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Russia could deliver the S-300PMU1 strategic air defense system to Iran in 2008, according to Dec. 26 media reports citing sources in both countries. This would be a significant addition to Iran’s air defense system, but the details remain unclear and the delivery is by no means confirmed — and in any case, such a delivery has been rumored on-again off-again for years. However, given the Kremlin’s interest in throwing a wrench into a potential U.S.-Iranian rapprochement, this could be the political juncture that Moscow has waiting for to make good on the deal.
The S-300 series strategic air defense systems are thought to be some of the best in the world. Even the older variants are capable of engaging targets well in excess of 100 miles away and at altitudes up to nearly 90,000 feet. The current rumblings center around the PMU1 system. The PMU1 is a sound and capable late-model version that, compared to previous versions, is more capable of functioning despite heavy electronic countermeasures. It would mark a significant improvement in Iran’s air defense network. The Iranians also no doubt will be touting their new capability to intercept ballistic missiles and engage stealth aircraft, though in fact these features are usually attributed to later variants. (The PMU1 is said to have a limited ballistic missile defense capability.)
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