Russia Selling Iran Sophisticated New Air Defense System

     Russia is selling Iran its new S-300 air defense system, signaling growing military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said Wednesday. Earlier this year, Russia delivered 29 Tor-M1 air defense missile systems to Iran under a $700 million contract signed in December 2005. A Russian source said the new contract envisaged delivery of several dozen S-300 missile systems. The S-300 is much more powerful and versatile than the Tor-M1. It is capable of shooting down aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missile warheads at ranges of up to 95 miles and at altitudes of up to 90,000 feet. Russian military officials boast that it excels the U.S.-built Patriot missiles, media reported.(23,20)