No technical problem behind S-300 delivery delay

The head of the Russian arms manufacturer Almaz-Antey — the company which makes the S-300 system — has dismissed the reports that the delivery of the air defense system to Iran is delayed due to technical problems.

“It isn’t a question of technology. It’s a question of politics,” dpa quoted Vladimir Kazparyants as saying on Wednesday.

His remarks come on the same day that Moscow cited unspecified technical reasons for the delay in the delivery of the S-300 anti-aircraft system to Iran.

“The delay is due to technical problems,” deputy head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Alexander Fomin said.

Earlier this month, Iran’s Ambassador to Russia Seyyed Mahmoud-Reza Sajjadi said that Moscow has guaranteed delivery of the S-300 missile system to Iran.

The S-300 system, which can track targets and fire at aircraft 120 kilometers (75 miles) away, features high jamming immunity and is able to simultaneously engage up to 100 targets.

Under a contract signed by Iran and Russia, Moscow is obliged to deliver the air defense system to Iran.