NO SU-27’S FOR PAKISTAN.

Pakistan’s defense minister said yesterday that his country will not be buying advanced Russian Su-27 fighter-bombers because Moscow had refused to guarantee delivery of spare parts for the aircraft. Islamabad had considered the purchase of the Russian planes as a replacement for 60 U.S. F-16’s whose delivery has been blocked by Washington. (Reuter, July 8) Although Russia has been aggressively marketing its military aircraft, it was probably reticent to deal with Pakistan because it fears disturbing the lucrative weapons trade which it has developed with India, Islamabad’s regional rival.

Charges Fly in Defense Ministry Scandal.