May 29, 2007: Iran just got ten Russian mobile
anti-aircraft systems from Syria. These are the 96K6 Pantzyr systems, a truck
mounted version of the Tunguska M1 self-propelled system, which is mounted on a
tracked, armored personnel carrier chassis.
The Tunguska M1 systems cost about $17 million each
(including spares, maintenance support and extra missiles). The current version
of the Tunguska entered service in 1998, and over 300 of both versions have
been manufactured so far. The 96K6 Pantzyr is new, and meant mainly as a less
expensive (about $12 million each) export version.
Both versions are vehicles that carries radar, two
30mm cannon (with 1,936 rounds of ammo) and eight 9M311 (SA-19) missiles (plus
up to four missiles for reloads). The missiles have a ten kilometer range
against air targets, and six kilometers against ground targets. The missile can
hit targets at up to 26,000 feet. The 30mm cannon is effective up to 10,000
feet, and can hit ground targets 4,000 meters away. The vehicle has a crew of
three. The fire control system can use line-of-sight, as well as radar,
guidance. The new version makes it easier to use the missiles, or guns, against
ground targets. The 88 pound missile (also called Tnnguska, or 9m311) has a 20
pound warhead, and a lot of velocity when hitting something. As a bunker
buster, it would be useful. The Russians have also noted that, since World War
II, few of these self-propelled anti-aircraft weapons get an opportunity to
shoot at something in the air, but there are alwasy targets on the ground.
Russia had earlier sold Iran 29 Tor-M1 (known to
NATO as the SA-15 Gauntlet) systems. These are mobile anti-aircraft missile
launchers, with a maximum range of 12 kilometers. It is only effective up to
6000 meters altitude. The system was designed as a successor to the SA-N-8
Gecko. Each launcher carries eight missiles, and it is claimed to be capable of
engaging two targets simultaneously. The system was designed to be a tactical
battlefield air-defense system, designed to take out close-air-support planes
like the A-10 or tactical fighter-bombers like the F-4, F-16, and F-18. Iran
has placed them around its nuclear weapons development facilities. Some longer
range Russian S-300 systems have been installed to protect the air approaches
from the west.
Two months ago, the UN Security Council passed
Resolution 1747, which put a ban on Iranian exports, and requested that UN
members not sell weapons to Iran. Russia, being a security council member, does
not want to be seen as violating a resolution it helped pass.
