Russians on board? Sanctions and the S-300

In recent weeks it appears that the Russians will finally get on board with team Obama to back beefed up sanctions against Iran in the Security Council. However, we learn today that despite the slowly mounting Russian annoyance at Iran over its refusal to accept a deal sending uranium abroad for enrichment, they are still pursuing the delivery of S-300 missile systems to Iran.

The S-300 air defense system is one of the most modern air defense systems in the world. Deployed on a highly mobile truck platform that contributes to its survivability, the S-300 system can reportedly track 100 separate targets (ballistic and aircraft) from great distance and engage beyond the line of sight (up to 90 miles) with its 12 missile compliment. The S-300 systems would almost assuredly be deployed in defense of Iranian nuclear weapons sites and represent a drastic upgrade to the otherwise negligible Iranian anti aircraft and ballistic missile systems currently deployed.

While the S-300 has never been tested in combat, it is considered to be a significant threat to the non stealth fighter/bomber's that comprise all of Israel's air force and the vast majority of the USAF and carrier based air wings. Israel has vehemently lobbied the Russians to suspend the delivery of the systems as it makes the asset survivability and success rate of an Israeli strike prohibitively low. It would also severley complicate a US led strike, likely necessitating the use of a 100% stealth force in the early part of the raids to neutralize the S-300 threat before non stealth assets in ME bases and on aircraft carriers operating in the gulf could safely operate in theatre.

It begs us to question the role of the Russians as a post- Cold War world power. While much of their questionably moral weapons platform sales are made because we squeeze them out of the more palatable sales opportunities, the Iranian situation is completely different. The S-300 is a game changer that would limit the options of the Western world to confront Iran and no amount of sanctions would make up for its delivery. Now if only the Chinese would get on board...