MOSCOW—Russia reportedly has changed its mind to supplying Azerbaijan with the SSC-6 ‘Sennight’ coastal missile system, a version of the Kh-35 turbojet subsonic cruise anti-ship missile, according to Kommersant newspaper.
According to the newspaper, Russian military officials found that even the export of the missile system might pose a potential threat to their own navy vessels in the Caspian sea that are on-duty in Russian territorial waters.
A source familiar with the matter told Kommersant that Russia and Azerbaijan had initialed the deal on a small batch of the systems for a few dozen missiles, however the agreement was never signed.
Kommersant reported that the topic isn’t discussed yet because “a very delicate geopolitical nuance exists.” In recent years, the X-35 missile warhead’s guidance system has been modified to strike also land targets. “We wouldn’t want this weapon to be used in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict,” the source told Kommersant.
In 2013 and 2014, Russia reportedly delivered Uran-E missiles that are similar to the ones in question, in an agreement signed between Azerbaijan and the Russian Tactical Rocket Arms Corporation in 2010.
Do not be fooled. Russia WILL end up selling something to azerbaijan. Armenia is simply a card in the hand they have in the high stakes world of world politics. I was VERY pro Russian for such a long time, to the point of being blind, but now I am starting to understand that it just so happens that Russia’s interests align with Armenia’s in CERTAIN areas. Russia is certainly no great friend to our nation. If it was, it would force its hand unto azerbaijan, it wouldnt prevent us from getting more Iranian business &/or Iranian oil & gas as well as selling weapons to azerbaijan or making win win deals with turkey. The ONLY solution for Armenia in the long term, is to figure out a way to gain a greater degree of self sufficiency.
No country will ever help another without something in return. This is elementary. The only solution is to create circumstances where there will be mutual benefit. Russia will only oblige to Armenian interests if it coincides with their interests. This French-Azeri development might just be the ticket, however, Armenia must play smart and encourage many such scenarios for the future. Self sufficiency is not realistic goal for a weak and landlocked country such as Armenia.
This the the fruit from the French-Azerji military deal announced last week. At the time I suggested not to complain and let the deal go through. In return, Russia will support Armenia for its own regional interests. We will bear the fruits of their competition. A very good development indeed!
For what does Azerbaijan need cruise missiles???