South Africa Eyes Missile System Sale to Iran: Report
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – South Africa is seeking to sell surface-to-air missile system to the Islamic Republic of Iran, a report said.
According to the report carried by mybroadband website on Saturday, South Africa has applied to the United Nations Security Council to sell missiles worth R1.5 billion ($118 million) to Iran.
The report added that this will be the biggest deal yet for Denel’s Umkhonto surface-to-air missile system.
The Umkhonto vertical launch surface-to-air missile was developed for the South African’s Navy’s Meko A200 class frigates, and has been in service since 2001.
The missile is high-velocity and infrared homing, providing defense against attacks from missiles and aircraft. Although it is a surface-to-air missile, it is also capable of taking out stationary surface targets. The Umkhonto was designed with a 23kg warhead for high-kill probability, unlike other missile systems in its class.
This came after defense ministers from Iran and South Africa on December 13 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the expansion of military and defensive cooperation.
The MoU entailed programs to ensure regional and international peace, stability and security, as well as efforts for decisive fight against terrorism. It also aims to promote mutual cooperation on maritime security, training courses, and exchange of experience in the battle against organized crimes.
