Satellite imagery from TerraServer, as far back as late May of this year, shows that Iran has deployed the S-300PMU2 system to
TAB-6 at Bandar Bushehr.
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This is the most recent imagery on TerraServer, dated 11th June 2017 |
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Clearer, colour correct imagery from 09.06.2017 |
Battery Components
The battery consists of 1x
96L6E Acquisition Radar, 1x
30N6E2 "Tomb Stone" Engagement Radar, and 4x
5P85TE2 Towed TELs (Transporter Erector Launchers). A command post is not visible in the immediate area, though the conspicuous pairs of buildings in the centre position of the TELs and to the left of the 96L6E radar on the left may be command posts, especially considering their colour similarity to the other components. They could also be generator vehicles or other support equipment.
A relatively standard deployment. The
96L6E L/S band (depending on who you ask) Engagement Radar was deployed. The Big Bird battle management radar is not seen.
Location
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The 200 km range of the S-300 barely intrudes into Saudi airspace, but can still be a highly effective area denial weapon to Saudi aggression. |
Timeline
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Imagery from Google Earth, 22.02.2017 shows empty roads and positions |
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The next available Google Earth and TerraServer imagery is from 27.04.2017, and shows 3 new concrete pads for TELs, and 2 new roads and cleared dirt for concrete pads for radars. 2 extra roads for further TEL pads. |
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Imagery from 13.05.2017: Roads to radar positions improved, concrete pads for radars installed (also in imagery from 02.05.2017), and 2 more TEL concrete pads added |
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Imagery from 29.05.2017: All systems in position |
EDIT: Seems I was a wrong on the types of radars deployed.
IHS Janes says a 96L6E was installed, not the 64N6E2.
Janes also makes assertions about the number of radars Iran procured.
http://www.janes.com/article/72263/iran-deploys-s-300-to-bushehr
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