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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 They have not withdrawn it yet, we are waiting.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.

IDF Appoints Special Team to Plan Strike on Iran.

IDF Appoints Special Team to Plan Strike on Iran. (INN).

As world powers and Iran reach a deadline Tuesday - which may be extended - for talks on the Islamic regime's nuclear program, Israel is taking steps to prepare for a military strike on Tehran's nuclear facilities so as to defend itself from the impending threat.

The Hebrew-language Walla! reported Tuesday that it has learned from a foreign source that IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot has appointed Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Yair Golan to head a special team tasked with examining the military options against Iran.

The team would explore what kind of striking options are available to Israel after a deal with Iran is signed.

For over 15 years the IDF has been examining the possibility of military action against Iran's ever burgeoning nuclear program, and the majority of the funding for such preparedness has gone to the Israeli Air Force (IAF) and the IDF's intelligence branch.

A source close to Ya'alon was quoted by Walla! saying, "nothing has changed regarding the military option. Our working assumption is that Iran is lying all the time, beyond the fact that it is funding and directing terror in the Middle East. It (Iran) is our most bitter enemy today, even though we don't share a physical border with it, and we must not put off any kind of preparedness against it."

"In the end we don't believe Iran. We don't believe the (nuclear) project will be stopped. Therefore the (military) option will remain. ...We need to be ready also for the day in which Israel will need to make decisions alone. (What) if it becomes clear they are pushing the envelope in breach of the agreement? Or if Iran goes down deep underground (with its nuclear facilities)? And if new sites are found? Will we wait for the US to take care of them?"

"You have to prepare yourself for all of the threats. Not only for Gaza and Lebanon," added the source. "The military option costs money but the more time goes by, you're better prepared to carry out the mission."

Indicating Israel's growing preparedness ahead of a potential military clash with Iran, the IAF held a special drill with the Greek air force two months ago, in which roughly 100 members of the IAF took part including dozens of crews from all the F-16i squadrons.

The unusual drill had IAF pilots operating in unfamiliar territory for a night and the following day, and included simulations of strikes and dogfights involving dozens of fighter jets.

Most importantly, in the drill the Greek army reportedly deployed advanced anti-missile defense systems similar to the Russian S-300 that Moscow sold to Iran and has yet to ship. The advanced S-300 system is considered to be a major challenge in carrying out an airstrike in that it can shoot down rockets as well as jets. Hmmm......What could go wrong? Iran's BFF Obama might warn Iran or might try to stop Israeli fighters. Read the full story here.

'From Berlin with love' - Germany's Federal Security Council has approved the export of a fifth submarine to Israel.

'From Berlin with love' - Germany's Federal Security Council has approved the export of a fifth submarine to Israel. (SP).

It's the penultimate submarine promised to Israel by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and will be handed over by the company Thyssen Krupp.

Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper revealed the approval, citing the Federal Security Council's report to the parliamentary Economics Committee.

Germany's Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) builds the new Air Independent Propulsion Dolphins and the decision to sell them has been criticized for two reasons. One, in that German taxpayers are shouldering a third of the cost.

Secondly, the vessels are reportedly capable of being equipped with nuclear weapons.

Peter Roberts is an expert in sea power and naval weapons systems at the Royal United Services Institute in London and told Sputnik News that Israel will want to produce and develop nuclear capability on the new submarines.

"That's the long term aspiration", says Roberts. "But does it have it right now? No.

"These are new batch of submarines that Israel is receiving which have a markedly increased capability on what they'd had previously in terms of range, covertness and ability to reach different parts of the world then they had previously been able to do."

Roberts adds that the submarines have the capability to become nuclear armed, "but probably not right now." "Several hurdles have to be overcome before it can be armed with a nuclear warhead."

He explains that the key to being able to arm the submarines with nuclear weapons is down to the delivery mechanism.

"The Israelis rely on the fact they could fire the Popeye submarine missile — a system that the Americans successfully launched in 2002. But traditionally the Israelis only keep the Harpoon anti-ship missile."

"These are the first submarines that will be able to fire this missile, the size of the torpedo tubes allow it to be fired, they have a bigger tubes for bigger missiles.

A recent report titled 'German Submarines — Capabilities and Potential', written by Captain Raimund Wallner, and published by the Royal United Services Institute in London, says:

"To sum up, one may say that due to their characteristics of compactness, covertness, sustainability and high combat power, submarines made in Germany are already able to meet the majority of the demands which today's and future scenarios pose to underwater platforms. Hmmm......To boldly go to Iran. Read the full story here.

Norwegian scientists 'find' mysterious Russian submarine in Arctic. Able to launch mini submarine.

Norwegian scientists 'find' mysterious Russian submarine in Arctic. (Telegraph).

Norwegian scientists apparently spot aging nuclear research vessel, part of President Putin's plan to send 6000 troops to an area rich in oil and gas.

A chance encounter by scientists adrift on an Arctic ice floe has given the first clues to a new Cold War being played out in in the far north, where Vladimir Putin has made no secret of his ambitions to extend Russian influence.

Yngve Kristoffersen and Audun Tholfsen, two Norwegian researchers, were coming to the end of their day when they spotted something unusual on the water.

"In the evening we spotted lights at a distance," the scientists recorded in their blog for October 16.

"Turned out to be a submarine at the surface in position: 89° 17.5' N, 172° 42.9' W. We were not able to identify it." The men said that they approached the boat, but she sank back under the ice when they were within 100 metres of her.

They did, however, obtain several photographs which show a distinctive profile, with the outline of the fin and bulbous bow pointing to her being a Russian nuclear submarine.

She has been potentially identified as the Delta class boat Orenburg. If so, then the scientists met an old monster, a former ballistic missile bomber which displaces 13,700 tons when submerged, and was originally commissioned into the Northern Fleet in 1981.

Later refurbished to be able to launch and retrieve a mini-submarine, she is now believed to be used for classified deep-sea research. 

This chimes with last week's announcement that the Kremlin intends to create a 6,000-strong Arctic force and open bases across the ice cap, beneath which are significant undiscovered reserves of oil, natural gas and minerals. Read the full story here.

 Hmmmm......Able to launch and retrieve Mini Subs.....Anyone missing a Submarine in Sweden?

Hmmmm.......New Russian submarines outfitted to break thicker Arctic ice.


Related: 

Russian navy welcomes most-advanced nuclear-powered attack sub.

Related? :[GoogleTranslate].

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"Run Silent - Run Deep" Israel’s Newest, Most Expensive Weapon: The INS Tanin Submarine.

"Run Silent - Run Deep" Israel’s Newest, Most Expensive Weapon: The INS Tanin Submarine.(Algemeiner).

In a commemoration aboard Israel’s 4th and newest submarine, the INS Tanin (”crocodile,” or “alligator”), the IDF on Sunday held a wreath-laying ceremony at the site where 69 soldiers of INS Dakar went down with the ship, in the Mediterranean Sea some 270 miles off the Israeli coast in 1968, the Israeli army said.

“We will guard, protect, and act in any enemy coast, and fight bravely for the navy and the state of Israel,” Adm. Ram Rothberg, said at the event, The Jerusalem Post noted.

Referring to the prowess of the new Dolphin-class craft, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz said that, “Without a doubt, this power, operationally and strategically, is very important for Israel, the IDF and the navy.”

The INS Tanin is the most expensive weapon currently in IDF service, at a cost of over $513 million dollars, and is considered one of the most sophisticated submarines in the world.

“More than four decades passed since INS Dakar’s last voyage… Although the threats have changed, and today you have the most modern equipment, the most advanced technologies, and the most quality means, the mission remains the same mission that the INS Dakar personnel were sent on, and the responsibility is the same. To protect the Israeli coast, sea waters, and working with all of the IDF’s branches to achieve the relevant goals,” Gantz said.

In addition to the IDF’s top brass, three survivors of the Dakar were aboard: Abraham Szabo, Israel Rosen and Abraham Carmel.

The three, who were supposed to have boarded the submarine, at the last minute received orders to remain dockside and wait a few days before another ship was scheduled to arrive in Israel, according to Israel’s NRG News.

According to the Defense Industry Daily, the diesel-electric attack submarine will be outfitted with its Israeli systems after arrival at a specially-made, secretive dock in Haifa.

The sub is reportedly designed for a crew of 35 and can support 10 passengers. It is said to have a maximum speed of 20 knots, and a maximum range of 2,700 miles (4,500 km).

The craft can fire torpedoes and missiles, perform underwater surveillance, and launch combat swimmers out of wet and dry compartments.

According to Janes, the Dolphin-class subs are reportedly nuclear-armed, possibly with Israel’s Popeye Tubo cruise missile.

The official festive welcoming ceremony is set for Tuesday in Haifa.

The next craft in the fleet, the INS Rahav is scheduled to arrive in Israel during 2015, with a sixth projected to arrive in 2019.

Watch the ceremony HERE.

Take an inside look at the most formidable, and expensive weapon, in Israel’s arsenal HERE.

Hmmm.....Erdogan's BFF and 'Israel's staunchest Ally' Pres Obama is delivering State of the art Torpedoes to Turkey.


 The Mk-48 is a huge 533mm torpedo (19 feet long, 3,500+ pounds) with advanced homing, wire guidance capabilities, and devastating consequences when its 300kg warhead hits a target. It is designed to kill both fast, deep-diving nuclear submarines and high performance surface ships.

PHOTOS: PM Netanyahu at ceremony upon arrival of IDF's new INS Tanin Submarine today. pic.twitter.com/bRAkwtz1Lx

— Israel News Feed (@IsraelHatzolah) September 23, 2014

Russia's aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and missile carrying nuclear cruiser Pyotr Veliky enter English Channel.

Pyotr Veliky

Russia's aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and missile carrying nuclear cruiser Pyotr Veliky enter English Channel.(RBTH).

A unit of the Russian Northern Fleet's ships, including the heavy aircraft carrying cruiser Soviet Union Navy Admiral Kuznetsov, has entered the English Channel, Northern Fleet spokesman Captain 1st Rank Vadim Serga told Interfax-AVN.

"In the near future, the combat ships and the support vessels of this unit will pass through the channel and enter the North Sea, proceeding farther toward the Northeast Atlantic," Serga said.

Upon reaching the North Atlantic, the crews of the Admiral Kuznetsov and the heavy missile carrying nuclear cruiser Pyotr Veliky will conduct a series of air defense and anti-submarine defense exercises.

Units operating the air defense missile systems onboard the ships will hold drills, including a simulated operation to rebuff an air strike launched by an imaginary adversary, convoy maneuvers, as well as a simulated attack against high-speed targets, Serga said.

During the deployment, ceremonies marking the 69th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II will be held onboard the Russian ships.

The nuclear cruiser Pyotr Veliky had spent more than six months within the Russian Navy's group of ships in the Mediterranean Sea. The cruiser hosted the naval group's operations headquarters. Its crew also took part in 13 operations to ensure security during the transportation of Syria's chemical weapons.

The Admiral Kuznetsov had spent more than three months in the Mediterranean Sea. Its presence there allowed pilots of Russia's Northern Fleet to extensively practice flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier at sea.The Northern Fleet ships are expected to return to their base at the end of May.

latest Russian fourth-generation Strategic nuclear submarine "Vladimir Monomakh" will remain at sea to continue tests.

latest Russian fourth-generation Strategic nuclear submarine (NPS) "Vladimir Monomakh" will remain at sea to continue tests. (Flot)

Strategic nuclear submarine (NPS) of the latest fourth-generation Project 955 "Borey" "Vladimir Monomakh" from the beginning again continue to test navigation in the sea.

On February 27 this corr. ITAR-TASS reported the press service of the military shipyard "Sevmash" in Severodvinsk, where he built a submarine, after a meeting of the interdepartmental working group.

"Spotlight representatives shipbuilding companies, designers, counterparty organizations were issues concerning the construction of nuclear submarines of new generation projects," Ash "and" Northwind ", - said the press service. workshop in the stack" Sevmash "is working in a submarine project" Borey "" Prince Vladimir "and the project" Ash "" Kazan "and" Novosibirsk "." Overall submarine construction of these projects are on schedule, "- stressed on the" Sevmash ".

"Vladimir Monomakh" - the third ship of the "Northwind." It belongs to a class of missile strategic submarine cruisers. nuclear ice was laid on the "Sevmash" March 19, 2006 year - to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Russian submarine fleet. shipbuilders in 2013 "Sevmash" was transferred to Russian Navy, the lead ship of Project 955 "Borey" "Yury Dolgoruky" and the first production ship of this project "Alexander Nevsky." In 2006 and 2012 on "Sevmash" were laid two serial ship of this project: "Vladimir Monomakh" and "Prince Vladimir" (the latter for improved design 955A. - ITAR-TASS).

"Vladimir Monomakh", is expected to be adopted in 2014. Submarine class "Northwind" designed to CDB Marine Engineering "Rubin" (St. Petersburg). In their construction applied advancements improve hydrodynamics body and significantly reduce noise. The main armament of warships - the new missile "Bulava". Each submarine project 955 can carry 16 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) for solid fuels P-30 "Bulava" with a range of more than 8 thousand km, equipped with MIRV individual targeting.

Submarine rescue chamber equipped with a pop-up designed for the entire crew. Length "Boreas" - 170 m, width - 13.5 m, maximum depth - 450 m, submerged speed - 29 knots (about 54 km / h), displacement overwater - about 14.7 tons, scuba - 24 tons, autonomy - 100 days, the crew - 107 people. "Borei" armed ICBM "Bulava", designed to become the basis of the naval strategic nuclear forces of Russia in the coming decades. Total planned to build up to eight 2020 "Boreas" - three of them, and five Project 955 - 955A (upgraded with power weapons - 20 ICBM "Bulava" each). Hmmmmmm.....Run Silent Run Deep.