Report: Vietnam eyeing Russian weaponry

MOSCOW, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- The governments of Russia and Vietnam are negotiating contracts for the import of Russian submarines and fighters into Vietnam, a Russian newspaper said.

RIA Novosti said Friday, citing a report in Russia's Vedomosti business daily, the deal being negotiated between the two countries would involve the sale of six Kilo class diesel-electric submarines and 12 Su-30MK2 Flanker-C multirole fighters.

The contract for the Russian submarines, which are designed for anti-shipping and anti-submarine operations, is estimated to be worth $1.8 billion. As part of the contract, Russia would also take part in training submarine crews and the construction of on-shore infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the contract for the Su030MK2 fighters is estimated to be worth at least $600 million with weaponry on board the fighters not included.

The Russian fighters are upgraded versions of Russia's Su-27 Flanker multirole fighters and the enhanced fighters are capable of firing anti-ship missiles, RIA Novosti said.

An unidentified source in the Russian Helicopters company said the two countries are also in talks for Russia to sell an unspecified number of Mi-17 helicopters to Vietnam