In2HiDef
05-30-2013, 11:38 AM
TEL AVIV – The Syrian government already has received a first shipment of S-300 air defense missiles from Russia and is waiting for more, stated President Bashar al-Assad in a television interview today.
Assad told Hezbollah’s Al-Manar television station that Syria “has got the first batch of Russian S-300 missiles” and “the rest of the shipment will arrive soon.”
Citing Arab intelligence sources two weeks ago, WND was first to report (http://www.wnd.com/2013/05/game-changing-russian-missiles-already-in-syria/) that S-300 missile batteries had reached Syria.
Israeli security sources said two weeks ago there was no information to support the Arab claim.
Speaking to WND last week (http://www.wnd.com/2013/05/claim-more-game-changing-missiles-reach-syria/), the same Arab intelligence sources who first claimed S-300 batteries were already delivered to Syria now say other advanced Russian anti-aircraft missiles arrived in Syria in the last few days.
The sources said a Russian delivery of 9K720 Iskander missiles reached Syria last week. The system is an older version of the S-300.
Asked about the latest report, Israeli security officials did not immediately comment on the matter.
S-300 missile batteries are able to intercept manned aircraft and guided missiles.
Two days ago, Russia confirmed plans to sell the surface-to-air defense missile systems to Assad’s regime.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Syria has been making payments on a 2010 agreement with Russia to purchase four batteries for $900 million, with delivery expected within three months.
The Journal reported the S-300 package included six launchers and 144 operational missiles, each with a range of up to 200 miles.
Assad told Hezbollah’s Al-Manar television station that Syria “has got the first batch of Russian S-300 missiles” and “the rest of the shipment will arrive soon.”
Citing Arab intelligence sources two weeks ago, WND was first to report (http://www.wnd.com/2013/05/game-changing-russian-missiles-already-in-syria/) that S-300 missile batteries had reached Syria.
Israeli security sources said two weeks ago there was no information to support the Arab claim.
Speaking to WND last week (http://www.wnd.com/2013/05/claim-more-game-changing-missiles-reach-syria/), the same Arab intelligence sources who first claimed S-300 batteries were already delivered to Syria now say other advanced Russian anti-aircraft missiles arrived in Syria in the last few days.
The sources said a Russian delivery of 9K720 Iskander missiles reached Syria last week. The system is an older version of the S-300.
Asked about the latest report, Israeli security officials did not immediately comment on the matter.
S-300 missile batteries are able to intercept manned aircraft and guided missiles.
Two days ago, Russia confirmed plans to sell the surface-to-air defense missile systems to Assad’s regime.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Syria has been making payments on a 2010 agreement with Russia to purchase four batteries for $900 million, with delivery expected within three months.
The Journal reported the S-300 package included six launchers and 144 operational missiles, each with a range of up to 200 miles.