March 4, 2004 :: Gateway to Russia :: News
Some reports of Russia’s transfer of S-300 air and missile defenses to Belarus claim the systems are old and useless. Others, however, indicate that they may still be in working order.
The transfer consists of S-300s which are being taken out of service. One report has Acting Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov describing them to journalists as “not in an operational condition.” Another, from ITAR-TASS, has the same person saying that they are in operable condition. A third, from RIA-Novosti quoting a defense official, says that they will be sent to Belarus after being restored to combat-ready status.
A previous report from October, 2003 seems to favor the systems’ operable status, which cited Ivanov stressing of the reported deal that “What is important is that these systems will be in service use, and they will guard the airspace of the Union State.” The S-300 was then described as “the calling card of Russian air defense,” as well as defense against ballistic and cruise missiles, with an intercepting range of 7-100km, a height of 25-30km, and a flying speed of 300 meters per second.
(Article)» Oct. 23, 2003: Belarus asks Russia for S-300s; transfer likely
» More stories on: Russia, Russian Missile Defenses
» Missile system details for: S-300P (SA-10 Grumble), S-300V (SA-12A Gladiator, SA-12B Giant)
