"Russia's defence ministry has decided to deliver to Lebanon, as part of defence cooperation, 10 MiG-29 fighter jets from our existing contingent," the Interfax news agency quoted Mikhail Dmitriyev as saying.

The fighter jets would be modernized before delivery and the transport of the jets would be paid for by the Russian defence ministry, he confirmed, following a visit to Moscow by Lebanese Defence Minister Elias Murr.

"Military-technical assistance, this means assistance in budgetary funds," he said.

He said the war planes would be covered by a limited warranty period and the parties would later have talks on a service agreement for after the warranty period expires.

The leader of the anti-Syrian parliamentary majority in Lebanon, Saad Hariri, welcomed the move as support for Lebanon's "legitimate institutions."

His parliamentary majority are at odds with the Iranian and Syrian backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah, which has its own militia that is still holding on to its weapons arsenal.

"Russia gives a good example of how to deal with Lebanon's cause, and we hope that all those calling for Lebanon's independence and sovereignty would do the same," he said.

Dmitriyev said Russia could also supply ground equipment to the Lebanese army.

"We consider the Lebanese army a key element of political stability and we are ready to provide it with arms."

The United States has given 410 million dollars in military aid to the Lebanese army since 2006 but this has been limited to light weapons and vehicles.

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