Advanced weapons systems S300 – from Russia to Iran

In response to the large transaction, will Israel renew the sale of advanced
weapons systems to Ukraine and Georgia – considered to be enemies of Russia?
Defense officials estimate such decision might be made. However, the Russian
decision is still "fresh" and Israeli moves have not yet been discussed.
Commentary

Amir Rapaport | 14/04/2015
http://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/content/advanced-weapons-systems-s300-%E2%80%93-russia-iran


To understand the relationship between the transactions between Israel,
Ukraine and Georgia and the recent Russian move, we should go back to the
background of things: Russia was planning to sell Iran the advanced S300
missiles defense system at the end of the last decade.

The weapon system is considered to have strategic capabilities. Although the
Russians have not offered the Iranians the most advanced version of the
system they possess, it is still an anti-aircraft system that can hit
aircraft even at ranges of 150 km – a huge challenge for every Air Force,
including the Israeli Air Force.

The deal between Russia and Iran was canceled in 2010, under the pressure of
Israel and against the background of global sanctions imposed on the Iranian
regime. In a silent understanding, Israel has refrained from selling
advanced weapons systems to Ukraine and Georgia, that are both considered
enemies of Russia. Regarding Georgia, the supply of Israeli arms was
completely stopped after their war with the Russians at the end of the last
decade (and after Israeli weapons brought down several Russian helicopters).
Regarding Ukraine, several transactions were on the agenda recently,
including the sale of advanced unmanned aircraft amounting tens of thousands
of dollars. These transactions were frozen based on a demand of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, in view of the "delicate" relationship between Israel
and Russia. Now, it is quite possible that the approval for exporting Israel
arms to Ukraine will be granted.

In the meantime, a few notes about the sale of Russian air defense system to
Iran: the deal has not been finalized and Israel learned about it following
a visit of a senior Iranian defense delegation in Moscow.

It seems that the weapon system to be sold will be a not advanced version of
the S300, nonetheless, any system of this magnitude will greatly complicate
a future Israeli attack in Iran (if decided on one). The arrival time of the
system will be no less than three years (if there will actually be a deal at
the end of the process).

Meanwhile, the deal is seen in Israel mainly as an act of defiance on behalf
of Russia and Iran facing signs of weakness shown by the West led by US
President Barack Obama, who is eager to form an agreement with the Iranians,
as part of the new global game of the superpowers, in which Israel plays a
very minor role. The transaction is made possible through the legitimacy
Iran now receives as a result of the understanding agreement it has signed,
but that's just the beginning: the whole world starts in pursuit of Iranian
money following the anticipated removal of sanctions, after the signing of a
final status agreement. Iran is going to consolidate its position as a
regional power, under the shadow of a near nuclear threat and under the
umbrella of advanced Russian weapons, just as was feared in Israel.