Chavez gets $1 billion Russian arms loan

Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez continued his efforts to strengthen his military during his Russian visit by negotiating a $1 billion loan to purchase military hardware from Moscow.

No specifics were mentioned but Venezuela is known to have an interest in purchasing advanced Su-30 fighter aircraft from Russia.

BBC News

Russia to loan Chavez $1 billion for arms United Press International - 56 minutes ago MOSCOW, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Russia will loan Venezuela $1 billion for weapons purchases and military development, a Russian official said Friday. Video: Chavez wants stronger arms trade with Russia RussiaToday Russian Moves Show Military Ambitions New York Times

Iran test fires ballistic missiles

Iran test-fired a long range ballistic missile today prompting reactions from the U.S. presidential candidates. Both Barack Obama and John McCain slammed the tests in statements released today.

Iran has been rapidly developing its military apparently on fears of a possible U.S. and/or Israeli strike. Over the last year it has obtained the modern SA-15 Tor air defense system from Russia and has tested many of its own weapons systems.

Washington Post

Iran Test-Fires Long-Range Missile Washington Post - 4 hours ago Iran said today it had test-fired a long-range missile capable of reaching Israel and US troops in the region, a step promptly condemned by the Bush administration as heightening tensions over the country's suspected nuclear weapons program. Video: US Calls Iran Missle Test a 'threat' AssociatedPress Iran stages Persian Gulf missile tests amid warnings to its 'enemies' Los Angeles Times