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| Gyumri Russian Air defense Batallion where the S300V is based. |
Recent reports of new defense deals between Armenia and
Russia has surfaced in the news and prior defense agreements that were ratified
have since not come to light in terms of solid advancements in the Armenian
military. More importantly from an image analysis perspective, no concrete evidence of the
recent reports of the Russian base acquiring the new Iskander missiles and
Tornado multiple launch rocket systems has come to light. Many of these systems
show up in military photos soon after a leak in its acquisition.
“Russia has deployed an advanced new missile
system to its base in Armenia,amid deteriorating relations with Armenia's
rival, Azerbaijan. A source in Armenia's Defense Ministry confirmed to RFE/RL's
Armenian service the deployment of "several" Iskander-M systems”
Source Eurasianenews, The Bugg Pit by Joshua Kucera
The most recent news on the upgrading of the Russian bases in
Armenia and its air force has been ratified with the visit
of the Russian defense minister to Armenia and the General secretary of CSTO
(Collective security Council).
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| 13 Mig-29's in the picture with one right outside the hanger exiting from refurbishment. |
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| Only 4 visible Mig-29 in the above picture, others possibly in hanger and or out in flight training. |
The above imagery analysis provides us information on the continuous refurbishments of the MIG-29’s stationed at the Erebuni air base obvious requirements
in keeping a fit military alliance. With additional pictures from "Pilot.Strizhi.info" (not seen here) we can see work completions on the MIGS. Thanks to “Open
Source Imint” another open source expert on imagery analysis has reliable
information from “Janes World Air Forces” on a massive increase in flight
training conducted by Russian pilots at the Erebuni air base. With the latest news
regarding developments at the Russian bases in Armenia the possible acquisition
of the Iskander is highlighted. With recent arms sales to Azerbaijan the tides
of balance have tipped heavily on the Azerbaijani side, reinforcing the balance
is necessary as part Russia security guarantees to Armenia.
Patterns in military developments tell us to be aware of sketchy
news though in light of the recent reports in the ratification of new deals between Armenia and
Russia and more importantly the balance tipping acquisitions from Azerbaijan with the more important issue of Armenia's minuscule military tells us that new developments either at the
Russian bases or with the Armenian military is highly likely.
If acquired Iskanders, are in the inventory of the Russian base
it yields potential power base for Russia to stop the next possible war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The possibility of
the Armenians having their hands on equipment such as the sophisticated
Iskander ballistic missile, which are capable of manoeuvre through its ballistic
flight path to evade air defense systems, is another analysis per se in particular its effectivness against the new S300PMU-2 of Azerbaijan. Though
its acquisition itself will offset the large military confidence of Azerbaijan. Other upgrades that Armenia will receive will be interesting to keep a keen eye on.
Sources...
Eurasia.net, Joshua Kucera
Google Earth
Imint Analysis
OPen Source Imint
Janes Portal
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