Russia and Iran start talks on Tor-M1 air defense missile system modernization

Defence & Security News - Iran & Russia
 
 
Russia and Iran start talks on Tor-M1 air defense missile system modernization
Russia's Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol is in talks with Iran on modernizing the short range Tor-M1 (SA-15 Gauntlet) surface-to-air missile defense systems, the plant's assistant director general told RIA Novosti Thursday, January 29.
     
Russia and Iran start talks on Tor M1 air defense missile system modernizatio 640 001 Iran's Tor-M1 (SA-15 Gauntlet) air defense missile system
     
"Iran has been operating a large number of our Tor-M1s. We [Iran and Russia] are holding talks about a possible modernization of the Tor-M1. We provide [Iran] with spare parts and train personnel. The work continues," said Vyacheslav Kartashov, liaison for military-technical cooperation and government contracts.

According to Kartashov, Iranian experts "professionally operate" the Tor-M1 missile systems, and provide for its maintenance.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, third right, and Hossein Dehghan, second right, Brigadier General and Minister of Defense of Iran, meet in Tehran

"The equipment is in an excellent combat condition. Perhaps, this is one of the factors withholding the potential aggressor," he said.

The TOR-M1 9A331-1 (NATO code: SA-15 Gauntlet) surface-to-air missile system is a mobile, integrated air defense system. The Tor-M1 can detect aerial targets on the move and launch air defense missiles at two highest-threat targets from a short halt. TOR-MA can operate autonomously, firing from stationary position or on move. Se-up time is rated at 3 minutes and typical reaction time, from target detection to missile launch is 5-8 seconds. With a weight of 167 kg, the 9M330 missile used in Tor-M1 system is 3.5 m long, carries a 15 kg warhead and has an engagement range of 12 km and an effective altitude of 10-6000 m.

Iranian armed forces are reported to use 29 Tor-M1 defense systems.