(JNi.media) Russia is working on modernizing a S-300 missile defense system for Iran, Rosoboronexport General Director Anatoly Isaikin told journalists Tuesday, according to Sputnik.
Rosoboronexport is the Russian state’s intermediary agency for exports/imports of defense-related and dual use products, technologies and services.
The S-300 is a series of initially Soviet and later Russian long range surface-to-air missile systems, first deployed by the Soviet Union in 1979, designed for the air defense of large industrial and administrative facilities, military bases, and control of airspace against enemy strike aircraft. Subsequent variations were developed to intercept ballistic missiles.
Once the delivery is made, Iran will presumably retract its $4 billion suit against Russia for the S-300 missile systems that were not delivered earlier. It was rumored at the time that Russia agreed to withhold the delivery as part of a natural gas distribution deal with Israel. “We have agreed with Iran on retracting the suit,” Isaikin said.
“The completion of the contract on the S-300 missile system for Iran was suspended and we’ve been given the order to renew work and as the executors, we are doing this, but much time has gone by and the S-300 system has changed so we’re working on the modernization of the system,” Isaikin said.