Iran Claims it Shot Down a U.S. Stealth Drone
December 4, 2011: Iran’s semi-official news agencies released today some details about a possible intercept and downing of a U.S. RQ-170 Sentinel jet-powered stealth unmanned aerial vehicle. Iran’s semi-official news agency Press TV quoted a senior official saying the Iran’s electronic warfare unit successfully targeted the Sentinel drone after it crossed into Iranian airspace over the Eastern border with Afghanistan. The Iranian agency quoted the unnamed official saying Iran will not limit its response to such violations within its borders. (Defense-Update)
Syria Receives 72 Yakhont Missiles from Russia
December , 2011: Russia has supplied two Bastion coastal missile systems to Syria, concluding a controversial $300 million arms deal inked with the Syrian government four years ago. Russian sources claim the new missile system will “enable Syria to protect its entire coast from a possible seaborne attack”, the delivery of these medium range shore-based anti-ship missile system is taking place as the Syrian regime is extremely unstable. (Defense-Update)
JDAMs to Arm the Emirate’s F-16s
November 30, 2011: The UAE plans to equip its advanced Block 60 F-16s with thousands of JDAM guided weapon kits for an estimated cost of $304 million. The pentagon considers these weapons to bring the UAE Air Force and Air defense Force to become one of the most capable air forces in the Middle East. The package includes up to 4,900 guidance kits, comprising 3,300 general purpose (BLU111) 500 lb. warheads associated 3,000 GBU-38 and 304 GBU-54 laser-JDAM guidance kits. In addition, the Emirate requests 1,600 GBU-31 2,000 lb. JDAM guided weapons, of which 1,000 will comprise BLU117 2,000 lb. general purpose warheads and 600 BLU-109 target penetrating warheads.
Iran Equips Navy with Highly Advanced Anti-Ship Cruise Missile
November 28, 2011: The Iranian Navy received the first shipment of the coastal defense variant of the Qader anti-ship missile. The ship-launched variant was delivered to equip Iranian Navy frigates back in September. Qader, a locally produced version of the Chinese C-802 is capable of attacking surface targets at sea and on land, at a maximum range of about 200km. the Islamic Republic has excelled in naval capabilities and is able to wage unique asymmetric warfare against larger naval forces. According to the report, Iran’s Navy has been transformed into a highly motivated, well-equipped, and well-financed force and is effectively in control of the world’s oil lifeline, the Strait of Hormuz.
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