Saudi Arabia buys off Moscow on Iran's S-300?

NOVOSTI/ here

"Russia and Saudi Arabia are finalizing an array of agreements on the sale of Russian armored vehicles anti-aircraft systems and combat helicopters, a Russian defense industry official said on Monday.

"We are actively working along three lines - helicopters, armor and air-defense systems," said Alexander Fomin, first deputy director of the Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation.

He added that several delegations from various branches of the Russian defense industry were negotiating with their Saudi partners.

"The negotiations are largely centered on prices. A contract has been drawn up. Our proposals are very specific, and our respected partners are considering them," Fomin said.

Russian and foreign media earlier reported that Russia and Saudi Arabia were drafting an arms contract to a tune of $4-6 billion.