June 29, 2011 - 17:59 AMT
CSTO not rule out CRRF arming with Austrian and Israeli arms

Collective Rapid Reaction Force (CRRF) of Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) within the framework of transition to unified does not rule out possibility to purchase Austrian Glock pistols and Israeli CornerShots, according to RIA Novosti citing CSTO Deputy Secretary General Valery Semerikov.

“If there is a necessity of using these arms, certainly, we shall consider the issue of providing all CRRF divisions with them. If no, let the countries themselves purchase the armament (separately) for their needs,” Semerikov said.

He noted that rearmament stipulates transmission to unified armament for execution of tasks within the frames of joint operations.

During the session, CSTO representatives came to the conclusion that the armament and special equipment manufactured in the alliance countries is enough. However, the parties did not exclude purchase of separate models of foreign Glocks and CornerShots.

“It is doubtless that arms and special hardware of Russian origin will be the base of CRRF armament,” said the Deputy Secretary General, adding that CSTO representatives considered about 100 models of arms for Interior Troops special divisions.

“We are going to discuss the final needs and determine for financing and purchase in a month,” he said.

Earlier Semerikov said that Collective Rapid Reaction Force will totally transmit to unified armament and by 2015.