Free Republic

Despite a bipartisan federal law prohibiting financial contracts with the Russian government-owned arms giant Rosoboronexport, the Obama administration announced that it would be purchasing another $680 million worth of military helicopters from the state company for the Afghan regime of Hamid Karzai. The contract comes after the Pentagon already spent $411 million with the supplier since May of 2011, bringing the estimated amount of U.S. taxpayer funds funneled to the state-owned behemoth to about $1 billion in recent years. The latest deal, however, drew furious outrage from across the political spectrum. Critics and lawmakers complained that the controversial scheme would...

The Obama administration's recent lifting of sanctions against Russia's state arms exporter could boost orders for Russian aircraft from a somewhat-unexpected customer: the U.S. military. As part of its effort to equip the militaries of Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan, the Pentagon has in recent years been snapping up helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft from the arsenals of its former Cold War rivals, including Russia. The goal is to help the three countries build air forces that are rugged, affordable and easy to operate. Washington sanctioned Rosoboronexport, Russia's state arms dealer, in 2006 for its dealings with Iran, and lifted those restrictions...

Russia is donating two transport helicopters to the PA and also is contributing several dozen all-terrain vehicles, according to Moscow News. Israel previously refused to authorize their delivery. The Russian government had planned to supply the Palestinian Authority (PA) with reconnaissance and patrol fighting machines but backed down "after taking into consideration Israel's position." Instead, the PA will receive 30 all-terrain vehicles, said PA national security advisor Jibril Rajoub. Israel previously refused to allow a Russian offer to give the PA two upgraded medium transport helicopters and armored scout vehicles, which security officials feared would be used against Israel....