YEREVAN, AUGUST 16, ARMENPRESS. Russia has already begun supplying weaponry to Armenia in accordance to the 200 million loan, Izvestia newspaper reported under the title “Russia will supply Armenia same weapons as to Azerbaijan”.

The newspaper writes that in addition to supplying military equipment to Armenia, Russia will also train Armenian specialists who will maintain the weapons. The Armenian Defense Ministry confirmed that supplies have already begun, however refused to reveal the list of weapons. Experts assume that supplies will include heavy systems of armaments, which will significantly improve the capabilities of the Armenian Armed Forces. The newspaper noted citing its source, that although the weapons supply has begun, however the sides haven’t finally clarified the list of weapons to-be-supplied. “The weaponry supply process has already begun, training of specialists and technical works will be implemented simultaneously”, Armenian Defense Ministry spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisyan told the newspaper.

The article also reminds one of the previous publications, according to which Armenia intends to acquire “Smerch” and TOS-1A systems from Russia, IGLA-S missile systems, 9M113M guided missiles, RPG-26 grenade launchers, Dragunov sniper rifles and Tiger armored vehicles.

The article then cites Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks during the August 10 meeting with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan – “Regarding weaponry, there is a program on working with Armenia. Armenia is CSTO member, our ally. We have mutual commitments, and Russia always realizes its commitments”.

“Weapon export” magazine’s editor-in-chief Andrey Frolov noted that Moscow supplies the same weapons to Armenia, which it had previously supplied to Azerbaijan, adding that this weaponry will undoubtedly improve the military balance in favor of Armenia. The military budget difference between Armenia and Azerbaijan is very big.  In these conditions, it is only possible not to reach critical situation by clear addressed investments. That will strengthen Armenian and will provide regional balance of powers”, the expert said.