Iran’s Air Defense Forces Equipped with S-300 System: Iran's Def Min.

Bavar-373

Iran’s Air Defense Forces Equipped with S-300 System: Iran's Def Min. (IranFrontPage).

The Iranian Defence Minister announced on Tuesday that the country’s Khatam al-Anbia Air Defence Base has been equipped with the S-300 missile system, but at the same time added that the Islamic Republic’s indigenously designed air defence system will be mass-produced later this year.

Khatam al-Anbia Air Defence Base has received the strategic S-300 air defence missile system, Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan said on the sidelines of a visit to an exhibition of the achievements of the Iranian Army’s air defence base.

Highlighting the country’s major strides toward self-sufficiency in the area of aerial defence, he added that Iran has also developed its domestically-built Bavar-373 air defence system, and will launch its mass production this year.

He said the Iranian system enjoys specifications and functions similar to those of S-300, and that it can simultaneously engage multiple aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones.

Back in April, Iran displayed part of the Russian-made S-300 air defence missile system in a military parade in Tehran, held to mark the National Army Day.

The gear unveiled in the ceremony included 2 radar systems of S-300, its carrier and command vehicles as well as the crane for lifting its missiles.

Iran has already made it clear that its military might poses no threat to regional countries, saying that the Islamic Republic’s defence doctrine is entirely based on deterrence.

Quoting materials from Iran Front Page is permitted only if the source is mentioned by name.

Obama's new BFF Iran threatens to close Strait of Hormuz to US.

Obama's new BFF Iran threatens to close Strait of Hormuz to US. (Fars).

The deputy commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard said Iranian forces will close the strategic Strait of Hormuz to the United States and its allies if they "threaten" the Islamic Republic, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday.

That S-300 delivery came just in time.

The comments by Gen. Hossein Salami, carried on state television, follow a long history of both rhetoric and confrontation between Iran and the U.S. over the narrow strait, through which nearly a third of all oil traded by sea passes.

The remarks by the acting commander of the Guard also follow those of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who on Monday criticized U.S. activities in the Persian Gulf. It's unclear whether that signals any new Iranian concern over the strait or possible confrontation with the U.S. following its nuclear deal with world powers.

To begin with, the Law of the Sea Treaty requires parties to the Treaty to adopt regulations and laws to control pollution of the marine environment and security. Likewise, Freedom of Navigation, a principle of customary international law, says ships flying the flag of any sovereign state shall not suffer interference from other states. However, not all UN member states have ratified the Convention; notably, the United States has signed, but not ratified it!

That says why the United States continues to challenge, and even threaten with sanctions, Iran’s territorial rights in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, including its annual naval maneuvers in the Strait of Hormuz.

This is while on several occasions, the armed forces of the United States (not a Coastal State) have conducted operations in the Persian Gulf in collaboration with Arab littoral states. Throughout the years, US forces, using numerous naval bases in the region, have also been performing "Freedom of Navigation" operations in the Strait of Hormuz with little respect to the Law of the Sea Treaty. For instance, we can still remember vividly how Iran freed 10 US sailors after detaining them on January 12 for having crossed into its territorial waters.

This particular incident and many others explain why Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamanei says the US Navy’s aggressive presence in the Persian Gulf is counterproductive, calling it an infringement of Iran’s rights. Here, the US should know where it stands, and stand there, which in the words of Ayatollah Khamenei, is indeed the Bay of Pigs!

Under 1982 Convention and Freedom of Navigation, however, Iran as the largest Coastal State in the Persian Gulf that also borders the Strait of Hormuz is allowed to:

1-Exercise sovereignty over its territorial waters

2-Stage naval drills for self-defense and security

3-Regulate navigational and other aspects of passage through the Strait of Hormuz

4-Establish sea lanes and air routes

5-Have sovereign rights in a 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone with respect to natural resources and certain economic activities, and exercise jurisdiction over marine science, research, and environmental protection

6-Have freedom of navigation, transit, and overflight

7-Prevent and control insecurity under international obligations

It is within the boundaries of this Convention that Iran as a signatory continues to stage naval drills in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. It is also within the framework of the same Convention that the Iranian Leader says “Tehran will continue its military drills,” since sea power of both the hard, naval kind and the softer kind that involves trade, is as vital as ever for national security.

There is little doubt that Iran’s naval drills also adhere to International Maritime Law by helping to reinforce regional security and peace. Meaning, America is not right to be worried about Iran becoming a regional maritime power. What makes Iran’s rise as a sea power troubling for the Arab littoral states that rely on America to maintain their own order are in fact its independent policies and security programs, as well as where it lies.

Indeed, there is nothing wrong with Iran regarding a powerful navy as essential to its security, prestige and self-image, particularly if it eventually also uses it to reinforce regional order. Iran itself knows what it is doing. It is the United States that seemingly is not in the know. It is using its Naval presence in the region for more than just flag-waving, diplomatic signaling, and discreet bullying. .Read the full story here.More here.

Start of Russian S-300 missile systems supply to Iran confirmed by deputy PM Rogozin.

Start of Russian S-300 missile systems supply to Iran confirmed by deputy PM Rogozin. (Tass).

Russia has started sales of S-300 systems to Iran. The deal is to be completed by the end of the year, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Monday.

In an interview with the Ekho Moskvy radio station, he said Russia has already sent the first batch of S-300 systems to Iran. "We are acting in strict compliance with the contract. They pay, we sell. We have already started. It is a supply in full sets," he said.

In his words, the number of missile systems and the number of missiles are stipulated by the contract. "I cannot say what exactly has been supplied but the supply was conducted by a logistics route elaborated by Russian and Iranian specialists," he said.

According to Rogozin, having received the first batch of these systems, Iran is abandoning its claim to Russia from the international court of arbitration. "They have agreed it with the Majlis, their parliament, so, the deal is being realized in full," he said.

Iran hurriedly retracted its claim that the S-300 missile defense system had arrived in the country.

Iran hurriedly retracted its claim that the S-300 missile defense system had arrived in the country. (TOI).

Iran hurriedly retracted its claim Monday that the S-300 missile defense system had arrived in the country, saying instead only that an agreement for delivery had been reached, according to local media.

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Jaberi Ansari told local media explicitly that delivery of the system had already begun.

“Today I should announce that the first part of these equipment has arrived in Iran, and delivery of other parts will continue,” Ansari said at a press conference, according to a Mehr news agency report.

But just a few hours later, the agency’s story changed Ansari’s phrasing to: “Today I should announce that the first phase of the agreement is implemented, and the process will continue.”

Ansari also told the British Guardian newspaper the equipment had not actually been delivered, but rather that the “initial agreement for delivery” had been reached between the two countries.

Iran's FM spokesman clarifies earlier statement on S300 missile delivery, says initial agreement for delivery is struck, not delivered yet.

— Saeed Kamali Dehghan (@SaeedKD) April 11, 2016

The Iranian Tasnim news agency, which broke the story, similarly retracted its initial article and tweet about the S-300 delivery.

Instead, Tasnim quoted a Russian official who anticipated the delivery of the anti-aircraft battery would take place later in 2016. Read the full story here. 

Kremlin does not comment on deliveries of S-300 missile system to #Iran https://t.co/LMqu8Bn2Qx

— MFS - The Other News (@MFS001) April 11, 2016

Photos allegedly show "accessories" of S-300 arriving in #Iran, MFA insists that S-300 itself yet to be delivered. pic.twitter.com/9nDpr74Cnz

— Sadegh Ghorbani (@GhorbaniSadegh) April 11, 2016

Image that reportedly have been taken 2 weeks ago in N of #Iran, shows something like an Avtobaza-M jamming system. pic.twitter.com/4QZrwoPTR9

— Sadegh Ghorbani (@GhorbaniSadegh) April 11, 2016

North Korea releases images of new KN-06 long range Surface-to-Air-Missile test - rpt based on Russia S-300 series.

North Korea releases images of new KN-06 long range Surface-to-Air-Missile test - rpt based on Russia S-300 series.

#NorthKorea releases images of new KN-06 long range Surface-to-Air-Missile test - rpt based on #Russia S-300 series pic.twitter.com/tVp8DKIs1k

— Joseph Dempsey (@JosephHDempsey) April 4, 2016

Compare to the Iranian self made S-300 system

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov: Delivery date of S-300s to Iran is unclear due to payment issues.

Kremlin: Delivery date of S-300s to Iran is unclear due to payment issues. (RBTH).

It's Too early to talk about particular dates of S-300 delivery to Iran, as the deal has not been properly paid for, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Feb. 18.

Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed Russian-Iranian military-technological cooperation at his recent meeting with Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan. "Various issues related to military-technological cooperation in general were discussed," Peskov told.

Peskov said that it is too early to name the exact delivery date for the S-300s.

"There are no concrete dates so far, because there are problems related to the payment and so on. The deal has not yet been properly paid for, and therefore it is premature to talk about concrete dates so far," he said.

Iraqi Mobilization Forces Urge Abadi to apply for Russian Strikes

Iraqi Mobilization Forces Urge Abadi to apply for Russian Strikes. (AM).

Iraq’s ruling alliance and powerful Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have urged Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to request Russian air strikes on the Takfiri group, ISIL (so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Levant), a report said on Wednesday.

Reuters news agency quoted two members of parliament as saying that the prime minister was under “tremendous pressure” from the ruling National Alliance to request Russian intervention.

MPs and alliance members said an official request for Russian air strikes was relayed to Abadi last week and that he has not officially responded.

“Abadi told the meeting parties that it wasn’t the right time to include the Russians in the fight because that would only complicate the situation with the Americans and could have undesired consequences even on long-term future relations with America,” said a senior Shi’ite politician close to Abadi.

Abadi’s spokesman said he has not discussed air strikes with Russia. At the same time he was “not ruling out any side that could provide support to Iraq,” Saad al-Hadithi said. Read the full story here.

Russia will strike any regional country supplying Syrian rebels with MANPADs that can hit its jets

Russia will strike any regional country supplying Syrian rebels with MANPADs. HT: EjmAlrai

Sources close to the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told me “important decisions were taken on regional level, the military needs of the Syrian army to eliminate terrorism, and a serious message Russia is sending to the countries involved in supporting insurgents and terrorists in the Levant. ”


” The early departure of President Assad is not conceivable for both Russia and Syria. Neither side has mentioned this topic. Nonetheless, the Syrian President expressed to his counterpart his readiness for an early election to ensure a place for all, after proposing an amendment of the Constitution.


Putin explained that Russia has used intercontinental cruise missiles to show to all players with proxies fighting on the ground in Syria its determination to target any regional country providing extremists with anti-air missiles (MANPADs) that can damage or shoot down any Russian jet. Any country that supports terrorists exposing Russian jets at risk would be a legitimate target to Russia. Read the full story here.

Who are the #Syria/n moderate that have received or obtained #USA made TOWs https://t.co/cy1ZwFQqjN v @Pyrrha108 pic.twitter.com/DxgXzFKqQw

— Elijah J. Magnier (@EjmAlrai) October 23, 2015

Russia says Iran's S-300 lawsuit prevents deliveries of S-300 defense systems

Russia says Iran's S-300 lawsuit impedes deliveries of missile defense systems.(Taz).

Moscow is waiting for Tehran to withdraw its lawsuit over the non-delivery of the S-300 missile defense systems before starting to work on supplying Iran with the equipment, a high-ranking Russian governmental source told journalists in Moscow Monday, Irna reported.

In 2007, Russia and Iran signed an $800-million deal for the delivery of five S-300 battalions.

In 2011, Iran sued Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport in the Geneva Arbitration Court after Moscow suspended the contract for delivery of five S-300 systems, citing the UN Security Council-imposed arms embargo against Tehran.

'For this [a decision regarding deliveries of S-300], a key requirement is the withdrawal of a lawsuit. They have not withdrawn it yet, we are waiting. We cannot [simultaneously] take part in legal proceedings over one contract and implement deliveries on the other,' the unnamed source said.

Last week, Russia and Iran signed a memorandum on the implementation of the agreement for the delivery of the missile defense systems.


Earlier this month, an Iranian defense source told Sputnik that Tehran expected to receive the Russian S-300 missile defense systems 30-40 days after the signing of the new deal with Moscow. According to the source, Iran will withdraw its lawsuit against Russia immediately after the signing of a new agreement on S-300 deliveries. Hmmm.....Sometimes you just have to love the way Russians conclude their 'deals'.

Russia to train Iranian specialists to operate new Antey-2500 air defense missile systems.

Russia to train Iranian specialists to operate new Antey-2500 air defense missile systems. (RBTH).

A pending S-300 contract between Russia and Iran stipulates the delivery of a more modern air defense missile system, Antey-2500, which means specialists will need to learn how to operate it, a source with knowledge of the situation told Interfax-AVN on Aug.26.

"A group of Iranian military specialists visited Russia after the first contract for the delivery of S-300PMU systems was signed; they were trained and authorized to operate the system. Now they will have to be retrained because Antey-2500 differs from S-300PMU a lot," the source said.

He said that would take time and money. "Iran would like to procure Antey-2500 systems and put them into service as soon as possible," the source said.

There are many opponents of the delivery of Russia's Antey-2500 air defense missile systems both in the West and in the Arab world, he said.

Russia is completing the modernization of the S-300 System meant for Iran.

Russia is completing the modernization of the S-300 System meant for Iran. (Kommersant)[GoogleTranslated].

Russia will supply Iran with an improved S-300, which is now being finalized specifically for the Iranian side. This was reported by "RIA Novosti" on Thursday.

Russian presidential aide on military-technical cooperation Vladimir Kozhin. " Time passed and it was partially modified, finalized the individual elements,This is the most complex of the C-300, models which Iran would get. "- said Mr. Kozhin.

Previously, "Kommersant" reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that would allow Iran to convey the Russian anti-aircraft missile systems S-300. The Russian Defense Ministry said that, if necessary, be able to quickly deliver the S-300 to Iran. More here.

Related: 

Iran Promises Not to Reverse Engineer Russian S-300 Missile Defense System

Iran Promises Not to Reverse Engineer Russian S-300 Missile Defense System

Iran Promises Not to Reverse Engineer Russian S-300 Missile Defense System. (Algemeiner).

Brig. Gen. Farzad Esmayeeli, the Commander of Iran’s Khatamul Anbia Air Defense Base, announced on Monday that his country does not intend to reverse engineer the sophisticated Russian S-300 missile air defense system.

According to Esmayeeli, “S-300 is an operational system and doesn’t need reverse engineering,” and “since the S-300 is a defensive operational system, it will be deployed in specific spots and will not be reverse engineered.”

According to semi-official state news agency Fars, Esmayeeli also emphasized that the Khatamul Anbia Air Defense Base’s experts have undergone the necessary training, and are ready to use the Russian-made missile defense shield.

Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his decision to end a ban on the sale of the S-300 missile defense shield to Iran. Iran’s Defense Minister, Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehqan said the “decision came as a result of the two countries’ political leaders’ will to develop and promote cooperation in all fields.”

Dehqan also announced that Iran would be testing its own, home-made version of the S-300 system, called the Bavar 373 - which it claims was designed and developed after the Russians embargoed the delivery of their systems - before the end of the current Iranian year.

He told reporters, “we expect to be able to test the [domestic] production model of the S-300 by the end of the current [Iranian] year.”

In April, Iran displayed its Bavar 373 missile defense system during military parades south of Tehran. The Iranians claimed their domestic version is superior to the Russian original, with increased mobility, agility and reduced launch-preparation time.

Israel has long lobbied against the sale of the advanced weaponry to Iran, fearing it may hinder a military operation against Iran’s nuclear sites.

The Algemeiner Journal

Did the Maersk Tigris transport the S-300 System to Iran?

Source

Did the Maersk Tigris transport the S-300 System to Iran? (MFS).

As i said before it bothers me that Iran went all this length stopping the vessel in international waters, and then suddenly out of the blue release the vessel without payment.

#MaerskTigris managed by Rickmers Trust, who have told #LloydsList vessel was in international waters when captured

— David Osler (@finance_LL) April 28, 2015

On 03 April the Maersk Tigris was in the Russian Black sea port of Novorossiysk, It stayed three days in that port.

The Maersk Tigris is not owned by the Danish shipping giant. Maersk had chartered the vessel, which is owned by Singapore’s Rickmer Shipmanagement.


Iranian defense minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehghan left Tehran to Moscow on April 15 Th to sign a deal for receiving Russian-made S-300 missiles.


The Maers Tigriss was taken to the port Bandar Abbas.

Iran's official news agency IRNA reports that the seizure of the Maersk Tigris was because of an outstanding warrant by an Iranian court against the Maersk shipping lines.

IRNA said the warrant was issued after a private Iranian company had filed a claim that Maersk owed money to the company.

The explanation offered by IRNA creates more questions than answers.

The IRGC Navy is sent to intercept and seize a cargo ship at the Strait of Hormuz to enforce a civil law suit by an private company in Iran against a shipping giant during a tense period in the region. Highly unusual, indeed!

According to the Navigation and Ports Organization public relations bureau, the decree was issued upon a complaint lodged by a private company named 'Pars-Talaeeyeh Oil Products Company' manager Hamid Reza Jahanian against MAERSK Shipping Line.

Hamid Reza Jahanian, the managing director of the company said May 6 that the ship and its cargo would be sold unless the Danish shipping company pays $10 million in losses that his company has suffered.

On April 28 Iranian forces boarded the ship after firing warning shots across the bridge and later took it to Bandar Abbas, the main port of Iran's navy, under escort by Iranian patrol boats.

Danish shipping company Maersk Line, which chartered the container ship from Rickmers Ship Management in Singapore, insisted it had no "special cargo" such as military equipment. 

Iran’s seizure clearly violates international law, and one might add, a branch of international law that is ordinarily well-respected, and quite fundamental for global commerce. Moreover, no maritime lien gives Iran any authority to detain the crew.

Given the flagrant breach of international law, there seems to be a surprising silence from the “international community” and proponents of global governance.

Another fact worth mentioning is that Vladislav Menshikov, the CEO of S-300 air defense systems manufacturer Almaz-Antei, said in August 2013 that Russia has dismantled and disposed the S-300 air defense missile systems originally intended for delivery to Iran and the fact is that Russia doesn't produce S-300 any more, updating the old agreement is a confusing issue and might imply delivering more advanced S-400 missile systems to Iran.

However, leaving the old agreement unchanged may mean that Russia wants to deliver the ready S-300 systems which is currently used by its own army to Iran.

Hmmm......This is speculation from my side, but the whole story bothers me, i have the gut feeling there's more to it. I can't help wondering what went on in that Iranian port?

@EjmAlrai I can't help but wonder if there's more going on then meet the eye? Was anything unloaded? pic.twitter.com/gxGqWFdZQR

— MFS - The Other News (@MFS001) May 7, 2015

Israeli F-16 train with Greek air force missions against S-300 (Iran - Russia).

Israeli F-16 train with Greek air force missions against S-300 (Iran - Russia). (TA).

The Israeli Air Force has used INIOXOS-2015, one the largest annual exercise of the Hellenic Air Force, to prepare for a potential situation where it will have to attack Iranian nuclear facilities by performing missions against the S-300PMU-1 surface-to-air missile system, stationed in Crete, according to Flightglobal.

Russia has recently lifted the ban on sale of S-300 systems to Iran.

Israel deployed 10 F-16I Sufa jets from four Squadrons (201 «The One», 253 «The Negev», 107 «The Knights of the Orange Tail» and 119 «The Bat) at the 117 Combat Wing/Andravida Air Base and U.S. Air Force in Europe dispatched a number of SF personnel as JTACs (Joint Terminal Attack Controllers).

Thanks to the exercise in Greece (not the first attended by the Israeli since the deterioration of their relations with Turkey), the Israeli Air Force has gathered important data about the Russian SAM system and had the opportunity to test and improve evasion tactics during simulated attacks against ground targets protected by S-300 batteries.Read the full story here.