Mohammed Reza, the head of Iraq’s Security and Defense Committee, has confirmed that talks have been restarted between Iraq and Russia on the possible purchase of S-300 air defense systems, with interest from top Iraqi leaders on the deal.
Rexa said he’s not directly involved in the talks, and subsequently doesn’t know where they stand. It is noteworthy that he mentioned the S-300, however, when Russian officials recently suggested Iraq should buy the upgraded S-400.
This would be a good opportunity for Russia to make the sale, as the past week has seen US airstrikes and at least 13 Iranian missiles fired into Iraqi territory, and they are plainly in need of a better defense system for their airspace.
Russia’s S-300 and S-400 have been popular purchases, considered more cost-effective than US alternatives while still being top of the line air defense systems. Iraq has expressed interest in particular in having some non-US equipment in their arsenal.
After what happened in September to Saudi oilfields “protected” by the USA, it would be a good idea to use Russian defense. Even NATO member Turkey realizes which is better.
India is moving ahead to purchase S-400, and threats from US are already coming. India responded not too kindly.
Sounds like more sanctions. How dare them buy elsewhere.
Well its not like any of the missile defenses the U.S. had in Iraq stopped the Iranian 22-rocket salute.
Further beggaring disbelief after all the billions we’ve poured into Iraq, the USA hasn’t installed its (increasingly unwanted) missile defense system. Trump your time is at hand to get our troops out of Iraq.
The S-300 has not been very effective for Syria defending themselves against the endless airstrikes from Israel. The S-400 is supposed to be _much_ more capable and i never understood Syrians (and apparently now Iraqis) not getting the S-400.
We saw in September how effective the US “defense” was for Saudi Arabia attacked by Houthis but blamed on Iran. Ie useless.
Both Russia, and the US are aligned here. Sell it, destroy it, over and over, and over and over. Easy way to exploit Iraq financially for the next 20 years. Nothing new here.
S-300s would be useful against Iran, but not against the U.S. or Israel, making them politically as well as financially cheaper.
S-400s, would be effective against the U.S. and Israel.
If Iraq has no real intention of evicting U.S. troops, the S-300 is a compromise that gives them passable air defense still better than any Patriot system.