Iran Takes Russian Air Defense System

Iran Takes Russian Air Defense System
December 22, 2008
BBC

Iran has confirmed the commencement of the delivery of a powerful anti-aircraft missile defense system to the country from Russia.

Deputy Head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission in Iran's parliament, Esma'il Kowsari, said Sunday that Tehran has reached an agreement with Moscow on the delivery of the advanced S-300 surface-to-air missile system after years of negotiations.

"The missile system would be used to enhance Iran's defense capabilities and to protect the country's sovereignty," Kowsari told IRNA. The confirmation came after Ha'aretz reported this past Tuesday that Israel would send the head of political military policy in the Israeli Defense Ministry, Major General Amos Gil'ad, to press the Kremlin not to supply Iran with S-300 missile defense systems.

The Iranian official responded, however, that Israeli reactions to Tehran-Moscow military cooperation would not affect the deal. Later on Wednesday, Russia announced that it is fulfilling the controversial deal and would deliver the anti-aircraft system to Iran.

"Moscow has earlier met its obligations on supplying Tor-M1 systems to Iran and is currently implementing a contract to deliver S-300 systems," RIA Novosti quoted an unnamed Russian source as saying.


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