Report: S-300 Missiles Now on Their Way to Syria

Arutz Sheva - Israel National News ^ | 6/6/2013, 11:04 AM | David Lev

[haffast]

Are S-300 missiles on their way to Syria right now? A report on CNN Thursday said that American intelligence units had observed several Russian warships on their way to Syria. The ships are currently in the eastern Mediterranean, and information gathered by the intelligence groups indicates that the ships are carrying parts for the S-300 missiles.

According to the report, the U.S. has been keeping track of the Russian ships for several days, ever since they left a military base in Russia. Satellite data indicates that the ships are carrying cargo that appears to be suitable for use in a weapons system, most likely the S-300.

Several days ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia had not yet begun shipping the missiles to Syria. However, in an interview on a Hizbullah-affiliated television channel last weekend, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad hinted that Syria had already received some of the missiles, the contract for which Damascus signed with Moscow several years ago. In response, Russian officials said that the systems had not yet been shipped to Syria.

snip

[haffast]

Russia says navy to stay in Mediterranean, but poses no threat
Lazar Berman and AP June 6, 2013, 9:17 pm

"Ships based out of Syrian port of Tartus; US intelligence believes shipments of S-300 might have been spotted"
http://www.timesofisrael.com/russia-says-navy-to-stay-in-mediterranean-but-poses-no-threat/

Report: Russia Sends Warships To Syrian Coast
Ynet News ^ | May 17, 2013 | Reuters
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3020576/posts

[Viennacon]

For a moment there, I thought it said $300 missiles. Assad is tightening the purse strings.

[SilverMine]

Are there any experts on Russian S300 missiles here on FR? IF so I would love your take on these vs US equipment Israel has.

[steve86]

Not a defense analyst myself but...The S-300 (top of the line as far as exported systems) is a profound threat to Israel or anyone else.

"The S-300 is Russia's top-of-the-range air-defense system," says Robert Hewson, the London-based editor of "IHS Jane's Air-Launched Weapons." "It is a surface-to-air missile system that's capable of shooting down any modern combat aircraft or missiles, including cruise missiles. In a way, it is the Russian equivalent to the U.S. Patriot system. And what it does for Syria is it adds a whole new level of capability on top of the existing Syrian air defenses. Syria already has a lot of Russian [surface-to-air] missiles, but the S-300 would be the most advanced."

Could foreign powers find ways to circumvent the S-300 system if it were deployed?

One way to circumvent air-defense systems is to try to disrupt their operations through electronic techniques rather than attack them directly. But Elleman says it is an open question whether the S-300 could be blocked this way.

"Electronic warfare and spoofing of systems in quite common," he says, "but one must keep in mind that the S-300 is a very sophisticated piece of weaponry. And I am not convinced that the West, Israel, or Turkey could reliably neutralize the system without taking some kind of kinetic action -- in other words, going after some of the radar or some of the interceptors [with force]. So, in terms of circumventing, I think it would be very difficult and very risky."

http://www.rferl.org/content/explainer-russia-syria-s-300-missile-system-/25003647.html

[steve86]

It would not be healthy to be, ahem, a “technician” setting one of these things up in Syria.

If the unfortunate technician happens to be of Russian nationality do you feel that Putin would ignore the gesture?

[TBP]

Wag the Dog.

[Mmogamer]

Sounds like the End of Days is swiftly approaching.

[SilverMine]

It would not be healthy to be, ahem, a “technician” setting one of these things up in Syria. They will not hear the bomb “whistle” before impact.

Thank you sir, I appreciate it, that is kind of what I thought, but was not sure.

[SilverMine]

It would not be healthy to be, ahem, a “technician” setting one of these things up in Syria. They will not hear the bomb “whistle” before impact.

Thank you sir, I appreciate it, that is kind of what I thought, but was not sure.

[SilverMine]

Thank you, this is getting serious isn’t it?

Now I am wondering whose side Obama is on.

[caww]

Hold on...Russia said they were NOT going to send the missles.....CBS and all reporting so.

Sooooo...looks like papaganda war is on.....someone is wrong...either they are there or not.

Keeping in mind Germany and other nations told Putin not to do so...and why would he? He knows Israel has promised to blow them up?

Side note: ( Putin Announced, with his wife today, their marriage is over.)

[caww]

Do you really think Putin would chance sending them knowing that Israel will blow them up? I think this is a cat and mouse propaganda game right now....Just two days ago they said the Missile's would not be sent.

[caww]

Anytime there’s tension in the Middle-East the alarm is rung....but there is further positioning to take place before the “End of Days” so to speak...

....but it is interesting observing the ebb and flow over there as ‘nation leaders’ rally for power and position..with the ultimate aim of a seat at the Global World Power.

Equally as much the economic conditions worldwide...follow the money as whoever has it will inch closer to the top of the heap.

The USA is giving our money away to these countries...no doubt with the promise of ‘certain US individuals’ Guaranteed their place at the Global Table.

[M Kehoe]

What's the over/under they make it to Syria?

5.56mm

[xone]

They will not hear the bomb “whistle” before impact.

I think they would, although my only experience was with a Mk-82.

[haffast]

I'd guess 100% they make it to the Russian naval base in Tartus, Syria. Once far enough outside the of the base the debris fallout wouldn't scratch the front gates, and probably outside the town limits, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near 'em.

Maybe let the Russians and Syrians waste manpower and money assembling them and setting them up, then get the most bang for the Israeli shekel.