S300PS in Armenia “Dissecting Armenia’s military strategy”

Image of S300 site under construction image 2009, this current site holds the S300PS note the old Krug systems that it has replaced in the middle left hand area. 

The red triangle depicts the above S300PS site, within the borders of Armenia.


The S300PS significance in Armenia is one noteworthy to present with analysis. The acquisition of the S300PS adds another level to its air defence capability. To the overall air defence of the nation the S300PS adds a shoot and scoot 5 minute tear down and redeployment of a highly sophisticated surface to air missile system. It provides Armenia with another 10 target simultaneous capability.  Tracking capability is unfortunately at 3/4 strength with one battalion with 4 launch vehicles allowing only 4 missiles to be simultaneously launched, an otherwise 12 launch capability is possible with two full strength battalions.

What is noteworthy to mention is its location, as imagery presents a typical S300 site which replaced the two Krug battalions in the south of the nation. This strategic location plays an important role in understanding a part of the geopolitics in the region; in particular with the extended range of the S300PS with a 90km radius over the conventional S300, it presents a new level of air defence coverage for Karabagh. In previous articles I have mentioned a lack of sophisticated systems in the Karabagh region, though those deficiencies are null with these two new battalions in the Syunik region.  The S300PS is placed in the South of Armenia, well within the borders of Armenia proper. The 90km range covers the whole Nagorno Karabagh enclave, and with additional support from air defence systems in the enclave it provides the east of Armenia including Karabagh a robust air defence system considering the limited threat from Azerbaijan.

The location of these S300PS protects the batteries from artillery from Azerbaijan and the obvious alliance between Armenian and Russia will also play a role in protecting these systems as they fall within the borders of Armenia. The careful placing of these two batteries not only relieves Nagorno Karabagh forces from intense counter battery artillery work  to ensure safety of air defence systems in the enclave, it provides Armenia 10 targets to be used at mercy within 3 sec intervals at its pace to offset the Azerbaijan air force.  The logical though strategic process of limiting air defence in the enclave and providing an umbrella of air defence from the safety of Armenian territory is intelligent and strategic move on behalf of military advisers whether from Russia or Armenia. The pace in which the upgrades of air defences in Armenia is one to question, though from a military analysis the air defence coverage is definitely noteworthy. What does this mean for Armenia? On one hand it shows the reluctance of Russia to get involved in the a battle in the Nagorno Karabagh region from its passive reluctance to arm the enclave with more sophisticated type of technology, though on the other hand, it shows a strong military doctrine in the protection of its ally Armenia in any potential conflict.  Careful planning ensures Armenian forces a level playing field against the backdrop of Azerbaijan’s 3 billion dollar military budget which will increase to 3.7 billion next year compared to Armenia miniscule 400 million dollar budget. 

Sources:
"Imint Analysis" Sean O'Connor
"Air Power Australia"
"Google Earth Imagery"