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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| Syria has given Russian-made SA-18 "Grouse" Igla 9K38 anti-air missiles to Lebanese Hizballah |
| 2007-02-12 |
| (Debka) Moscow guaranteed the shoulder-carried SA-18 "Grouse" Igla 9K38 was sold to Damascus under the strict prohibition of its transfer to Hizballah, DEBKAfile notes. The pledge was given to the US and personally by Russian president Vladimir Putin to Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert. A Lebanese army source says the advanced missile consignment may have been concealed in the Beqaa valley of Lebanon near the Syrian border for use by Hizballah, which intends to significantly increase its anti-aircraft capabilities for any future war with Israel. The Grouse is a surface-air heat-seeking missile designed to shoot down low-flying planes and helicopters at a range of up to 5,200 meters and altitude of 3,500 meters. The missile employs an IR guidance system. It offers better protection against electro-optical jammers. According to the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), the SA-18 probability of kill against an unprotected fighter is estimated at 30-48%, and the use of IRCM jammers only degrades this to 24-30%. |
| Posted by:Anonymoose |
| #4 Nice guys, the Syrians. There is no situation that they cannot make worse. |
| Posted by: whatadeal 2007-02-12 23:57 |
| #3 So, IMO, IDF should use more arty and less airforce---money doesn't grow on trees. |
| Posted by: gromgoru 2007-02-12 21:43 |
| #2 Maybe against Russian anti-missile defenses. Against Israeli and American made, maybe 10% chance of a kill. If they use trained gunners and ripple fire them. Our air defense systems have gotten very good. Otherwise, slim to none chance. |
| Posted by: DarthVader 2007-02-12 20:40 |
| #1 Sniff, sniff, and to think it only took since the late 1990's to affirm. *WWIII, DESTRUCTION OF THE BATTLESHIP ARIZONA, the metal song "You Know...". |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2007-02-12 20:02 |