The destruction of a Russian-made air defense system in Iran could have implications for both the Israel-Iran conflict and Russia-Ukraine war.
S-300 missile defense systems have been important in former Soviet countries and other nations for decades. Their effectiveness was dramatically thrown into doubt over the weekend when Israel apparently knocked out a single system in Iran.
It was more than a little strange. Israel didn’t brag about its accomplishment. Iran didn’t attempt to strike back. It was as if Israel had so clearly demonstrated its capability that there was nothing for Iran to do immediately but accept the change in circumstances.
Apparently, Iran was shocked because it never saw the strike on its missile defense system coming. Israel had carefully chosen the single target. It was not immediately close to its nuclear weapons “research” facilities, but it was close enough that Iran clearly got the idea.
There is some discussion in the Israeli press. Some say it was a Blue Sparrow super-sonic missile. Others say it was a Rampage missile.
While this clearly has the attention of Iran, it also certainly has the attention of Russia. Both Russia and Ukraine use this Soviet S-300 technology. If the West has a way to knock out Russia’s missile defense systems, the capability could move to Ukraine.
As Ukraine prepares for F16 fighters, a silver bullet to knock out Russian air defenses would be a welcome addition to its capabilities.
You can imagine that communications are intense at the Kremlin. (I’m making this supposed conversation up.)
Vlad, the Ayatollah is on line one, wants to cancel all of his air defense orders.
Vlad, your air defense commander is on line two, wants to retire.
This is developing. I hope others with better insights can improve on this. I did think it is a significant development and should be out there.
Marjorie Taylor Green cannot claim any victory here. Although the technology has not been absolutely nailed down, it doesn’t look like Jewish Space Lasers at this point.