Russia delivers another batch of naval fighters to India; Russia joins NATO exercises for the first time; Russia-US seal Afghanistan helicopter deal; Russia bans German and Spanish vegetables; US President Obama: US-Russia to work together on missile defe
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    • Reports noted that Russia's MiG aircraft maker delivered a new batch of five MiG-29K/KUB carrier-based fighters to the Indian navy in May. As part of the equipment a flight training simulator and other technical equipment has also been delivered. The two countries signed a contract stipulating the supply of 12 single-seat MiG-29Ks and four two-seat MiG-29KUBs to India in January 2004. The contract is part of a $1.5-billion deal to deliver the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier, currently being retrofitted in Russia for the Indian Navy. India's first four MiG-29Ks and MiG-29KUBs officially entered service in February 2010. In March 2010, Russia and India signed a $1.5-billion contract on the supplies of 29 additional MiG-29K Fulcrum-D carrier-based fighter jets to New Delhi. The start of the supplies is scheduled for 2012. The contracts for the jets also stipulate pilot training and aircraft maintenance, including the delivery of flight simulators and interactive ground and sea-based training systems. The Indian Navy has named its MiG-29K squadron the "Black Panthers." The fighters will be based at an airfield in the state of Goa on India's west coast until the Admiral Gorshkov joins the Navy under the name of INS Vikramaditya in early 2013. The Vikramaditya is expected to carry up to 24 MiG-29K/KUB fighters. The future indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant being built by India may also carry these aircraft.1

    According to reports, a Russian Black Sea Fleet task force, led by a submarine is taking part in NATO naval drills off the coast of Spain, the Russian Defense Ministry said, the first time a Russian submarine has participated in any NATO exercise. Bold Monarch is the world's largest submarine rescue exercise held every three years. This year's exercise, conducted on May 30-June 10 near the Spanish port of Cartagena, involves submarines, ships and aircraft from both NATO and non-NATO countries, including Russia. The Russian task force comprises the diesel submarine Alrosa, salvage tug Shakhtyor, auxiliary vessel KIL-158, and rescue vessel Epron. The Alrosa, a Kilo class diesel-electric submarine, will play the part of a "vessel in distress", stuck on the sea bed. Ships equipped with a range of sophisticated debris clearance, diver assisted gear and submarine rescue vehicles will attempt to salvage the sub and rescue its crew. The Russian auxiliary vessel KIL-158 carries an advanced Seaeye Panther Plus underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV).2

    In another development, the U.S. Army Forces Command and Russian state-controlled arms exporter Rosoboronexport have sealed a contract for the supply of 21 Mi-17V5 multipurpose helicopters to Afghanistan. The United States and Russia have been in talks for more than a year on the deal to provide the much needed vehicles for the NATO mission in Afghanistan. Apart from the helicopters, the contract stipulates the procurement of reserve units, ground support equipment, and maintenance support. The first helicopters will be sent to Afghanistan in October 2011. The Mi-17 is an export version of the Mi-8 Hip helicopter. Currently in production at two factories in the Russian Volga area city of Kazan and the East Siberian city of Ulan-Ude, it features powerful turboshaft engines and can transport up to 37 passengers. In May 2010, the United States lifted sanctions against Rosoboronexport that it had earlier blacklisted from tendering for U.S. arms deals. The sanctions were imposed in 2006 after the U.S. government accused Rosoboronexport of violating the nuclear non-proliferation regime. Despite the ban, dozens of Mi-17s have been bought by the United States for Afghanistan and Iraq over the past four years via intermediaries as commercial items, thus avoiding direct contacts with Rosoboronexport.3

    Meanwhile, President Barack Obama has said the United States and Russia are committed to finding an approach to a planned European-based U.S. missile shield that meets their security needs. Obama said after talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on May 26 that a common solution should be found to dealing with potential threats to both countries. President, Medvedev, meanwhile, said that the world's strategic balance has improved since Russia and the United States signed the new START missile treaty. The leaders met on the sidelines of a Group of Eight summit in the French resort of Deauville. Medvedev has become increasingly critical of U.S. plans to build a missile defence system in Central and Eastern Europe. He has warned that failure to cooperate with Moscow on the shield could spark a new arms race.4

    Reports noted that Russian President Medvedev will join 40 world leaders in Italy this week for a celebration marking the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification. Medvedev will arrive in Rome on 1st June 2011 or the two-day working visit, which will include meetings with Italian President and Prime Minister. The highlight will be the anniversary celebrations with a military parade attended by dignitaries including Austrian Chancellor Heinz Fischer, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.5

    In other developments, Russia has banned the import of all vegetables from Germany and Spain due to an outbreak of a highly virulent strain of the E. coli bacteria. As many as 10 people are reported to have died in Germany from the outbreak, suspected of being caused by contaminated cucumbers from Spain. Most of the infections have been reported in Germany, but cases have also been reported in Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Britain. Officials in the Czech Republic said there are indications that contaminated cucumbers may have been exported to the Czech Republic, as well as to Austria, Hungary, and Luxembourg.6

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