DUBAI. Nov 14 (Interfax) - Rosoboronexport is ready to continue negotiations with Saudi Arabia on the supply of helicopters and air defense systems to Saudi Arabia, Alexander Mikheyev, deputy general director of Rosoboronexport, told reporters on Monday.
"We have done intensive work on new projects, including helicopter equipment and air defense systems. Russia is now ready to continue these negotiations as soon as our partner, the Saudi Defense Ministry, makes a decision on that," Mikheyev said.
Mikheyev said Russia has legal grounds for military-technical cooperation with Saudi Arabia. "Rosoboronexport has signed several large contracts and they are being fulfilled," he said.
According to earlier reports, Saudi Arabia may buy from Russia weapons worth over $2 billion. According to expert estimates, Russia plans to supply to Saudi Arabia over 150 T-90S tanks that have been tested in the Arabian desert and have proven very efficient.
In addition, contracts are being prepared for the supply to Saudi Arabia of some 150 helicopters (30 Mi-35 helicopters and up to 120 Mi-7 helicopters), up to 250 infantry machines BMP-3M and several dozens BukM2E missile systems.
These contracts, primarily the contract on tanks, were expected to be signed in 2010.
According to expert estimates, Saudi Arabia may buy from Russia S-300PMU2 and S-400 Triumph missile systems, Panzer-S1 surface-to-air systems, Mi28N combat helicopters, and other weapons. The value of these contracts is also estimated at some $2 billion.