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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| Iran Wants 250 Sukhoi-30s From Russia |
| 2007-07-27 |
| (odd format to article, transcribed here): Show News has learned that Russia's Rosoboronexport (ROE) is close to signing a defense order with Iran that may be the largest in three decades. A number of advanced Russian systems have been on the Iranian shopping list for some time, including the Almaz-Antei S-300 series of long range SAMs, and Iran is in desperate need of finding substitutes for its fleet of 1970s-era American fighters. The centerpiece of this sale is reportedly and order for 250 Sukhoi-SU30MK fighters, the largest order ever made at any one time for this aircraft. It is unclear what the configuration of the aircraft would be, however. Recently, Irkut delivered its first SU-30MKM versions of the aircraft to Malaysia, an "Islamic" version based on the Indian Air Force's SU-MK30I, sans its Israeli kit. But this variant of the aircraft contains European content from Thales and others, and it is unclear if the French avionics maker would do business with the Iranians when Tehran refuses to halt its uranium enrichment program. In the past, Thales officials have declined to discuss other military business with Iran, such as an upgrade program for the IRIAF's Mikoyan MiG-29 fleet. Iran has been interested in a licensed production agreement to manufacture the MiG-29 and Tupolev TU-334, and had come close to signing a deal, but negotiations reportedly collapsed over constantly shifting demands by the Iranian side. Sukhoi and its associated production plants, KnAAPO and Irkut, have a good deal of experience in setting up licensed assembly agreements. Also, over the past 10 years or more, ROE has continued to maintain good relations with Iran--positioning itself for just this kind of a sales opportunity. |
| Posted by:Anonymoose |
| #7 "Of course, the cash-hungry rooskies may be happy to sell some of those too. As long as they are not paid by check." So what difference does the nationality of the paymaster make to you Steve, Chechoslavakian, French, who care.. oh, you mean method of payment....?? oops, my bad. |
| Posted by: USN, Ret. 2007-07-27 17:04 |
| #6 Good. The same money spent on bombardment missiles would've made Iran truly dangerous. I like it when Lions(TM) delude themself into thinking they can fight stand up battles. |
| Posted by: gromgoru 2007-07-27 15:57 |
| #5 I can understand the Iranians wanting some nice shiny new fighters, but don't you need some of the those - uh what's the term? - pilots? Of course, the cash-hungry rooskies may be happy to sell some of those too. As long as they are not paid by check. |
| Posted by: SteveS 2007-07-27 14:01 |
| #4 As long as the French provide the inside information on defeating any advanced avionics, by all means let the knuckleheads in Teheran but the russian planes. The costs will be enormous, maintenance quickly degrading the aircraft and rendering the fleet increasingly inop, and actually prompting them to think that active air defense with aircraft is a viable option for them. So much better than belts and belts of modern SAM/ADA systems clustered arount key nuc weaps sites and ISRC4 sites. But, we mustn't not lose site of the funding for these procurements.....the West and our petroleum addiction. We must aggressively find a fuel cell technologic solution ASAP! |
| Posted by: JustAboutEnough 2007-07-27 13:55 |
| #3 This should soak up an entire year's worth of Iranian oil exports revenue and 30 minutes of US pilots' time to create 50 new aces. |
| Posted by: ed 2007-07-27 13:02 |
| #2 an "Islamic" version Read as mucho simplified using comic books for instruction manuals, minimum instruments so as not to obscure the pilots Islamic rage, etc. etc. |
| Posted by: Almost Anonymous5839 2007-07-27 12:57 |
| #1 Targets. Lots of 'em. |
| Posted by: Whiskey Mike 2007-07-27 12:00 |