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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| ChiComs providing critical technology for Iran's missile program |
| 2006-03-04 |
| From Geostrategy-direct, subscription. China has become a leading supporter of Iran's military industry, supplying a range of missile technology over the past year. As a result, Iran has mastered the ability to develop and produce solid-fuel missiles for both short- and long-range missions. Solid-fuel missiles are easier to use and more accurate than their liquid-fuel counterparts. Iran's need for China has been greatest in the development of air defense systems. Beijing has provided the needed technology and expertise to develop a new man-portable air defense system termed Mithaq-2, Western intelligence sources said. The shoulder-launched Mithaq-2 is considered an ideal weapon to bring down low-flying Western aircraft. Mithaq has the ability to intercept aircraft flying at low to very low altitudes. Iran had already developed the Mithaq-1, regarded as a crude infrared weapon. China provided a modern navigation system and enhanced sensors to track and destroy aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles flying under radar coverage. Some of the technology has come from the Chinese QW-1 Vanguard missile. In return Iran has been exporting huge amounts of crude oil to China. Teheran plans to soon complete a $100-billion energy deal with Beijing that would quench China's increasing thirst for oil and natural gas. And there lies the Chicom's achilles heel. They need the oil. Iran has the oil. Oil shipments from Iran could, be, ah, delayed or curtailed. |
| Posted by:Alaska Paul |