Antiship missiles Yakhont to be exported to Syria – Anatoly Serdiukov

20.09.2010 The export contract for advanced anti-ship missile systems Yakhont to Syria will be executed, said Russian defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov.

According to Serdiukov, Russia had previously delivered similar antiship system to Syria, and Yakhont is just an upgraded version of it. "So, if that system did not fall into terrorists' hands, why this one has to?" said Anatoly Serdiukov talking with Russian reporters. According to the minister, the export contract for Yakhont missiles was signed as early as 2007 and Russia will definitely execute the contract. "Russia specifies delivery and arms operation terms quite clearly, and the certificate of commercial user is formed appropriately as well, and they [Syrians] enter into such commitment", said Anatoly Serdiukov.

The U.S. and Israel protest against this contract considering such weapons could fall into the hands of terrorists.