Russia to Sell Advanced SAM Missles to Iran
The TOR-M1 (aka SA-15 Gauntlet platform) is one of the most advanced of the worlds self-propelled point-defense SAM systems. Certain Russian sources would have you know that the SA-15 can take out anti-radiation missiles (ie HARM, ALARM) at ranges between 3-5 km, and aircraft out 12km. Interfax said the Tor-M1 system could identify up to 48 targets and fire at two targets simultaneously at a height of up to 20,000 feet.
The TOR-M1(or at least one version of it) has substantial passive detection capabilities (thermal IR), thus stacking up its defensive capabilities against modern anti-radiation missiles. "
The phased array tracking radar is a major improvement over standard radars regarding LPI. It emits much less often and is harder to detect and jam... (it is also expensive).
Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov didn't give details. But Russian media have said that Moscow agreed in November to sell $1 billion worth of weapons to Iran, including up to 30 Tor-M1 missile systems over the next two years.
The report is a major concern from the U.S administration and Israel, which considers Iran to be its biggest threat. Israeli concerns recently were heightened after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad urged that Israel be "wiped off the map."
This Sale can do nothing but complicate any military solutions to the Iranian nuclear threat.
It should be no surprise though as Russia sold Iran major components and expertise for its reactors why wouldn't they sell them SAM missiles to defend them. The Russian Foreign Ministry, without commenting on the reported missile sale, also said Saturday that all Russian weaponry supplied to Iran is purely for defensive purposes.
Russia's continued sale of arms to Iran seems to contradict efforts Russia and the US have made supporting the EU in its effort to get Iran to halt development of nuclear weapons in exchange for economic incentives, such as trade opportunities.
A unnamed senior Bush administration official, who declined to be named because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the subject, said last week that any arms sale to Iran is a source of concern. The official would not say whether Russia had advised the United States of any negotiations with Iran.
On Saturday, an influential Iranian official played down the deal, telling the official Islamic Republic News Agency that Tehran has been trading arms with many countries and would continue to do so.
The TOR-M1(or at least one version of it) has substantial passive detection capabilities (thermal IR), thus stacking up its defensive capabilities against modern anti-radiation missiles. "
The phased array tracking radar is a major improvement over standard radars regarding LPI. It emits much less often and is harder to detect and jam... (it is also expensive).
Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov didn't give details. But Russian media have said that Moscow agreed in November to sell $1 billion worth of weapons to Iran, including up to 30 Tor-M1 missile systems over the next two years.
The report is a major concern from the U.S administration and Israel, which considers Iran to be its biggest threat. Israeli concerns recently were heightened after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad urged that Israel be "wiped off the map."
This Sale can do nothing but complicate any military solutions to the Iranian nuclear threat.
It should be no surprise though as Russia sold Iran major components and expertise for its reactors why wouldn't they sell them SAM missiles to defend them. The Russian Foreign Ministry, without commenting on the reported missile sale, also said Saturday that all Russian weaponry supplied to Iran is purely for defensive purposes.
Russia's continued sale of arms to Iran seems to contradict efforts Russia and the US have made supporting the EU in its effort to get Iran to halt development of nuclear weapons in exchange for economic incentives, such as trade opportunities.
A unnamed senior Bush administration official, who declined to be named because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the subject, said last week that any arms sale to Iran is a source of concern. The official would not say whether Russia had advised the United States of any negotiations with Iran.
On Saturday, an influential Iranian official played down the deal, telling the official Islamic Republic News Agency that Tehran has been trading arms with many countries and would continue to do so.
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