Libya has agreed to buy $1.8 billion worth of weapons from Russia, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin announced on 30 January, Interfax reported. This is not just about small arms, said Putin after the contract was signed. Russian media reports stated that the deal included 20 fighter jets, tanks and air defense systems. Libya leader Moamer Gaddafi agreed to buy Russian arms in 2008 in exchange for Russia erasing $4.6 billion of debt. No official information was released about the kinds of weapons involved in the purchase. Libya has traditionally been a major purchaser of Russian arms. But many countries are now seeking to sign deals with Libya in hope of gaining access to its oil reserves.