Article Posted on : - Oct 22, 2009

The latest version of S-300 family has been named S-300PMU2 Favorit. A file photo.

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia, which is reconsidering its contract with Iran to supply S-300 surface-to-air missile systems, might have to sustain “significant losses” if the deal is scrapped, a defence industry official has said.

“The fulfillment of the contract to deliver S-300 complexes to Iran fully depends on the country's leadership,” the anonymous official told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.

Earlier, Russian military expert Konstantin Makiyenko had said that the decision not to go ahead with the contract would cost Russia about $1 billion in lost profits plus $300-400 million in fines and penalties.

Stating that the missile was a defensive weapon system, he had said, “They are not under any embargo, and Russia is free to make its own decision on whether or not to supply them to one country or another.”

Russia is giving a second thought to the arms deal with Iran following concerns expressed by Israel and the West.

The latest version of S-300 family has been named S-300PMU2 Favorit. Having a range of up to 195 kilometers, it can intercept aircraft and ballistic missiles at altitudes ranging from 10 metres to 27 kilometres.

One of the world's most effective all-altitude regional air defense systems, it is comparable with the US’ MIM-104 Patriot system.