished teacher award, and she does not have a place called her own. She bounces between her children residences as russian government cannot even afford to take care of their own citizens. Well, that is not first mistake russians done and not the last one. I am sure chechens will counterbalance for medvedev's assistance to terror state of syria...

way to go barry...russia slaps you down, china slaps you down, and the war footing in the arab world grows louder by the day.

way to go barry...russia slaps you down, china slaps you down, and the war footing in the arab world grows louder by the day.

Great idea, Tom. The Syrians have a great history of "defending" themselves. Back in the 80's, they gassed 10,000+ of their own countrymen. Nice history of human rights in Syria, Tom. Israel, at least, is a democracy with equal rights for all it's citizens. Giving Syria warplanes and missles is just what the world needs. I guess you didn't know their government is run by a facist dictator. Tom, maybe we should elect you vice-president of the world. Have a great day!

Great idea, Tom. The Syrians have a great history of "defending" themselves. Back in the 80's, they gassed 10,000+ of their own countrymen. Nice history of human rights in Syria, Tom. Israel, at least, is a democracy with equal rights for all it's citizens. Giving Syria warplanes and missles is just what the world needs. I guess you didn't know their government is run by a facist dictator. Tom, maybe we should elect you vice-president of the world. Have a great day!

The events in Chechnya have not toughted them that one day their support of islamic terrorists will backfire on them.

Nothing like a good arms race to lighten the mood.

And while we are at it, Israel should sell atleast one nuke to the Muslim Chechens. Big enough for all of Russia.

Syria was always goigg to recieve arms to defend the Port of Tartur after Russia invested billions in making it the base for it's Mediterranean fleet.

syria has a lot of terrorists...israel is in trouble if they are getting equipped with all these weapons..

So. I am a US taxpaper paying part of the $3 Billion millitary aid to Israel each year for dacades.

Obama asked the congress for 250 million dollars to support the Israeli "iron defensive dome". Likewise, neighboring countries are seeking weapons for their allies to protect themselves and their people. Its a fair situation, not? The bottom line here is that Israeli arguments about security are no real. In fact, they build all this military equipments to maintain their supreme military power in the middle east. In doing so, therefore, Israel is actually the main threat in the middle east. The world must understand this. The arguments of maintaining Israel's security to justify building nuclear power and gaining high-tech weapons are fake. The world must stop this or the region will turn into a volcano which ashes will close the skies of the whole world.

with Syria and Russia. The former community organizer turned president has more than met his match; he is still under the illusion that you can work with anyone if you appease them. Whichever side of the issue you are on, the increaed militarization of the reigon should be of geat concern.

So the stage is set for Hezbullah armed with cutting edge Russian equipment vs Israel backed by the US. First of all I am hoping that those who criticize the US for stoking conflict by supporting us with weapons are also clamoring against this Russian support of Hezbullah visavis Syria, otherwise they are clearly exposed as hypocrites. We had better be preparing in Israel for a total-war whether we like it or not. Hezbullah has vowed to come INTO Israel next time. I wonder if the UN will tell us to take it easy and to rest assured that another round of UN resolutions will keep Hezbullah from arming for a third round. I say no. If we find ourselves at war again with Hezbullah then the gloves come off and we destroy everything south of the Litani.

Mikhail Dmitriyev answers Obama's peace initiative by supplying Syria with the most sophisticated weapons Russia can produe thereby also indicating Russia approves Syrian policy of rrming Hizbolla , who de facto have conquered Lebanon and known for their hostility to Israel and meets Hanas who still fire rockets on to Israeli cties , Obama wake up ,and recognize that Russia was ,is and always will be a dangerous nation willing tio inflame the middle east if this is what it takes to make it sronger and the USa weaker .

This will deter the Israelis from trying to attack Syria. Russia has acted maturely by selling defensive weapons to syria.

This will deter the Israelis from trying to attack Syria. Russia has acted maturely by selling defensive weapons to syria.

This will deter the Israelis from trying to attack Syria. Russia has acted maturely by selling defensive weapons to syria.

IN THE 60'S BEFORE 6 DAYS WAR IN 1967 SYRIA , EGYPT, IRAQ ETC. HAD RUSSIAN WEAPONS, THE SAME IN 1973 AT THE YOM KIPPUR WAR.ISRAEL MANAGED TO WIN THE 2 WARS.NOW RUSSIA IS SELLING EVERYTHING TO IRAN, SYRIA, HISBOLA AND HAMAS, SURROUNDING ISRAEL AGAIN, AND HUSSEIN IS FORCING ISRAEL FOR A DANGEROUS PEACE AGREEMENT.IT'S NOT CRAZY HOW COWARD IS THIS WORLD THREAT ISRAEL?

they should be able to defend themselves. It will be still nowhere to Israel's arsenal but at least something...

So the stage is set for Hezbullah armed with cutting edge Russian equipment vs Israel backed by the US. First of all I am hoping that those who criticize the US for stoking conflict by supporting us with weapons are also clamoring against this Russian support of Hezbullah visavis Syria, otherwise they are clearly exposed as hypocrites. We had better be preparing in Israel for a total-war whether we like it or not. Hezbullah has vowed to come INTO Israel next time. I wonder if the UN will tell us to take it easy and to rest assured that another round of UN resolutions will keep Hezbullah from arming for a third round. I say no. If we find ourselves at war again with Hezbullah then the gloves come off and we destroy everything south of the Litani.

Russia today is no different than the Soviet Union which, during the 19609's and 1970's, armed Syria and Egypt to their teeth. Thiscan only be considered aqn unfriendly act towards Israel, and I hope our government has the guts to register its protest with the Kremlin.

How can one explain the support of Russia for terrorist supporting governments such as Syria? Whe it comes to Chechnia, Russia talks about fighting terrorism and deploys massive forces, But when it comes terrorists that want to destroy Israel, they support them! Such hypocrites! Only one answer: to this behaviour: the Russian government is still as antisemitic as it has always been!

Russia today is no different than the Soviet Union which, during the 19609's and 1970's, armed Syria and Egypt to their teeth. Thiscan only be considered aqn unfriendly act towards Israel, and I hope our government has the guts to register its protest with the Kremlin.

Russia today is no different than the Soviet Union which, during the 19609's and 1970's, armed Syria and Egypt to their teeth. Thiscan only be considered aqn unfriendly act towards Israel, and I hope our government has the guts to register its protest with the Kremlin.

I wonder what all of this means - what signals are being sent to the region, the americans and the israelis - very strange.

Israel has an overwhelming military superiority in the region. Because of this, Israel thinks nothing of making attacks on neighbors. Violence leads to violence. If those neighbors were in a better position to protect themselves, and even to hurt Israel, then Israel would be much less likely to start new wars. ATTN RUSSIAN GUY: In 2006, Hizbollah captured two IDF men. Israel responded by killing 1000 Lebanese all over Lebanon. Lebanon needs an arms deal with Russia more than Syria does.

they should be able to defend themselves although USrael wants total dominance in the ME. Time for the Russians to step in.

While Obama is asking the congress for 250 million dollars to support an Israeli " defensive iron dome", its fair and necessary for other neighbor countries to seek defensive means. The US supports Israel is every possible due to mutual "interests and values". Likewise, Russia wants to market their weapon industry. The bottom line here is that Israel will now express outrage because Syria as an "enemy" state is seeking to be more equipped with weapons. The continued threat caused by Israel which is often justified by the argument of maintaining "Israel's security" is actually the main driving force for any neighboring country to sign such deals. Israel is seeking militarization not because of their security but to maintain their supreme military power in the region which is in fact the main driving force neighboring countries to also save their people!

that Russia was going to give the Syrians the ability to defend the port of Tartus, which they have invested heavily in as the home for the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean If the Israeli government are caught by surprise by this turn of events, the Israeli people should sack them.

that Russia was going to give the Syrians the ability to defend the port of Tartus, which they have invested heavily in as the home for the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean If the Israeli government are caught by surprise by this turn of events, the Israeli people should sack them.

This whole thing is like a chess game, but with dire consequences.

Russia has traditionaly supplied arms to Syria many of which are exhibited in sraeli museums! This latest sale highlights Russia's interest to heat up international tensions by backing a state that actively promotes terrorism.They are also making a mistake if they think that by this sale they will lessen the threat of Islamic terrorism on Russian soil

they should be able to defend themselves although USrael wants total dominance in the ME. Time for the Russians to step in.

they should be able to defend themselves although USrael wants total dominance in the ME. Time for the Russians to step in.

Hey, the US gives away weapons to Israel. Just now it is about to hand over 200 million dollars to build the so called Iron Dome. So, Russian sells weapons to Syria, BFD...now the Israeli government is having fits. The Russians are smart, they get paid for what they sell. The Syrians are not a beggar country, nor a vassal country like Israel is. Not a flunky to the US country like Israel is.

Hey, the US gives away weapons to Israel. Just now it is about to hand over 200 million dollars to build the so called Iron Dome. So, Russian sells weapons to Syria, BFD...now the Israeli government is having fits. The Russians are smart, they get paid for what they sell. The Syrians are not a beggar country, nor a vassal country like Israel is. Not a flunky to the US country like Israel is.

he is the president of magog and is planning his own destruction though he doesn't know it yet. too bad they don\t know how to read ezekiel 37-38-39 in russia. they would walk with greater care to their own futures instead of battling the God of Abraham.

If Israel starts yet another war I hope it's the last one. RIP. Salaam/Shalom

Lordy, a new can of worms. Another ingredient in the ME pot. Do not get too excited people. The planes have no engines, the sam's have no computers and the artillery systems barrels are plugged, I hope.

Clearly, by the looks of the picture, Medvedev had a little too much vodka before thinking through and signing that deal :).