Ruslan Pukhov

Is it expedient for Azerbaijan to purchase S-300 air defense complex?

In the Soviet times Azerbaijan had a strong air defense system which degraded later. Therefore, if they have money, why not buy the new complex? Again if Americans decide to launch any military operation against Iran, by this complex Azerbaijan will be able to knock down rockets which will fly to its territory. In this connection, Azerbaijani servicemen take into account the duration of approaching of military targets to their borders. Considering these moments, I understand the logic of Azerbaijani servicemen. Yes, these complexes are certainly expensive but they will not save on security, especially because Azerbaijan’s budget affords buying such arms.

Is it militarily expedience to purchase such an expensive complex, when it is possible to get another missile defense system at the lesser price for such big sums?

The analogue of S-300 complex is only the US Patriot. I think Americans would hardly agree to sell Patriot to Azerbaijan considering the independent and balanced foreign policy conducted by Baku. As far as I know, the then president of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev and later current President Ilham Aliyev have said on different levels that they will not provide support to Americans in case of military operations because Azerbaijanis live there. This is why, it would not be wise. Azerbaijan does not fully lie under Americans. It is trying to hold its own policy not against the United States but for the interests of its country. It is clear that the country which holds such policy will hardly receive the newest arms system from Americans. I have never heard of the facts of large purchases of arms from the United States by Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan buys equipment from those who do not set political provisions.

Are Armenia’s concerns about purchase of S-300 complex by Azerbaijan true?

This complex is possibly excessive for Azerbaijan since Armenian side has no potential to strike Azerbaijan. Armenian aviation, at least the offensive, is in a poor state. However, the Azerbaijani servicemen are looking into the future and they cannot base on the possible shift in the balance of powers and the purchase of any arms by Armenians.

Certainly, the purchase of S-300 complex by Azerbaijan is a drama for Armenia, considering the ties with Russia and relations within CSTO. But Russia seems to believe that S-300 is a defensive weapon and “if you do not attack, it does not pose a threat to you”.

Will the purchase of this complex by Azerbaijan frustrate the military balance in the region?

As for the balance of powers between Azerbaijan and Armenia, it has long been not in favor of Armenia. Therefore, the purchase of S-300 complex by Azerbaijan will not change the balance of powers too much. Azerbaijan is gaining weight, while Armenia is at least stagnating if not losing it. Therefore, it is clear that the balance of powers is not in Armenia’s favor. However, the S-300 complex may raise the defense capacity of Azerbaijan.

Leyla Tagiyeva
News.Az