From ARES Blog

 

U.S. Confirms Iran Bought SA-20 Missiles

Posted by David A. Fulghum at 12/10/2008 10:10 AM CST

 

“The Iranians are on contract for SA-20,” says a senior, U.S. government official. The U.S. and Israel now face a “huge set of challenges in the future that we’ve never had [before]. We’ve been lulled into a false sense of security because our operations over the last 20 years involved complete air dominance and we’ve been free to operate in all domains,” he adds.

 

Other senior officials independently confirm that Iran will get the Russian SA-20 strategic SAM system, irrespective of Kremlin protestations to the contrary. Tehran’s deployment of such a system would mark a step-up in capability, and considerably improve the country’s ability to defend its controversial nuclear facilities where the West remains concerned that Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons capability.

 

The proliferation of so-called double-digit surface-to-air missile systems – such as the Almaz Antey SA-20 (S-300PMU1/S-300PMU2) – poses an increasing threat to non-stealthy aircraft, and will force changes in tactics and operational planning. The SA-20 has an engagement envelope of up to 150 kilometers; and Iran may be signed up for the S-300PMU-2 variant of the system.

 

Russia could use Byelorussia as the route for a sale, allowing it to deny any direct involvement, says a U.S. official. It would likely take the Iranian armed forces some time, as much as 22 months, to become proficient in the operation of the SA-20, however, any deal would almost certainly cover training support of the system in the interim. Analysts suggest ships delivering the missiles and the training, support and assembly areas could become targets.

 

The SA-20, and even more so the SA-21 Growler (S-400) which is now entering service, pose an increasing problem for mission planners using conventional strike aircraft. While low observable aircraft offer greater latitude for operations, they are not totally immune to air defenses.

 

The Lockheed Martin F-22 with its all-aspect, -30dB radar cross section signature can operate within the engagement envelope of the SA-20 and SA-21. But the Lockheed Martin F-35 with its -20dB signature, which is not all-aspect stealth, is at greater risk. The rear quadrant of the F-35, particularly around the tailpipe area, is not as stealthy as the F-22.

 

The Northrop Grumman B-2, because of its aging stealth design, also has limitations in the amount of time it can spend within the range of double-digit systems since small signature clues can become cumulative and offer a firing solution. The U.S.’s next-generation bomber program is aimed at developing a low-observable platform capable of operating irrespective of the threat from systems of the SA-21 class.

 

More capable point defense systems – that would likely be used to protect SA-20 sites, for example – are also being introduced into the region. Syria is getting the SA-22 Greyhound (KBP Pantsyr), which uses a vehicle-mounted combination of cannon and missiles intended to provide defense against aircraft, helicopters, precision-guided munitions and cruise missiles.

 

New threats – involving advances in commercially available electronics – continue to rapidly mutate in the area of secure communications and command and control.

 

Recent pictures of the interior of a new Chinese surface-to-air missile command and control vehicle show two Inovo laptops and the commander of the integrated air defense system talking on a Blackberry. In the battery’s briefing vehicle, there’s a VOIP connection. These are all good, cheap commercial products.

 

With reporting from Douglas Barrie

From Jane's

 

Iran accelerates missile production in preparation for possible conflict

By Alon Ben-David

11 December 2008

 

Iran more than tripled its arsenal of Shahab-3 intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) in 2008, Western intelligence sources have said, in a sign that the country is preparing for a prolonged conflict.

 

"At the beginning of 2008 [iran] had about 30 operational missiles compared with more than 100 missiles today," an intelligence source told Jane's.

 

The Shahab-3 has a reported range of 2,000 km, but is believed to have an operational range of 1,800 km.

 

Israel would be the likely target for any offensive action from Iran, an Israeli defence source said.

From ARES Blog

 

Russia delivers S-300 Favorit SAM to Iran

Posted by David Eshel at 12/18/2008 10:00 AM CST

 

Russia has already begun delivery of long-range S-300 Favorit missiles to Iran and is in talks on a new contract for a medium-range anti-aircraft system, RIA-Novosti reported Wednesday December 17.

 

One of the world's most advanced air defense missiles, the S-300PMU1 Favorit (SA-20 Gargoyle), is designed to protect fixed sites against missile and air attacks. The system uses wheeled transporters for mobility. The Favorit system fires the 48H6E2 interceptor missile, updated with improved guidance algorithms, an improved warhead and enhanced ECCM capabilities. The system detects targets at ranges of up to 300 km and can handle up to 100 simultaneous tracks. Up to 36 interceptor missiles can engage targets simultaneously. Aircraft targets can be engaged between 3 and 200 km, and missiles can be intercepted at ranges of 5 – 40 km, and from 30 to 90,000 feet in altitude.

 

According to RIA-Novosti, Alexander Fomin, deputy head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, said that weapons sales to Iran "has a positive impact on stability in this region". Was Mr Fomin hinting at an Israeli air strike on Iran's nukes?

 

The Iranian weapons deal, following Moscow's recent $700 million delivery of 29 Russian-made Tor-M1 air defense missile systems raised the Kremlin annual arms exports to over $8 billion. There are already rumours that Moscow will install the S-300 in Syria, focusing on securing the Russian naval bases going up in the Mediterranean port of Tartous.

From RIA Novosti

 

Russia denies supplying S-300 missile systems to Iran

18:12 | 22/ 12/ 2008

 

MOSCOW, December 22 (RIA Novosti) - Russia is not selling S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to Iran, the Russian federal service for military cooperation said in a statement on Monday.

 

"Reports on deliveries of S-300 systems are untrue," the statement said.

 

Iran's official news agency IRNA, quoting a deputy head of Iran's parliamentary foreign policy and security commission, reported on Sunday that Russia had started supplying components for S-300 surface-to-air missile systems.

 

Russia's state-run arms exporter said earlier on Monday that Moscow only sold defensive weapons to Iran, in strict compliance with the international nonproliferation regime.

 

"Only defensive systems are being supplied to Iran, including surface-to-air systems. Previously, Tor-M1 air-defense systems were supplied to Iran," Rosoboronexport said.

 

Iran's Foreign Ministry has neither denied nor confirmed the report.

 

An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tel Aviv had received assurances from Russia that it had not started S-300 deliveries to Tehran.

 

A deputy chief of Russia's federal service for military cooperation said last Wednesday that military cooperation between Russia and Iran was designed to ensure regional stability.

 

"Military cooperation between Russia and Iran has a positive impact on stability in the region. We have been developing and will continue to develop this cooperation," Alexander Fomin said.

 

According to unofficial sources, Russia and Iran are currently in talks on a deal to sell Tehran advanced medium-range surface-to-air missile systems.

One thing I have wondered about these systems is how much damage they can take.

 

Reason I ask is if something small, like say a hellfire, could take one out or reduce its efficiency wouldn't a small stealthy drone pre-strike similar to the predators take care of the problem?

One thing I have wondered about these systems is how much damage they can take. Reason I ask is if something small, like say a hellfire, could take one out or reduce its efficiency wouldn't a small stealthy drone pre-strike similar to the predators take care of the problem?

 

A Hellfire could definitely wreck any one of the battery components, a launcher, a radar, or a command post vehicle, etc.

 

I do not think, however, that a UAV (such as a Predator) would have much luck getting close enough to lob a few Hellfires.

 

Stealth wise, the Big Bird (64N6) radar is rated by H4 as being able to detect a stealthy target at 18 nm (far further than the effective range of Hellfire).

 

Plus, the flight profile of most UAVs (like Predator) looking to shoot a weapon (like Hellfire) requires a fairly low altitude, one where they're liable to be spotted visually.

 

I think when truly stealthy systems like the X-47 come online, this will become a possibility (and they'll be dropping heavier stuff than Hellfire).

A small web site, with some good data about SA-20 and other big toys, part in german: http://www.dtig.org/docs.asp

I like very much the clear S-300 family tree.

Cant read german but those are great pictures of the weapons systems on the attached PDFs looks like even a small missile would take care of those nicely. Wonder how well multiple launchers network together?

 

 

A small web site, with some good data about SA-20 and other big toys, part in german: http://www.dtig.org/docs.asp

I like very much the clear S-300 family tree.

Wonder how well multiple launchers network together?

 

By cable or by radio datalink. The loss of any single launcher would not disrupt the system. Command and radar vehicles are a different story.

Command and radar vehicles are a different story.

 

Shoot the archer, not the arrows!

Command and radar vehicles are a different story.

 

Shoot the archer, not the arrows!

 

A Jarhead who can think ... excellent.

By cable or by radio datalink. The loss of any single launcher would not disrupt the system. Command and radar vehicles are a different story.

 

Yes in the PDF the second vehicle picture seems to be radar/command vehicle it seems to be a very soft target. But putting a hellfire should set off some great fireworks if you hit one of those launchers right on the missile mount.

A Jarhead who can think ... excellent.

 

I've been finding that my thinking cap works much better since I have transitioned to the dark side completely.

From RIA Novosti

 

Iranian defense minister in Moscow 'to talk S-300 missile deal'

12:38 | 17/ 02/ 2009

 

MOSCOW, February 17 (RIA Novosti) - Iran's defense minister is likely to discuss the delivery of Russian S-300 air defense systems to the Islamic Republic during a meeting with his Russian counterpart on Tuesday, a business daily said.

 

Russia's Kommersant said Moscow had signed an S-300 contract with Tehran, but would not rush to implement it due to a seeming thaw in Russia's relations with the new U.S. administration.

 

Iranian media have repeatedly said, citing senior security officials, that Russia has started delivering elements of the advanced version of the S-300 missile with a range of over 150 kilometers (over 100 miles).

 

The reports have alarmed the U.S. and Israel, both of which have refused to rule out the possibility of military action against Tehran, accusing it of a failure to obey international nuclear non-proliferation demands.

 

However, Russia has dismissed the reports. "We do not supply any offensive weapons to Iran, and accusing Russia and Iran of cooperation that undermines regional security is unjust," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said earlier.

 

Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said ahead of his visit that Tehran would negotiate the delivery of S-300 missiles "when it is necessary."

 

In an official statement, the Islamic Republic's Defense Ministry said: "During his trip to Russia, the Iranian defense minister will hold talks with Russian officials and visit a number of defense industry companies. The main purpose of the visit is the expansion of bilateral [military-technical] ties and the implementation of existing agreements in the military-technical sector."

 

"The contract on the S-300 could be fulfilled any time," Kommersant said, citing an unidentified Russian defense official. "New deals are in the offing. Talks on Buk-M1 medium-range missile systems are continuing. However there has been no political decision, necessary for the deals to go ahead."

 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to meet with the new U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in March. The meeting is seen as a sign of a thaw in relations between Moscow and Washington, strained of late over a host of issues, including U.S. plans to deploy missile shield elements in Central Europe, which Russia strongly opposes.

 

Media reports said the new U.S. administration was seeking a compromise on the missile shield dispute that would be linked to Russia's cooperation in preventing Iran from building a nuclear bomb. The "Iranian threat" was one of the reasons cited for the missile shield.

 

Iran recently took delivery of 29 Russian-made Tor-M1 air defense missile systems under a $700-million contract signed in late 2005. Russia has also trained Iranian Tor-M1 specialists, including radar operators and crew commanders.

From Defense Aerospace

 

Russia Concedes Signing S-300 Missile Deal with Iran

(Source: ddi Indian Government news; issued March 18, 2009)

 

Russia on Wednesday conceded that it had signed a contract for the supply of highly potent S-300 air defence missiles to Iran two years ago, but said the actual deliveries were yet to commence depending on the "international situation".

 

"Under the deal signed two years ago S-300 complexes have not been supplied so far to Iran. But the contract is being gradually implemented," a 'highly placed official' of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation, supervising the foreign defence supplies, was quoted as saying by the news agency.

 

"Further implementation of the contract to a great extent would depend on the international situation and the decision of the country's leadership," the Russian official said on the condition of anonymity.

 

Both the US and Israel have been opposing transfer of the S-300 (SA-10, Grumble) air defence missile complexes capable of protecting key installations from massive air strikes including ballistic missiles, to Iran.

 

Patriot class S-300 missile complexes capable of downing the ballistic warhead of the size of a tennis ball can simultaneously engage six targets to destroy them with a volley of 12 killer missiles.

 

Russian S-300 would deprive the US and Israel impunity in case of air strikes on Iranian nuclear installations, suspected of developing nuclear weapons and in the peacetime its power radars could monitor each and every take-off and landing of US aircraft in the American airbases in Iraq and the Gulf, experts say.

 

Military cooperation with Iran, including the plans to sell S-300 complexes, are elements of Moscow's trade-off in the relations with the West, according to the experts of a local defence think-tank.

 

"S-300 contract and the whole cooperation with Iran are seen by Moscow only as an instrument in the political trading with the West and not as the means for realising Russia's fundamental defence and commercial interests," Ruslan Pukhov of the independent Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST) believes.