USA vs C-400. Battle for contracts
Russia offers potential customers a wide range of modern air defense systems and regularly receives new orders. This situation does not suit the foreign manufacturers of such equipment, which leads to specific consequences. Thus, the newest C-400 air defense system is already being sold to foreign countries, but such contracts are not always signed immediately and without any difficulty. Observed attempts to counter the appearance of contracts.
In October, the King of Saudi Arabia visited Moscow 2017. During his visit, a number of negotiations took place and several important agreements were signed. Among other things, Moscow and Riyadh held talks on the supply of weapons and equipment. An agreement was reached on the future purchase of Russian S-400 air defense missile systems.
However, the supply contract was not signed. In the spring of 2018, there were reports of the reasons for this. The media claimed that Saudi Arabia preferred to preserve friendly relations with the United States over Russian anti-aircraft complexes. Russian purchase weapons could lead to some political and economic consequences, and in Riyadh they were considered unacceptable.
In November, 2017 reported on negotiations with Morocco. This African state is developing its armed forces and has shown great interest in air defense systems, including the C-400 air defense system. Since then, the C-400 supply theme of the Moroccan army has not been raised. The contract was not signed, the equipment was not transferred to the customer.
In February last year, foreign and domestic media reported on the possible appearance of the Iraqi order. Back in 2014, Iraq planned to upgrade its air defenses using Russian C-400 systems, but this was prevented by the outbreak of a war with terrorists. At the first opportunity, the army returned to the subject of procurement. However, after a few days news commented on the Iraqi ambassador to Russia. It turned out that Baghdad has no plans to acquire new air defense weapons. Subsequently, the subject of procurement of C-400 by Iraq was not raised.
A few years ago, an agreement was reached on the purchase of C-400 air defense systems by the armed forces of India. At the end of 2015, the Indian Defense Procurement Council approved such a deal, after which negotiations began. The contract for the supply of several regimental sets was signed on 5 in October 2018. Now the Russian side is building the ordered products. In the near future it will be sent to the customer.
Russian-Indian agreements do not suit the United States. Washington intends to maintain its leading position in the international arms market, and each major success of Moscow in this area causes a specific reaction. No exception and the contract for the supply of C-400. The United States is trying to thwart its implementation and impose a solution advantageous for India.
In early May, the Indian edition of the Hindustan Times revealed some details of military-technical cooperation and the fulfillment of contractual obligations. In April last year, the United States passed the law “On Counteracting America’s Opponents through Sanctions,” because of which the Indian side cannot pay the Russian side using the US currency. In order not to fall under the sanctions, New Delhi plans to make payment for deliveries in euros, rubles and rupees.
A few days later, the Hindustan Times reported on new measures being taken by Washington. A few weeks ago, the United States offered India to abandon the purchase of Russian C-400 air defense systems. Instead of these products, the Indian military offers American systems Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD. It is argued that such a choice would avoid sanctions; In addition, Washington offers certain benefits and benefits. Naturally, the American side points to the technical advantages of its products, and also recalls possible sanctions.
Despite pressure from the United States, India does not abandon its plans and does not terminate the contract with Russia. The news of recent weeks and the real actions of New Delhi allow us to make an optimistic forecast. Apparently, the Indian army does not plan to abandon the Russian anti-aircraft complexes, although some efforts will have to be made to find them and to find new ways to pay for the products.
Another buyer of the C-400 air defense system is the Turkish armed forces, and in their case the contract also faces third-party resistance. Turkey is a member of NATO and plays an important role in this organization. Military-technical cooperation between Ankara and Moscow is expectedly worried about Washington and leads to certain consequences. To save the desired situation, the United States applies all means of pressure, from lucrative offers to direct threats.
It should be noted that Turkey is not the first time faced with harsh criticism from the United States. At the beginning of this decade, the T-LORAMIDS competition was held, during which Turkey chose a new foreign-made air defense system. Russia offered to purchase C-300ВМ or С-400 SAMs, as well as Chinese, European and American manufacturers. Washington warned Ankara about possible negative consequences in the case of ordering products that are not released in the United States.
Ankara chose the Chinese HQ-9 air defense system, which caused a negative US reaction. According to the results of further events, this sample has not entered service. In April, the Turkish authorities announced their intention to purchase a Russian-made C-2017 system, which again became a reason for criticism. 400 September 12 Russia and Turkey have signed a contract for the supply of air defense missile systems, and it is currently in progress. The first samples of equipment will be transferred to the customer at 2017. In October, they will be on duty.
In early February, the Hürriyet Daily News learned that the United States could pressure Turkey in several ways. Thus, Ankara plans to acquire not only C-400, but also the Patriot air defense system. The American side may refuse to sell it. In addition, due to the purchase of Russian military equipment against Turkey may impose sanctions. Washington claims that the purchase of Russian weapons by Turkey threatens NATO, and this should not be overlooked.
Despite unfriendly statements and direct threats from NATO partners, Ankara continues to operate in accordance with its plans. The contract with Russia was signed, the ordered products are being assembled and several payments are made. At the same time, Turkey does not consider the US arguments to be correct and worthy of serious consideration. However, the Turkish leadership does not want to quarrel with Washington and NATO, and therefore is considering the possibility of purchasing and American anti-aircraft systems.
According to reports of recent years, a number of foreign countries are showing interest in the Russian C-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, wishing to update their air defense. Several countries have already brought the matter to negotiation, and some have even signed contracts and received ready-made equipment or are preparing for its development.
Back in 2015, a contract appeared to supply C-400 to China. The first regimental set went to the customer about a year ago, passed tests and was already put on duty. In 2016, the Belarusian Army received two C-400 divisions. It is curious that these supplies were criticized by the United States, but everything was limited to only condemning statements. Having no significant levers of influence on Beijing and Minsk, Washington was simply forced to watch the strengthening of “unfriendly regimes”.
With Turkey, India and Saudi Arabia, the situation is different. As the main ally of Riyadh, the United States was able to create an environment in which the Saudi authorities had to abandon the purchase of Russian equipment. Now the United States is putting pressure on Turkey and India, forcing them to abandon C-400 in favor of their Patriot and THAAD systems. There is no particular success in this matter, and therefore Washington has to increase pressure on foreign partners.
The reasons for such actions by the United States are quite understandable and obvious. The С-400 SAM system is considered to be at least one of the best systems of its class in the world, and therefore it is a direct competitor to American developments. The commercial success of the C-400 turn into failures for the Patriot and THAAD, which Washington does not like.
In fact, it is a struggle for the market. Having failed to get a contract at the expense of technical, economic and other advantages, the American side is trying to pursue its other means - perhaps not entirely honest. In this case, in the case of Turkey, it is not just about receiving an order, but also about maintaining military-technical cooperation with a traditional partner. For many decades the Turkish army developed mainly due to American products.
In the fight for orders for air defense systems, the United States uses different methods. Having failed to win overseas contests, they put forward new proposals and also threaten with sanctions. However, the last word remains for the customer. India and Turkey will have to examine all the arguments of all parties and determine which anti-aircraft complexes they need.
They will have to take into account technical, economic and political factors. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the negative consequences, such as sanctions from the US or a blow to the reputation of a reliable buyer. Ankara and New Delhi have already made their choice. Whether they will remain faithful to their decisions - time will tell.
Frustrated contracts
In October, the King of Saudi Arabia visited Moscow 2017. During his visit, a number of negotiations took place and several important agreements were signed. Among other things, Moscow and Riyadh held talks on the supply of weapons and equipment. An agreement was reached on the future purchase of Russian S-400 air defense missile systems.
However, the supply contract was not signed. In the spring of 2018, there were reports of the reasons for this. The media claimed that Saudi Arabia preferred to preserve friendly relations with the United States over Russian anti-aircraft complexes. Russian purchase weapons could lead to some political and economic consequences, and in Riyadh they were considered unacceptable.
In November, 2017 reported on negotiations with Morocco. This African state is developing its armed forces and has shown great interest in air defense systems, including the C-400 air defense system. Since then, the C-400 supply theme of the Moroccan army has not been raised. The contract was not signed, the equipment was not transferred to the customer.
In February last year, foreign and domestic media reported on the possible appearance of the Iraqi order. Back in 2014, Iraq planned to upgrade its air defenses using Russian C-400 systems, but this was prevented by the outbreak of a war with terrorists. At the first opportunity, the army returned to the subject of procurement. However, after a few days news commented on the Iraqi ambassador to Russia. It turned out that Baghdad has no plans to acquire new air defense weapons. Subsequently, the subject of procurement of C-400 by Iraq was not raised.
Indian difficulties
A few years ago, an agreement was reached on the purchase of C-400 air defense systems by the armed forces of India. At the end of 2015, the Indian Defense Procurement Council approved such a deal, after which negotiations began. The contract for the supply of several regimental sets was signed on 5 in October 2018. Now the Russian side is building the ordered products. In the near future it will be sent to the customer.
Russian-Indian agreements do not suit the United States. Washington intends to maintain its leading position in the international arms market, and each major success of Moscow in this area causes a specific reaction. No exception and the contract for the supply of C-400. The United States is trying to thwart its implementation and impose a solution advantageous for India.
In early May, the Indian edition of the Hindustan Times revealed some details of military-technical cooperation and the fulfillment of contractual obligations. In April last year, the United States passed the law “On Counteracting America’s Opponents through Sanctions,” because of which the Indian side cannot pay the Russian side using the US currency. In order not to fall under the sanctions, New Delhi plans to make payment for deliveries in euros, rubles and rupees.
A few days later, the Hindustan Times reported on new measures being taken by Washington. A few weeks ago, the United States offered India to abandon the purchase of Russian C-400 air defense systems. Instead of these products, the Indian military offers American systems Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD. It is argued that such a choice would avoid sanctions; In addition, Washington offers certain benefits and benefits. Naturally, the American side points to the technical advantages of its products, and also recalls possible sanctions.
Despite pressure from the United States, India does not abandon its plans and does not terminate the contract with Russia. The news of recent weeks and the real actions of New Delhi allow us to make an optimistic forecast. Apparently, the Indian army does not plan to abandon the Russian anti-aircraft complexes, although some efforts will have to be made to find them and to find new ways to pay for the products.
Turkish Question
Another buyer of the C-400 air defense system is the Turkish armed forces, and in their case the contract also faces third-party resistance. Turkey is a member of NATO and plays an important role in this organization. Military-technical cooperation between Ankara and Moscow is expectedly worried about Washington and leads to certain consequences. To save the desired situation, the United States applies all means of pressure, from lucrative offers to direct threats.
It should be noted that Turkey is not the first time faced with harsh criticism from the United States. At the beginning of this decade, the T-LORAMIDS competition was held, during which Turkey chose a new foreign-made air defense system. Russia offered to purchase C-300ВМ or С-400 SAMs, as well as Chinese, European and American manufacturers. Washington warned Ankara about possible negative consequences in the case of ordering products that are not released in the United States.
Ankara chose the Chinese HQ-9 air defense system, which caused a negative US reaction. According to the results of further events, this sample has not entered service. In April, the Turkish authorities announced their intention to purchase a Russian-made C-2017 system, which again became a reason for criticism. 400 September 12 Russia and Turkey have signed a contract for the supply of air defense missile systems, and it is currently in progress. The first samples of equipment will be transferred to the customer at 2017. In October, they will be on duty.
In early February, the Hürriyet Daily News learned that the United States could pressure Turkey in several ways. Thus, Ankara plans to acquire not only C-400, but also the Patriot air defense system. The American side may refuse to sell it. In addition, due to the purchase of Russian military equipment against Turkey may impose sanctions. Washington claims that the purchase of Russian weapons by Turkey threatens NATO, and this should not be overlooked.
Despite unfriendly statements and direct threats from NATO partners, Ankara continues to operate in accordance with its plans. The contract with Russia was signed, the ordered products are being assembled and several payments are made. At the same time, Turkey does not consider the US arguments to be correct and worthy of serious consideration. However, the Turkish leadership does not want to quarrel with Washington and NATO, and therefore is considering the possibility of purchasing and American anti-aircraft systems.
USA vs C-400
According to reports of recent years, a number of foreign countries are showing interest in the Russian C-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, wishing to update their air defense. Several countries have already brought the matter to negotiation, and some have even signed contracts and received ready-made equipment or are preparing for its development.
Back in 2015, a contract appeared to supply C-400 to China. The first regimental set went to the customer about a year ago, passed tests and was already put on duty. In 2016, the Belarusian Army received two C-400 divisions. It is curious that these supplies were criticized by the United States, but everything was limited to only condemning statements. Having no significant levers of influence on Beijing and Minsk, Washington was simply forced to watch the strengthening of “unfriendly regimes”.
With Turkey, India and Saudi Arabia, the situation is different. As the main ally of Riyadh, the United States was able to create an environment in which the Saudi authorities had to abandon the purchase of Russian equipment. Now the United States is putting pressure on Turkey and India, forcing them to abandon C-400 in favor of their Patriot and THAAD systems. There is no particular success in this matter, and therefore Washington has to increase pressure on foreign partners.
The reasons for such actions by the United States are quite understandable and obvious. The С-400 SAM system is considered to be at least one of the best systems of its class in the world, and therefore it is a direct competitor to American developments. The commercial success of the C-400 turn into failures for the Patriot and THAAD, which Washington does not like.
In fact, it is a struggle for the market. Having failed to get a contract at the expense of technical, economic and other advantages, the American side is trying to pursue its other means - perhaps not entirely honest. In this case, in the case of Turkey, it is not just about receiving an order, but also about maintaining military-technical cooperation with a traditional partner. For many decades the Turkish army developed mainly due to American products.
In the fight for orders for air defense systems, the United States uses different methods. Having failed to win overseas contests, they put forward new proposals and also threaten with sanctions. However, the last word remains for the customer. India and Turkey will have to examine all the arguments of all parties and determine which anti-aircraft complexes they need.
They will have to take into account technical, economic and political factors. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the negative consequences, such as sanctions from the US or a blow to the reputation of a reliable buyer. Ankara and New Delhi have already made their choice. Whether they will remain faithful to their decisions - time will tell.
Information