Russia to sell advanced air defense systems to Iran

[bemildred]

Source: RIA Novosti

TEHRAN, December 26 (RIA Novosti) - Iran signed a contract with Russia on Tuesday on the delivery of advanced S-300 air defense missile systems to the Islamic Republic, an Iranian news agency reported on Wednesday.

An advanced version of S-300, called S-300PMU1 (SA-20 Gargoyle), the missile system has a range of over 150 kilometers (about 100 miles) and can intercept ballistic missiles and aircraft at low and high altitudes, making this system an effective tool for warding off possible air strikes on Iran.

"S-300 air defense systems will be delivered to Iran under an earlier contract signed with Russia," the Fars news agency quoted Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar as saying.

The minister provided no contract details or a schedule for future deliveries, Fars said.



Read more: http://en.rian.ru/world/20071226/94216761.html

---

Also this story which is a couple days old:

Iran Plans To Buy Russian Helicopters, Fighter Engines -Paper

MOSCOW (AFP)--Moscow and Tehran are in negotiations for the sale of fighter jet engines and helicopters to Iran, the Kommersant daily reports Monday, citing Russian arms industry officials.

Iran wants to buy RD-33 engines for a fleet of new Iranian fighter jets, as well as an upgraded version of the Ka-32 helicopter that Tehran wants to be assembled in Iran, Kommersant says.

After a meeting between Russian and Iranian officials in Tehran last week, the head of Russia's agency for military cooperation said any arms sold to Iran would be only for "defensive" purposes, Kommersant reports.

The military cooperation chief, Mikhail Dmitriev, said defense ties between the two countries "reinforces stability in the region."

http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20071224%5cACQDJON200712240653DOWJONESDJONLINE000088.htm

[bahrbearian]

1. Ok Chimpy , your move

Oh ,you have no more pawns? Looks like you have to bring out a bigger piece,

[ChairmanAgnostic]

2. the cupboard is bare, but for the nuculars.

ain't that a scary thought?
Bush would certainly write himself into the history books if he did that.

[LakeSamish706]

4. Yep, and probably write the US in the same books once Russia, China,

et. all returned the favor of a few well placed Nukes....

[bemildred]

3. Various parties do seem to be flipping off the Bushites in a more overt way.

It seems that the NIE turned the heat up a bit too.

[LakeSamish706]

5. Only one minor problem... These idots are to stupid to realize it. n/t

[bemildred]

6. They cannot admit it in any case.

There is already blood in the water.

[old guy]

7. This should come as no surprise.

Anyone should have seen this coming from a mile away except *. Then again, they never have been able to see anything coming; 9-11, New orleans, yeah who would have thought. Did * really think that with all his threats that Iran would not take steps to bolster their defenses? Did he really think that Russia would pass up an opportunity to stick a finger in our eye? Gee, no one could have anticipated that!

[gulliver]

8. Checkmate on every board. Junior playing in the wrong league.

Iran's on the rise big time, exactly like everyone predicted after Bush defeated Saddam for them. Then Iraq is going to be our disgruntled foster child for years to come as we continue to throw our health care, bridge repair, and education money down that rat hole.

Russia is emerging as a major player. It won't be long before we start seeing Russian newspapers advertising "American wives."

China is doing fabulously.

What about us? We've got Junior. What do you expect?

[tanstaafl]

9. Isn't Persia (IRAN) where they invented Chess ?

[gulliver]

11. I wasn't there...

...but Wikipedia says it sort of started there. Kind of interesting. I was also trying to think of a game that more closely resembles what Bush is playing. It's not checkers, as that is authentically a challenging game if played well.

Bush is to world politics what Sanjaya is to music.

[and-justice-for-all]

10. I dont blame Iran one bit..

They have every right to defend their selves from possible attack.

[hack89]

12. They have just set a deadline for Bush

Once they actually get the missiles, it will take awhile to become proficient in their use. These are complex weapons systems that require a lot of training and practice for the operators before they become a useful deterrent. All the Iranians may have done is hasten the date of the attack.

[bemildred]

13. It appears to me that Iran already has a number of useful deterrents.

The fact that Iran will soon have a (possibly) effective military defense seems unlikely to have much effect on the situation. We might see a reduction in purple rhetoric, and that would be nice. No doubt wallets in Russia will be fattened. Bush/Cheney would have already bombed Iran some time ago if he thought he could get away with it.

[sentelle]

14. Exactly how capable are these

From what I see, the Kamov 32 is an anti-submarine based platform... for the shallow waters of the Persian gulf, does that make sense?
the SA-300's are mobile missiles on a mobile platform mated to a single phased array. This might pair nicely against stealth aircraft.

I am sure they have plans. China is selling them arms, Russia, equipment, and japan is buying oil, giving them $$. Umm, US, whats your next move?

[LynnTheDem]

15. Iran has a right to self defense.

And as Iran is being threatened constantly they can defend themselves against aggressor(s), or go with The Bush Doctrine. A madman would, of course, go with the latter.