Russia is discussing with Serbia the deliveries of S-300 air defense system battalions. According to military expert Konstantin Sivkov, Serbia wants the S-300 to be protected from possible external aggression.
“Serbian partners are currently expressing their interest in the supply of S-300 SAM battalions. This issue is being discussed,” the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) director, Dmitry Shugaev, told journalists at the MAKS 2017 air show.
The S-300 (NATO reporting name SA-10 Grumble) surface-to-air missile system is one the most advanced weapons in its class. Its development began during the Soviet era in the 1960s. Today, the system is produced by Russia’s Almaz-Antey defense corporation.
The S-300 is capable of striking short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, as well as tactical and strategic aircraft. The S-300 has been in service with militaries around the world, including in Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Iran, Greece and Syria.
In an interview with Radio Sputnik, Konstantin Sivkov, a military expert and director of the Academy of Geopolitical Problems, pointed out that Serbia’s interest in buying S-300 systems indicates the country’s intention to be able to defend against possible NATO aggression.
“Serbia and some other countries are interested in the S-300 because in theory they may fall victim to aggression. As for Serbia, it was the target of NATO aggression in the past. This aggression violated international law. In other words, this means that international law cannot guarantee national security,” Sivkov said.
According to the expert, Serbia wants to build a “capable and formidable” air- and missile-defense shield.
“Serbia wants its missile defense system to be able to repel possible aggression of the military bloc,” he added.
According to Sivkov, the S-300 would be a perfect choice to satisfy Serbia’s security needs.
“It is a well-known tried-and-tested weapon. It has an operation range of up to 200 kilometers. It can operate in a multichannel mode and simultaneously hit several targets. The S-300 is capable of destroying all types of modern aerial targets. The S-300 could be an outstanding security guarantor,” Sivkov concluded.
