Meanwhile, Putin Is Also Arming Iran The sale of the S-300 advanced surface-to-air missile system is a sign of things to come. By Daniel Z. Katz
http://www.wsj.com/articles/meanwhile-putin-is-also-arming-iran-1444601016
While all eyes are on Vladimir Putin’s machinations in Syria, deploying Russian fighters and troops, a potentially more dangerous Moscow effort in Iran is picking up steam. Media outlets are reporting that Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile systems may be delivered before the end of the year.
The S-300 is considered “defensive” and as such is not subject to United Nations sanctions. Each system fielded creates a formidable shield against air attacks over a large area. It operates as a battalion, at the center of which is a search radar that scans out to 180 miles and tracks up to 100 aircraft. All components of the S-300 are mounted on trucks and mobile in minutes.
Surrounding it are six “batteries,” each composed of a guidance radar and up to eight launchers holding four missiles with a range of 90 miles. Each battery can fire on six targets at the same time, allowing a full battalion to engage 36 aircraft simultaneously. According to Russian reports, Iran will receive at least four battalions.
What does this mean if Iran violates its nuclear agreement and the U.S. or its allies are forced to strike its nuclear facilities? America has ways to defeat the system. Its arsenal boasts 20 stealth bombers, over a hundred F-22 stealth fighters and a growing number of stealthy F-35s—all of which would be difficult for the S-300 to detect. In addition, the U.S. operates over 100 jammer aircraft and possesses many missiles that can be fired from outside the range of the S-300.
Still, the S-300 will be by far the most capable air-defense system fielded by Tehran and its deployment will increase the chances the U.S. will lose aircraft and pilots in any conflict.
What does the delivery mean for Israel, which has long considered an attack on Tehran’s enrichment sites? The arrival of the S-300 complicates what is already a difficult operation. None of Israel’s current aircraft are stealthy, and though it will start receiving F-35s in 2017, these lack the range to reach Iran unless they can refuel on the journey.
But again, the S-300 doesn’t present an insurmountable barrier. The Israelis are known experts in electronic warfare and their military authorities have stated that they can counter the system.
The development is most threatening for America’s allies in the Gulf Cooperation Council, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Tehran seeks to dominate the six Arab states along the Persian Gulf’s western coast. Their best deterrent is their small but capable air forces. Many of the Saudi and Emirati aircraft are of modern designs and have performed well in striking undefended targets in Libya, Iraq and Yemen. But none of these air forces operate stealthy aircraft, and none have executed the complex mission of dismantling a modern air-defense network.
The S-300 is not a “game-changer” but is a significant step forward for Iran’s defenses and a likely harbinger of future improvements. Two of the problems with the Iran nuclear deal is it allows research into advanced centrifuges while permitting the import of conventional weapons after five years—and that assumes Iran abides by the terms.
If, in five to 10 years, Tehran decides this deal has outlived its usefulness, it can manufacture a disagreement and withdraw, and it will then possess better centrifuge designs and an array of advanced weapons with which to defend them, including the S-300.
Mr. Katz is the lead defense analyst for Aviation Week Intelligence and Data Services. He previously served in the Defense Department and in the U.S. Army as a special forces soldier.
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