SYRIA PREPARES FOR S-18 DELIVERY

MOSCOW [MENL] -- Syria has been finalizing arrangements for the receipt of
S-18 surface-to-air missiles from Russia.
Russian industry sources said a Syrian military delegation headed by Chief
of Staff Gen. Ali Habib has concluded arrangements for the delivery of the
S-18 Igla-S missiles. The sources said the Syrian delegation, scheduled to
complete a three-day visit to Russia on Friday, discussed such issues as
delivery, training and maintenance of the S-18 as well as the procurement of
other weapons.

"The two countries have agreed that [SA-18] delivery would begin no later
than early 2006," an industry source said.
During his visit, Habib and his delegation toured Syrian defense facilities,
including the production line of the S-18, manufactured by KBM Engineering
Design Bureau. Industry sources said Habib discussed such issues as support
and training for the Igla-S with his Russian counterpart Yury Baluyevsky as
well as representatives from the Russian state arms export agency
Rosoboronexport.
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