Russian missile contract with Syria remains valid

SS-N-26 Yakhont Missile

A contract on the supply of advanced Russian anti-ship missiles to Syria is being implemented, head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Mikhail Dmitriyev said on Wednesday.

Russia has repeatedly said it would honor a 2007 contract on the delivery of several Bastion anti-ship missile systems armed with SS-N-26 Yakhont supersonic cruise missiles to Syria, despite efforts by Israel and the United States to stop the deal.

“This contract is under implementation,” Dmitriyev told reporters in Moscow but declined to elaborate.

Indonesia Yakhont Missile loading to VLS on KRI OWA

The Yakhont missile has a range of 300 kilometers, the capacity to carry a 200-kilogram warhead and the unique ability of being able to cruise several meters above the water surface, making it difficult to detect and intercept.

Dmitriyev also said Russia will meet its goal to export $11.7 billion worth of weaponry in 2011.

Russian arms exports topped $10 billion last year.

Rianovosti