Interesting developments in the Russia / Iran S-300 deal?

[bananas]

From "Nukes of Hazard":

http://www.nukesofhazardblog.com/story/2010/4/9/152124/8760

Interesting developments in the Russia / Iran S-300 deal?
Chad | Apr 09, 2010 | there are 1 comments 1

Back in February I blogged about the ongoing delays surrounding the delivery of Russia’s S-300 PMU-1 air defense system to Iran. At the time, Russia cited technical problems as being the cause of the delay whilst simultaneously promising Tehran that they would still honor the sale. But according to a new story from Russian media outlet RIA Novosti, it seems that the Iranians are still no closer to getting their hands on the advanced air defense system. This time the delay has been explained as being caused by ongoing ‘talks’, again with the Russian caveat that ‘contracts have been signed, and they are being implemented’.

Since the S-300 contract was signed in December 2005, it would seem that the only talks that could be delaying delivery are those not involving the Iranians. As Richard Weitz recently pointed out, in light of the ongoing nuclear impasse, its likely that Israel and the U.S are exerting significant diplomatic pressure on Moscow to delay delivery for as long as possible. Iran’s hope that ‘Russian officials swayed by political pressure from other countries’ reflects their frustration at what appears to be the continuing success of Israeli and American efforts. But as Weitz suggests, these efforts ‘will matter little if China chooses to sell them its HQ-9 surface-to-air missile, which is characterized as "a not-so-bad Russian S-300 for less money."’ Which is where things get interesting…

Just three days ago it was reported that Russia had shipped China 15 batteries of the S-300 missile defense system. According to a Russian language source (translated using Babelfish) these missiles were of the advanced PMU-2 variant, and were ordered in August 2007. This Interfaks source suggests the Chinese ordered 15 battalions, not the 15 batteries reported by RIA Novosti, which would be a far larger order.

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About the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation

The Center was originally formed as the research branch of Council for a Livable World, an organization founded in 1962 by eminent nuclear physicist Leo Szilard and other scientists who pioneered the development of atomic weapons and became concerned about their use and spread. In 1980, the Center evolved into its own non-profit, independent organization. Since then, the Center has retained its focus on nuclear weapons but expanded its activities to include other present and emerging security threats.

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[veganlush]

1. K & R ..n/t

[Captain Hilts]

2. Russia has issued some rough statements to Iran of late. We'll see...nt

[bemildred]

3. Sometimes the threat is better than the move. nt