MOSCOW, December 15 (RIA Novosti) - Lebanon's prime minister said Friday he had not discussed deliveries of Russian-made air defense systems to his country during his current visit to Moscow.

Fouad Siniora, answering a question on arms deliveries at a RIA Novosti news conference, said he had earlier sent a letter to President Vladimir Putin asking for Russia's assistance in modernizing the Lebanese army.

The premier said Lebanon had made similar appeals to other "friendly" countries, who showed "a general understanding" of the country's needs.

According to various sources, the Lebanese Armed Forces consist of approximately 72,000 active personnel, with ground troops totaling approximately 70,000 servicemen, an Air Force of approximately 1,100 personnel, and another 1,000 serving in the Navy.

Lebanese air defense currently deploys M-42A1 40-mm anti-aircraft guns, ZU-23 towed 23-mm anti-aircraft guns, and SA-7A/SA-7B Grail portable missile systems.