Rostec Chief Announces Offer to Deliver Antey-2500 Anti-Missile System to Iran
According to Rostec CEO, Sergei Chemezov, Russia has offered Iran its latest Antey-2500 anti-missile system. This offer comes in the wake of a dispute between the two countries concerning delivery of the less capable S‑300 missile system, which Russia rescinded under Western pressure in 2010. Tehran is reportedly considering the offer, which — unhelpfully — comes in a critical window of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1. A similar offer of support via a leading state-owned enterprise was provided prior to the previous deadline, when Rosatom was used in the execution of a major agreement to develop several new Iranian nuclear reactors.
The dispute over the S‑300 resulted in Iran filing a $4 billion lawsuit at international courts in Geneva. Russia withdrew from this prior agreement in response to concerns that it would significantly enhance Iran’s ability to defend itself — and its nuclear facilities — against attack, should negotiations fail to resolve peacefully international concerns over the country’s nuclear program. The Antey-2500 system developed is an enhanced version of the 1980s generation S‑300V system (SA-12A Gladiator and SA-12B Giant). According to reports, the system can engage missiles traveling at 4,500 meters per second, with a range of 2,500 km.
Mr. Chemezov, who is presently sanctioned by the U.S. government, reportedly said, “As far as Iran is concerned, we offered Antey-2500 instead of S‑300. They are thinking. No decision has been made yet.”