Russia Provides Arms Loan To Armenia

Moscow has granted Armenia a $200 million loan for the purchase of Russian arms, according to a Russian government Internet portal.

The 10-year export loan would cover the purchase of Smerch rocket launchers, Igla-S air-defense systems, radar-jamming systems, sniper rifles, and armored vehicles, the February 19 announcement said.

Under the terms of the loan, Armenia would have to pay 10 percent for all purchases, with the rest to be covered by the credit.

Russia is Armenia's main military supplier, and Moscow maintains a force of some 3,000 soldiers at a military base in the Armenian city of Gyumri.

Russia also has an air base at Erebuni, near Armenia's border with Turkey.

With reporting by Interfax