Report: Syria expects to receive first batch of fighter jets from Russia

'Al-Arabia' quotes Russia claims that it is complying with international law and only providing "defensive weapons."

Syrian Air Force fighter jet 370 (photo credit: REUTERS)
Syrian Air Force fighter jet 370
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Russia is planning on delivering the first batch of Yak-130 fighter jets to its ally Syria by the end of 2014, reported al-Arabiya on Monday.
Russian media reported that Russia intends to deliver a total of 36 jets as per a previously signed contract. A previous report stated that Syria had made an advanced payment of $100 million to Russia for the first batch of fighter jets and signed the contract in late 2011.
The Moscow Times stated that companies Rosoboronexport, and arms exporter, and United Aircraft-Building Corp. had already scheduled the delivery of this first batch of jets.
Russia has reportedly stated that it complied with international law and has only provided "defensive weapons."