Russia will supply $1.8bn-worth of small-arms and other weapons to Libya, according to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Putin said the contract was “not only for small arms”, according to reports

Reports from the state news agencies say Libya was prepared to buy around 20 fighter planes and S-300PMU2 air defence systems and also may acquire T-90S tanks, and modernise more than 140 T-72 tanks and other weapons.

The contract was signed following talks with Libyan defence minister Major General Abu-Bakr Yunis Jabr last week in Moscow.