Remember... the Russkies are our friends now

Russia reportedly to sell missiles to Iran

www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-12-02-reportedmisslessale_x.htm

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia has agreed to sell more than $1 billion worth of missiles and other defense systems to Iran, Russian news media reported Friday, a move expected to draw a heated reaction from the United States.

The Interfax and ITAR-Tass news agencies cited unidentified sources in the Russian military-industrial complex as saying that Russian and Iranian officials had signed contracts in November that would send up to 30 Tor-M1 missile systems to Iran over the next two years.

Interfax said the Tor-M1 system could identify up to 48 targets and fire at two targets simultaneously at a height of up to 20,000 feet.

The news agency quoted its source as saying the two countries had reached a deal on modernizing Iran's air force inventory, as well.

The deal was also reported in the Vedomosti newspaper, which cited an unidentified manager at a military-industrial enterprise as saying Russia would provide Iran with 29 Tor missile systems that had originally been manufactured on orders from Greece.

The state arms export agency, Rosoboronexport, said it had no information on the reported deal.

No Iranian officials were immediately available for comment Friday, a weekly holiday in the country. There were no reports in the Iranian media about the deal.

While the conventional weapons deal would not violate international agreements, it was likely to elicit an adverse reaction from the United States.

"I expect that Russia's decision to supply the complexes to Iran will meet a negative reaction from the West, but this criticism will be of a political rather than legal character," Konstantin Kosachev, the head of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, was quoted by Vedomosti as saying.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said the United States had not yet validated the news reports.

Russia, a key Iranian ally, has resisted U.S.-led efforts to bring Tehran before the U.N. Security Council over its alleged nuclear weapons program, insisting that the disputes be resolved through the U.N. nuclear watchdog.

Russia is also building a nuclear reactor in the Iranian city of Bushehr.

Israel considers Iran to be its biggest threat, and doesn't believe Tehran's claims that its nuclear program is peaceful. Israeli concerns were heightened recently after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad urged that Israel be "wiped off the map."

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said he was unaware of the reported deal between Russia and Iran, but said it would harm regional security.

"When a country hopes to strengthen the military potential of Iran, they are serving to strengthen the most negative elements in the region," Regev told The Associated Press in Jerusalem.

On Friday, Israel carried out a successful test of its Arrow missile defense system, intercepting and destroying a missile similar to Iran's long-range Shahab-3.

Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Copyright © 2005 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.



ABOUT THE MISSILES

www.defense-update.com/products/t/tor.htm

The TOR-M1 surface-to-air missile system is a mobile, integrated air defense system, designed for operation at medium-, low- and very low –altitudes, against fixed/rotary wing aircraft, UAVs, guided missiles and precision weapon. The system is capable of operating in an intensive aerial jamming environment. The system is comprised of a number of missile carrier/launchers, equipped with the missiles and associating radar, and a battery command post. The combat vehicle can operate autonomously, firing from stationary positions or on the move. The each fire unit can engage and launch missiles against two separate targets.



Tor can track up to 48 targets and engage two targets simultaneously, at a speed of up to 700 m/sec, and at a distance of 1 to 12 km. The system's high lethality (aircraft kill probability of 0.92-0.95) is maintained at altitude of 10 – 6,000 m'. Reaction time could range from 3.4 seconds for stationary positions to 10 seconds while on the move. The vertically launched, single-stage solid rocket propelled missile is capable of maneuvering at loads up to 30gs. It is equipped with a 15kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead activated by a proximity fuse.



The missile is also effective against precision guided weapons and cruise missiles. In tests the missile demonstrated kill probability of such targets ranging from 0.6 to 0.9.

The first operator of the Tor system was the Russian Army Air-Defense, which operates 100 units of the SA-15 Gauntlet variant. The Russian navy also uses the naval version known as SA-N-9. The Greek army fielded 21 Tor M-1 systems. Most recently (December 2005) Iran was reported to sign a deal estimated at US$ 1 billion covering the procurement of 29 TOR M-1 missile systems, modernization of air-force systems and the supply of patrol boats. The system was also proposed to several other countries. Deliveries of the TOR systems are expected between 2006-2008. (more from the free republic)

Cant say it, but cool pics though.

More on the Tor-M1

www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/sa-15.htm

9K331 Tor
SA-15 GAUNTLET
SA-N-9
HQ-17

The Tor-M1 is the successor to the Osa (NATO: SA-8 Gecko) surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. The 9K331 Tor [SA-15 GAUNTLET land-based, SA-N-9 naval version] low-to-medium altitude SAM system is capable of engaging not only aircraft and helicopters but also RPVs, precision-guided weapons and various types of guided missiles.

The principal advantages of Tor-M1 is its ability to simultaneously destroy two targets in any weather or at any time of day and night; the use of both the powerful and jamming-resistant radar with electronic beam control and vertically launched missiles able to maintain high speed and manoeuvrability inside an entire engagement envelope; the high degree of automation of combat operation provided by the electronic equipment suite. Tor detects targets at a distance of 25 kilometers and kills them at a distance of 12 kilometers. In combating manned aviation, Tor is thrice and 1.5 times more efficient than foreign systems of the same class - France's Crotale and Britain's Rapier, respectively.

The HQ-17 is a copy of Tor-M1, that China will use it to replace the aging HQ-61 SAMs, will enter service around the year 2005.

Although it is an autonomous system it can be interfaced into an integrated air defense network. SA-15b is designed to be a completely autonomous air defense system (at division level), capable of surveillance, command and control, missile launch and guidance functions from a single vehicle. The basic combat formation is the firing battery consisting of four TLARs and the Rangir battery command post. The TLAR carries eight ready missiles stored in two containers holding four missiles each. The SA-15b has the capability to automatically track and destroy 2 targets simultaneously in any weather and at any time of the day.

The single stage solid propellant missile has a maximum speed of 850 m/s and is fitted with a 15 kg HE-fragmentation warhead detonated by a proximity fusing system. The missile is approximately 3.5 meters long with a diameter of 0.735 meters and a launch weight 170 kilograms. The cold launch ejection system propels the missile upwards to a height of 18-20 meters, whereupon thruster jets ignite and turn the weapon to the target bearing. The main sustainer rocket motor then ignites and the missile is command guided to the intercept point where the proximity fuse is triggered.

Effective range limits are from 1500 to 12000 m with target altitude limits being between 10 and 6000 m. The maximum maneuvering load factor limit on the weapon is 30 g.

The missile launcher consists of a box container extending down below the level of the hull top, holding two groups of four ready to fire missiles in the vertical position. Each missile is in a maintenance-free factory-sealed container-launcher box. The system is reloaded by a dedicated transportation/loader vehicle.

The 3D pulse Doppler electronically beam steered E/F-band surveillance radar provides range, azimuth, elevation and automatic threat evaluation data on up to 48 targets for the digital fire control computer processing system. Automatic track initiation can be performed on the 10 most dangerous targets, which are categorized and prioritized in order of threat for engagement. The operator reconfirms the highest priority target choice and tracks this target before firing the missile. The maximum radar range is stated as 25 kilometers, but the rapid five to eight second reaction time [including fire control target prioritization] suggests a somewhat greater range. The radar antenna, on top of the turret, is swung through 90º to the horizontal position for travel. Target radar surveillance is carried out on the move but the vehicle would normally come to a halt for missile launch.

The phased-array pulse Doppler G/H-band tracking radar is located at the front of the turret. This electronically steered radar is capable of simultaneously tracking two targets traveling at speeds of up to 700 km/h in all weather conditions, and countering threat ECM operations. The antenna assembly can be folded down for travel.

Mounted on the top left of this radar is a small vertical pointing antenna which serves to initially acquire the missile after launch before it is handed over to the main tracking/guidance system. On the lower right side of the tracking radar is an automatic TV tracking system with a range of 20000 m that complements the tracking radar and enables the system to operate in a heavy ECM environment.

The Tor is not amphibious although it is airportable. An NBC system is fitted as standard as is a built-in training system. The chassis of the vehicle is almost identical to that used for the 2S6 self-propelled hybrid air defense system and is based on the GM-569 tracked vehicle. The three man crew consists of the vehicle commander, system operator and vehicle driver, seated at the front of the vehicle with the large box-like unmanned turret in the center and the engine compartment at the rear. This arrangement is similar to that of the Kub (SA-6) and Shilka (ZSU-23-4) vehicles. The vehicle suspension consists of six dual rubber tired roadwheels with the idler at the front, drive sprocket at the rear and three return rollers.

An auxiliary gas turbine powers a 75 kW generator, allowing the main diesel engine to be shut down when the system is deployed to conserve fuel.

The Russian company Antei which produces anti-aircraft missile systems has developed a new efficient system Tor M1. A number of countries have precision weapons and a reliable shield is necessary against these weapons. The new Russian anti-aircraft missile system Tor is such a shield. The system consists of a special vehicle and two radars to detect targets and to accompany flying targets and missiles, a computer, and equipment for launch and navigation. The missile unit is a transportation and launch container with four missiles. A anti-aircraft guided missile is a one-stage missile with a solid fuel engine. The system is operated by 3 or 4 people. The Tor system ensures reliable protection for government, industrial and military sites and ground troops from all types of missiles, unpiloted aircraft, aircraft bombs, aircraft and helicopters with stealth capabilities. The Tor system is the only system in the world which can detect and identify various targets. It can detect targets at a height ranging from 10 meters to 6 kilometers. The Tor system is autonomous and has short reaction time. The latest technologies of Russia's defense industry are used in it.

yeah but the Russian are our good friends now, just like Japan and Israel......  All in all it doesn't mean a damn thing, now we know we just have to keep them above 20K when we bomb the piss out of them.

Quoted: yeah but the Russian are our good friends now, just like Japan and Israel......  All in all it doesn't mean a damn thing, now we know we just have to keep them above 20K when we bomb the piss out of them.

If you had read the material I posted you would have seen that the missiles being sold to Iran are capable of shooting down planes, bombs and missiles. Even if we drop ordinance above 20,000, it doesn't guarantee anything. The bombs and missiles we drop eventually have to drop below 20,000 (where they too can be shot down) if they want to hit the target.

In addition to that... being forced to fly at such a high attitude makes our planes nice fat targets for their other SAMs. It's rumored that the Russians sold the Iranians the PMU-300 series SAMs too.

bump

looks like a T72/T80 chassis.  interesting system.

Just one more target

The sale has now been comfirmed

Iran to buy air defence systems from Russia: report

Fri Dec 2, 1:47 PM ET

news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20051202/wl_mideast_afp/russiairandefence_051202184756

MOSCOW (AFP) -
Iran has reportedly agreed to purchase 29 mobile air defence systems from Russia in a contract worth more than 700 million dollars (600 million euros), according to an unnamed top defence ministry official.

In a swift response, visiting senior US diplomat, Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns, said the United States was not happy with the deal.

"Several days ago Russia and Iran signed a contract for the delivery to the Iranian army of 29 Tor M-1 short-range anti-missile systems. The value of the deal could exceed 700 million dollars," the Russian official was quoted by the state news agency ITAR-TASS as saying.

"Iran hasn't concluded such a large contract with a foreign state in several years."

The mobile systems are capable of bringing down aircraft and missiles, the official said.

The deal comes amid unease in the West over Russia's role in helping Tehran develop nuclear energy, which Washington suspects may be a cover for an offensive nuclear weapons program.

Speaking on the Echo Moscow radio station, Burns said he had raised questions about the deal with the Russian foreign ministry, which had promised to respond.

The Russian defence ministry official defended the sale.

"The ... delivery to Iran of the Russian goods will not in any way violate Russia's international obligations in the arms control sphere as these systems are considered to be defensive," he said.

Officials contacted by AFP refused to confirm the deal.

A spokeswoman for the systems' manufacturer, Kupol, said a contract for the sale of such systems had recently been signed, but declined to name the client.

"We recently signed a contract with a foreign state on the sale of Tor M-1 air defence systems," Maria Udalova said.

Commenting on reports of the deal earlier, the Vedemosti newspaper said Iran would be able to "defend itself against the United States and Israel with the Russian Tor M-1 systems."

I remember a article that Japan was going to buy a few Raptors. Soooo...Whats the problem? Are you saying only America can sell arms to the world?

Quoted: Quoted: yeah but the Russian are our good friends now, just like Japan and Israel......  All in all it doesn't mean a damn thing, now we know we just have to keep them above 20K when we bomb the piss out of them. If you had read the material I posted you would have seen that the missiles being sold to Iran are capable of shooting down planes, bombs and missiles. Even if we drop ordinance above 20,000, it doesn't guarantee anything. The bombs and missiles we drop eventually have to drop below 20,000 (where they too can be shot down) if they want to hit the target. In addition to that... being forced to fly at such a high attitude makes our planes nice fat targets for their other SAMs. It's rumored that the Russians sold the Iranians the PMU-300 series SAMs too.

Whoop dee do!  And how many of those Russian supplied SAMS were going to shoot down thousands of US aircraft flying against Iraq in both Gulf War 1 & 2?  Remember them?  You know Iraq with the worlds 4th largest military along with an anti aircraft net larger than anything sans Russia and the United States?  Thought so......In the mean time you can go back to creaming your jammies about the Iranian threat.

well, now we know why America needs the SDB (Small diameter bomb). Send in the B2's with 90 of these thing each, transfer GPS coordinates, fly over target area, drop ordinance, land, have a coke and bag of frito's during debrief, call the ACME bomb company and restock yor supply of SDB's.

Boom Y'all!

Quoted: Remember... the Russkies are our friends now

Maybe they thought this system would be a good way for the Iranians to defend the American TOW missiles Reagan sold to Islamic lunatic Ayatollah Khomeini in the 80's?

Quoted: Just one more target

Exactly. First, we're going to broadcast and drop propaganda to warn the Iranian AAA guys about their impending doom.

Then we're going to ask Putin to fax us the specs of the missiles they sold.

Then when we attack Iran, we're going to send several drones over the missile bases to trip their systems. Then we'll follow up with a B2/B1 carrying dozens of anti-radar missiles.

Thirty missile systems? Big deal. I suppose 30 systems is going to be able to effectively deal with thousands of US aircraft dropping multiple weapons each and countless numbers of cruise missiles coming in from sea and air platforms? And they are going to be able to do so against many stealth aircraft who they won't be able to identify until the weapons are released and inbound, if at all?

This makes their system overall more effective than it was. But a barrier it is not. We could easily overwhelm that system by placing more ordnance into a target than the system could track and fire at. And those high kill percentages don't mean much to me until I see actual proof that they are that good. I have seen such high claims before of Russian weaponry that in the end turned out be pieces of shit.

This is hardly news to make one shit their pants. It certainly wouldn't change the outcome of a potential battle. It would just serve as a slight bump in the road as far as the overall picture.

Quoted: Thirty missile systems? Big deal. I suppose 30 systems is going to be able to effectively deal with thousands of US aircraft dropping multiple weapons each and countless numbers of cruise missiles coming in from sea and air platforms? And they are going to be able to do so against many stealth aircraft who they won't be able to identify until the weapons are released and inbound, if at all?

Iran has an even bigger problem. Look at a map, Iran is a HUGE country with long land and sea borders. They know the US can attack from any direction and they simply do not have enough money or men to cover the sheer area of their own territory. We should rattle the saber a bit more and force Iran to go for bankruptcy!

I'd guess half of these systems will end up surrounding their nuke plant.  

As stated above, it would be a bump in the road to a dedicated strike by US forces.  I'd think it would be more formidable obstacle for a flight of Israeli aircraft out to bomb the Iranian nuke facility.  

Quoted: Quoted: Thirty missile systems? Big deal. I suppose 30 systems is going to be able to effectively deal with thousands of US aircraft dropping multiple weapons each and countless numbers of cruise missiles coming in from sea and air platforms? And they are going to be able to do so against many stealth aircraft who they won't be able to identify until the weapons are released and inbound, if at all? Iran has an even bigger problem. Look at a map, Iran is a HUGE country with long land and sea borders. They know the US can attack from any direction and they simply do not have enough money or men to cover the sheer area of their own territory. We should rattle the saber a bit more and force Iran to go for bankruptcy!

Not to mention mountainous terrain with numerous radar blind spots.

Quoted: I'd guess half of these systems will end up surrounding their nuke plant.   As stated above, it would be a bump in the road to a dedicated strike by US forces.  I'd think it would be more formidable obstacle for a flight of Israeli aircraft out to bomb the Iranian nuke facility.

Given the # of Russian Jews in Israel, doubtless they already have the specs on the missiles and how to block them already.

Good news all around. Russians are richer by selling targets to enemies of the US, Iran is poorer and has a false sense of security behind their new technological marvel, and it will give us some awesome videos when the IDF goes in and takes out that complex.

wganz
¶

Quoted: Quoted: Just one more target Exactly. First, we're going to broadcast and drop propaganda to warn the Iranian AAA guys about their impending doom. Then we're going to ask Putin to fax us the specs of the missiles they sold. Then when we attack Iran, we're going to send several drones over the missile bases to trip their systems. Then we'll follow up with a B2/B1 carrying dozens of anti-radar missiles. www.namsa.nato.int/gallery/systems/agm88a-harm.jpg

Sorry, the B1/B2 dont carry ARMs

bump

Quoted: bump

For what?  Who gives a damn is the consensus.

Quoted: Sorry, the B1/B2 dont carry ARMs

The Iranians don't know that for sure. As far as they know, our airliners could be loaded with ARM's.

Quoted: Quoted: bump For what?  Who gives a damn is the consensus.

That is your opinion. Others may want to know. If you don't care or it is old news to you, then you can stay out of the thread. Very simple.

I think these topics are a little too difficult for you to understand anyway. Weren't you the one who called me a Jap sympathizer for pointing out that Japan is a defacto nuclear weapons state due to their large stockpile of reprocessed plutonium and their advanced technical capabilities?

P.S. He then IMed me and threatened to arrest me for making him look stupid; supposedly he's Las Vegas PD

<--------- in AZ

Quoted: Quoted: Sorry, the B1/B2 dont carry ARMs The Iranians don't know that for sure. As far as they know, our airliners could be loaded with ARM's.

Our Airlines dont fly to Iran. Looks like they are safe.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: yeah but the Russian are our good friends now, just like Japan and Israel......  All in all it doesn't mean a damn thing, now we know we just have to keep them above 20K when we bomb the piss out of them. If you had read the material I posted you would have seen that the missiles being sold to Iran are capable of shooting down planes, bombs and missiles. Even if we drop ordinance above 20,000, it doesn't guarantee anything. The bombs and missiles we drop eventually have to drop below 20,000 (where they too can be shot down) if they want to hit the target. In addition to that... being forced to fly at such a high attitude makes our planes nice fat targets for their other SAMs. It's rumored that the Russians sold the Iranians the PMU-300 series SAMs too. Whoop dee do!  And how many of those Russian supplied SAMS were going to shoot down thousands of US aircraft flying against Iraq in both Gulf War 1 & 2?  Remember them?  You know Iraq with the worlds 4th largest military along with an anti aircraft net larger than anything sans Russia and the United States?  Thought so......In the mean time you can go back to creaming your jammies about the Iranian threat.

Even if it isn't a big deal in the end I see nothing wrong as an American having a non favorable view to Russia doing this.

Would some of you rather everyone just get complacent and not give as shit about an "ally" sellig arms to a ever growing threat to supporting terrorism on a statewide scale aka oil money?

You can try to ding me for dealing in such an absolute(which I think is a BS liberal tactic) but I have to ask, who's side are you on if you're questioning someone's concern(and rightful opinion) over this matter?

Quoted: Our Airlines dont fly to Iran. Looks like they are safe.

Then the Iranians are going to freak out when a decoy 747 flies towards their territory. It's a perfect ruse!

Quoted: P.S. He then then IMed me and threatened to arrest me due to the fact that he is supposedly Las Vegas PD

please tell me this is a joke.

Quoted: Quoted: P.S. He then then IMed me and threatened to arrest me due to the fact that he is supposedly Las Vegas PD please tell me this is a joke.

No... I assure you it is not.

The evidence:


From  :: [ VTwin60 ] :: [ 8/8/2005 7:40:03 PM EST ]

You send me another PM again and it'll be the last one you do. You see I love arresting little juvenile pos college punk ass bitches like yourself. Have a nice day, and keep it...please..... I dare you.

Quoted: The evidence: From  :: [ VTwin60 ] :: [ 8/8/2005 7:40:03 PM EST ] You send me another PM again and it'll be the last one you do. You see I love arresting little juvenile pos college punk ass bitches like yourself. Have a nice day, and keep it...please..... I dare you.

probably a security guard.

Where do you come up with this stuff?  Your thread sucks , no one cares but yourself; so you fabricate stories?  You got the first part right, I told you to quit PMing me and to get a life.  It seems you've disreguarded that advice and persist to tell BS.  Don't you think its time to quit being such a tool and grow up?  BTW Are you the only one professional enough in this room to handle a glock foughty?


The evidence:


From :: [ glockguy40 ] :: [ 8/8/2005 7:36:23 PM EST ]

I'm into big ghey homo men.  I'd like to suck you off.

Guys, Russia also sold GPS jammers to Iraq.  And we used the GPS jammers sigal to home in on with...... GPS guided bombs.  (Russia probably told us how to do it; or at least, they knew we had the capability).  Who cares if Russia is selling some of its obsolete 80's hand-me-downs to Iran?

You think maybe they are being proactive in anticipating a future U.S. led attack for lack of Nuke compliance?

Quoted: Thirty missile systems? Big deal.

They'll have to scrap 5 for spare parts before they even get them off-loaded.

Quoted: Where do you come up with this stuff?  Your thread sucks , no one cares but yourself; so you fabricate stories?  You got the first part right, I told you to quit PMing me and to get a life.  It seems you've disreguarded that advice and persist to tell BS.  Don't you think its time to quit being such a tool and grow up?  BTW Are you the only one professional enough in this room to handle a glock foughty? The evidence: From :: [ glockguy40 ] :: [ 8/8/2005 7:36:23 PM EST ] I'm into big ghey homo men.  I'd like to suck you off.

I obviously never said that.... and you are a complete fag for attempting to claim I did. The IM I posted was absolutely what you wrote... you even stipulate to that. You are a sad excuse for a human being. If you don't like the thread... stay the fuck out you loser. And keep your homoerotic fantasies to yourself.

U.S. presses Russia on Iran missile deal

Mon Dec 5, 7:25 PM ET

news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051206/pl_nm/russia_iran_usa_dc_2

The United States on Monday said Russia's plans to sell $1 billion in tactical missiles and other arms to Iran would not serve U.S. or regional interests.

Moscow announced the sale of tactical surface-to-air missiles and other hardware on Friday, after Washington urged the world to use its economic and diplomatic leverage to persuade Iran to abandon sensitive nuclear activities.

"I think it's important to remember and underscore that Iran is a state sponsor of terror, they have engaged in actions that we think are hostile and unhelpful, and that we view this proposed sale in that context," State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said at a news briefing.

"We certainly don't feel that this is a sale that would serve the interests of us or the region" and the United States will discuss it further with the Russians, Ereli said.

Privately, another senior U.S. official voiced a more understanding view of the deal, which involves TOR-M1 systems designed to bring down aircraft and guided missiles at low altitudes.

He said that while the administration wishes Moscow regarded the sale as imprudent, it cannot make too much of an issue because it has not proposed a multilateral arms embargo against Iran and the sale does not violate any agreement.

Despite differences over the missile sale, Russia works well with Washington on some issues but its arms client list is shrinking and it needs the cash from the Iranian deal, the official said.

A senior congressional aide said the sale was likely to cause a "minor revolt" in the U.S. Congress.

Congress this year had to pass legislation to ensure that Americans will continue to have a ride aboard the Russian Soyuz space taxi until 2011, because of the Iran Nonproliferation Act, which bars the U.S. use of most Russian space technology as long as Russia exports nuclear and missile technology to Iran.

The aide, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said the missile sale was at cross purposes with Russia's role in helping Britain, France, Germany and the United States convince Iran to end its nuclear programs.

The missiles could help Iran defend its nuclear sites against Israeli strikes, the aide said.

Congress probably would not have authorized the Soyuz-related payments to Russia if it knew about the Iran missile sale and is certain to demand an explanation from the administration, the aide told Reuters.

Russian officials said the missiles were for defensive purposes.

Joseph Cirincione of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said Iran needs weapons like patrol boats to battle well-armed drug smugglers on its borders.

"But these kinds of conventional combat weapons (tactical surface-to-air missiles) don't have much of a defensive purpose since Iran does not have any conventional military threats on its borders right now," he said.

He said Russia should have agreed to the deal after Iran accepted a proposed compromise on the nuclear issue because "Russia has just given away one of the possible negotiating chips."

Tehran denies Western charges it is developing nuclear weapons under cover of a civilian energy program. But it has acknowledged concealing a uranium enrichment program -- crucial for weapons -- from U.N. inspectors for two decades.

Copyright © 2005 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
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Quoted: BTW Are you the only one professional enough in this room to handle a glock foughty?

I had to quote it. Obviously you are not professional enough to spell forty right.