News
Russia confirms first delivery of advanced S-300 air defence system to Iran
Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin yesterday confirmed that Moscow has begun delivering the advanced S-300 anti-aircraft missile system to Iran.
Last April, Russia announced that it had lifted a freeze on the sale of the S-300 system, in place since 2010 following international concerns over the Tehran regime and subsequent global sanctions. The sale represents a significant upgrade to Iran’s air defence system and sparked significant concern among Israeli leaders who warned Moscow that the S-300 in Iranian hands would merely increase tensions in the region. It is also widely thought that the S-300 will significantly complicate any potential military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Russia has insisted that the weaponry is designed purely for defensive purposes.
Russia has until now delayed initial delivery of the S-300 system. Some reports say that Iran had failed to promptly pay for the hardware, while a Kuwaiti-based publication claimed that delivery had been delayed after Israeli intelligence raised concerns that such weaponry would make its way into the hands of Hezbollah. The Lebanon-based terror group is strongly funded and supplied by Tehran. One of the Israel Air Force’s most senior officers this month warned that despite last year’s deal over Iran’s nuclear development, Tehran “provides much of the resources and weapons that are given to the organisations working against the State of Israel.”
However, Rogozin yesterday confirmed that delivery of the S-300 has begun. He told Moscow radio station Ekho Moskvy “We are acting in strict compliance with the contract,” adding “They pay, we deliver.” The Times says that Russia’s sale of the S-300 to Iran was also opposed by the United States and Saudi Arabia. The United States recently imposed new sanctions on Iranian individuals and businesses after a series of Iranian ballistic missile tests breached United Nations’ Security Council resolutions. The Times report adds that Russia is also expected to sell advanced Sukoi Su-30 fighter jets to Iran later this year.