Saudi Arabia is close to signing a $2 billion deal to buy Russian arms, a report said.

"Work is nearly complete on a set of contracts on the delivery of Russian arms and military technology to Saudi," a Russian defence industry official was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency.

"For many of these contracts, all the technical and financial details have practically been agreed, for others work is still ongoing," he added.

Riyadh may purchase up to 150 helicopters - 30 Mi-35 attack helicopters and up to 120 Mi-17 transport helicopters - more than 150 T-90S tanks, around 250 BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles and "several dozen" air defence systems, the report said.

Contracts for the sale of the tanks and the helicopters "could be signed this year," the official said.