Russia sold Yahont antiship missiles to Syria

19.10.2009
Russia delivered Yahont missiles to Syria which are among the most up-to-date surface-to-surface missiles, says Israeli Maariv.

The transaction was associated with transformation program of RN technical support facility in Syrian port Tartus into proper naval base.

Israeli military sources are anxious that Syria may transfer missiles to militarized movement "Hezbollah", adds Maariv.

Other sources have neither confirmed nor denied the fact of the bargain.

Yahont is an export version of P-800 Onyx antiship cruise missile. It is designed for engagement of naval groupings and various single ships in conditions of intense fire and electronic countermeasures. The missile is low-attackable by AD facilities, it is capable to defeat targets at the distance up to 300 km. Its length is 8 meters, wingspan is 1.7 meters, flight speed is up to 750 mps, launch weight is 3000 kg, payload is up to 250 kg. The missile may be mounted on surface ship, submarine, coastal missile system or aircraft. It is in service at Russian, Iranian and Vietnamese Navies. The development has being conduced since late 1970-ies. Russian-Indian joint venture company BrahMos has become a development contractor since 1998 (founders were NPO Mashinostroyeniya and DRDO of Indian Ministry of Defense).

Source: RusNavy.com, photo: Yahont missile (atrinaflot.narod.ru)