Nagorno-Karabagh: Military Balance Between Armenia & Azerbaijan

[gegev]

Re: Nagorno-Karabagh: Military Balance Between Armenia & Azerbaijan

This Aleksandr Iskandaryan is a Russian Spy. It/he greets everything that promotes Russian interests in Armenia for a miserable compensation, I guess, he deserves. His solid appearance and voice are tremendously opposed to his miserable behavior. He is the one who endorsed a book on AG which denied it. If Russia needs to say that the milk is black, Alexander will find some "strong" arguments to prove it. As the director of the Caucasus Institute he serves Russia, Turkey and Azeri mutual interests. By the way he belongs to our old "elite" and doesn't speak Armenian:... only Russian.

I’m looking forward for a patriotic Armenian doctor who can make a transplantation of a strong Armenian backbone for the guy.

Any comments?

[KarotheGreat]

Re: Nagorno-Karabagh: Military Balance Between Armenia & Azerbaijan

Armenia: Opposition Blasts Russia’s Proposed 49-Year Lease on Military Base
August 12, 2010 - 1:14pm, by Marianna Grigoryan

Plans to grant Russia a 49-year lease on its base in Armenia have sparked heated opposition criticism of the Armenian government for allegedly selling short the country’s independence. The agreement is expected to be signed next week during Russian President Dmitri Medvedev’s state visit to Yerevan on August 19.

“Our country’s authorities say ‘yes’ to everybody; they accept every offer opposing the national interests,” fumed Stepan Safarian, leader of the National Assembly’s tiny Heritage Party faction. “In this case, Russia’s oversight and influence in the region once again get bigger, despite [Armenia’s] national interests.”

The agreement on deploying a Russian military base in the northern Armenian town of Gyumri was signed 15 years ago and entered into force two years later, in 1997, for a period of 25 years.

Interfax reports that the Russian government in July proposed amending the agreement to 49 years; the lease would automatically renew for another five years if neither side calls for its cancellation six months before the end of that period. In addition to “defense of Russia’s interests,” the Gyumri base “would also ensure the security of Armenia jointly with the Armenian armed forces,” the proposed amendment reads. “Modern and compatible arms and specialized military equipment,” are also promised.

Speaking on public television on August 5, National Security Council Secretary Arthur Baghdasarian dismissed objections to the proposed changes. Russia’s military presence in Armenia may be intended to defend Russian interests, he conceded, but as Armenia’s “military and strategic ally,” Russia “undertakes the protection of our country together with the Armenian armed forces.”

Armenia is a “sovereign state, it has its armed forces and all the facilities to ensure its security,” and “only welcomes an intensification of bilateral cooperation” with Russia, affirmed Baghdasarian.

Many local analysts and opposition politicians counter that the deal does not meet Armenia’s need of being able to chart a foreign policy course that reflects its own interests.

“Armenia has no right to decide; others are making decisions on Armenia’s behalf,” asserted Ruben Mehrabian, a political analyst at Yerevan’s Armenian Center for Political and International Studies. “[O]nly Russia’s interests are dominating in these decisions, while Armenia’s interests are secondary. . . Armenia is just an object for accomplishing these [Russian] interests.”

Russia’s heavy economic presence in Armenia – a source of suspicion for many Armenians – could well influence those misgivings. Russian companies control Armenia’s energy system, mining and petrochemical sectors as well as hold substantial investments in its telecommunications industry.

Political scientist Alexander Iskandarian, director of the Caucasus Institute, though, sees the proposed lease extension as more of a strategic balancing act. Iskandarian calls the deal another attempt by Russia to maintain balance between Armenia and Azerbaijan, by sending a “special message to Turkey and Azerbaijan.”

Following the frontline shooting deaths of four Armenians and one Azerbaijani in mid-June, Armenian worries about a resumption of full-fledged fighting with Azerbaijan have multiplied. Unconfirmed recent news reports about Russia’s alleged sale of S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to Baku have added to the unease.

To mobilize opponents of the lease extension, one leading member of the opposition Republic Party has formed a Facebook group called “Armenia without Russian Military Bases” that features a modest membership made up of journalists, various cultural figures and political analysts.

“Russia is trying to keep the Karabakh issue and the authorities under its control,” argued the group’s creator, Suren Surenyants, a senior member of the Republic Party. “These are preventive measures for maintaining the status quo. And this means Armenia will again remain as an outpost country.”

A spokesperson for Armenia’s largest opposition group, the Armenian National Congress (ANC) led by ex-President Levon Ter Petrosian, told EurasiaNet.org that he saw no reason for the lease extension, but stated that the ANC will comment on the agreement more extensively once it sees the document.

The public reaction to the base deal has been far less stormy, however. Many people say they are tired of both the government’s policies and the opposition’s behavior. Among older Armenians, who spent most of their lives under Soviet rule, opinions are divided.

Seventy-five-year-old pensioner Albert Ghazarian expressed interest in how events will develop, but does not approve of doubling the length of Russia’s lease on its Gyumri base.

“Remaining under Russia’s thumb . . . Armenia will gain nothing,” said Ghazarian. “How long will our Big Brother, Russia, make decisions for us? Most likely I won’t see an independent Armenia before the end of my days.”

By contrast, retired 63-year-old engineer Laura Harutiunian believes prolonging the base lease will only benefit Armenia so long as war with Azerbaijan remains a possibility.

“It means security for Armenia. Having Azerbaijan and Turkey as neighbors, we really need a safeguard like Russia,” Harutiunian said. “I welcome this and feel more secure with the Russian presence here.”

Editor's note: Marianna Grigoryan is a freelance reporter based in Yerevan.

http://www.eurasianet.org/node/61730

--------------------------------------------------
What do you guys think about the extension of the lease? To be honest i think its good because it will keep those barbarians next door at bay. Plus we'll be able to get top of the line weapons from Russia.

I only see the Armenian opposition xxxxx and complain, that's the only thing they do. They point out what they think is wrong but never give an alternative solution.

What can Armenia do? Can some one tell me what real options Armenia has? The West and NATO are not an option.

This Aleksandr Iskandaryan is a Russian Spy. It/he greets everything that promotes Russian interests in Armenia for a miserable compensation, I guess, he deserves. His solid appearance and voice are tremendously opposed to his miserable behavior. He is the one who endorsed a book on AG which denied it. If Russia needs to say that the milk is black, Alexander will find some "strong" arguments to prove it. As the director of the Caucasus Institute he serves Russia, Turkey and Azeri mutual interests.

I’m looking forward for a patriotic Armenian doctor who can make a transplantation of a strong Armenian backbone for the guy.

Can you provide sources before you start smearing the person. It seems that you are just anti-Russian and will complain about every thing that Russia does? Even when they are giving weapons to Armenia and helping protect it.

[ArmeniaR1]

Re: Nagorno-Karabagh: Military Balance Between Armenia & Azerbaijan

Helicopter overturned at Erebuni airport
August 13, 2010 | 11:49

On August 12, the Armenian rescue service received a call, saying a helicopter overturned at Erebuni airport.

The rescuers managed to jack the helicopter, Armenian rescue service informed NEWS.am.

Any news which type heli?

[gegev]

Re: Nagorno-Karabagh: Military Balance Between Armenia & Azerbaijan

Can you provide sources before you start smearing the person. It seems that you are just anti-Russian and will complain about every thing that Russia does? Even when they are giving weapons to Armenia and helping protect it.

Please find below the URL of the source that blames Alexsandr Iskandaryan for publishing a book that contains AG denial statements. By the way he belongs to our old "elite" who doesn't speak Armenian. He speaks only in Russian language.

http://blog.ararat-center.org/?p=363

[Eddo211]

Re: Multi-role aircraft

I have heard that if you fly above the mach 2 with this aircraft, it would be your last flight.... they must replace the engine after the flight... dont know true or not for sure..

As far as I know Buddy the MIG-25 had enough power available to push the aircraft above Mach 3.2 but the airframe itself had major controllability problems above Mach 2.8 which flying at those sustained airspeeds could make it your last scary flight with no diapers on board either.
Even though it lacked technological refinements (we are talking cathode tube stuff here) it was a great reconnaissance platform (capable of operating altitudes above 90,000ft) to map out enemy formation, tactical targets, troop movements, SAM locations, etc with its cameras in the belly and could even double as a bomber but I would not recommend it with today’s Russian SAMs, MIG-29s and S-300s that Azeris have. It also lacks range, maneuverability and ability to perform well in close combat. It is a very heavy aircraft because it was made out of steel (some parts titanium) instead of aluminum due to temperature stresses created when flying close to Mach 3 (we are talking about skin temps reaching 300 degrees C).

There was an incident back in 1973 when a MIG-25 was flying a recon mission over Israel when it was threaten by SAMs. The pilot went to full Afterburner and pushed the aircraft to its absolute speed (Mach 3.2 observed on USA radar) and made it to the Egyptian airfield but he smoked the engines which had to be replaced.

[Eddo211]

Re: Nagorno-Karabagh: Military Balance Between Armenia & Azerbaijan

This Aleksandr Iskandaryan is a Russian Spy. It/he greets everything that promotes Russian interests in Armenia for a miserable compensation, I guess, he deserves. His solid appearance and voice are tremendously opposed to his miserable behavior. He is the one who endorsed a book on AG which denied it. If Russia needs to say that the milk is black, Alexander will find some "strong" arguments to prove it. As the director of the Caucasus Institute he serves Russia, Turkey and Azeri mutual interests. By the way he belongs to our old "elite" and doesn't speak Armenian:... only Russian.

I’m looking forward for a patriotic Armenian doctor who can make a transplantation of a strong Armenian backbone for the guy.

Thanks for that heads up gegev.

So let me get this straight…..Russia sells S-300s to Azerbaijan so they can protect their oil fields from Armenia’s attacks by the ground-to-ground missiles that they plan to give us which still tips the balance more towards Azerbaijan so now they can justify increasing their military presence and influence in Armenia’s government affairs, and if a war starts (which they could indirectly spark it themselves) they can test their weapons on both sides at the expense of Armenian lives and when we win the war with our blood the world can claims that it was Russia that beat Azerbaijan for Armenia thus Russia takes the glory all the while increasing their grip on both countries and not allowing Armenia to grow more independent with now Russia in control of Artsakh which makes us stay even more dependent on Russia and to be used and controlled as a tool to further their interests (not ours) in the region.

That is fine, they wanna give S-300s to azeris that is their choice and shows their colors.....Armenia should demand the sell/finance of SU-34s (two squadrons minimum) with associated pilot and maintenance personnel training in Russia under the command and supervision of Armenian military aviation institute who will provide the pilots and technicians instead revising the Russian base in Armenia contract (which does nor run out for a while and is fine the way it is) with their proposed increased Russian troops and their military hardware.
To me that would send a stronger message to Azeris and Turks than what Russians are suggesting, if that is what their intentions are.
Increasing Russian presence in Armenia makes us look weaker which has the opposite effect.

[ninetoyadome]

Re: Nagorno-Karabagh: Military Balance Between Armenia & Azerbaijan

Armenia not to get S-400 air from Russia

August 13, 2010 | 09:15
Armenia will hardly get S-400 air defense system from Russia, as the latter does not have it itself, Anatoly Tsiganok, the head of the Institute for Political and Military Analysis told NEWS.am, commenting on rumors about getting S-400 spread by the Armenian press.

The expert also expressed doubt about Russia’s intention to sell S-300 to Azerbaijan. "I do not think that the rumors are true, as Russia is not interested in the escalation of situation in the region," he said, adding that Russia will never arm Azerbaijan to the detriment of Armenia.

Moscow will not arm Azerbaijan better than Armenia, as the latter is Russia’s strategic partner. There are a number of agreements signed between Moscow and Yerevan and in case a third country attacks Armenia, Russia will definitely provide its military assistance, the expert stressed. According to him, prolongation of the terms of Russian bases’ deployment in Armenia should be regarded in this context.

so i doubt the rumors are true that Russia is going to supply azerbaijan with S-300's.
Also this article does a good job explaining the reasons why:

Azerbaijan. No C-300 is bad, with C-300 - worse
For over a week, as in the Armenian and Azerbaijani political and expert circles are actively discussing the possibility of sale of Azerbaijan Russian anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM), S-300 "Favorite". The euphoria and anxiety of some others, with certain exceptions, rolls over, which makes it impossible for a sober understanding of the situation. And, nevertheless, seems now is the time to calmly reflect on the news.
To begin with, the first time that news of the possible sale of S-300 to Azerbaijan was published in the newspaper, the South Caucasus region, to put it mildly, is not often traded. That is initially slightly familiar with the peculiarities of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Secondly, I confess, I have little confidence in the reports from the mouth of "top manager of one of the defense industries and the manager of one of the defense plants." Such references to "not willing to give their names," sources tend to be a spreading cranberries. Yes, and the situation itself with "leak" looks unnatural. Two managers of two different Russian defense enterprises suddenly decided to make public the agreement between Azerbaijan and Russia. And both made it through the newspaper Vedomosti. Then everything was done on thumb technologies: the journalists asked for comments to the Director of the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies Ruslan Pukhov. And all. Roasted material is ready. "Vedomosti" good advertising and the Armenian and Azerbaijani journalists working for a couple of weeks.
Frankly, initially I was not going to address this issue. Each newspaper duck bow - head fall off. But the passions around the C-300 flare up real hard, glow expressions and charges increased almost with each regular publication, and I think it is time for the team «break!»
In fact, what actually happened? How is it that we suddenly have agreed to believe anonymous informants "Vedomosti"? Or for 22-plus years of confrontation, we have not learned to distinguish disinformation from the information accurate? Or maybe we just met yesterday with the phenomenon referred to as information warfare. Imagine for a moment that this information was born in the depths of azagitpropa. Now imagine that in this organization have rubbed their hands, reading some Armenian is not very kind reference to Russia. Consider also a situation where suddenly you find that is not purchased C-300, and spare parts for tanks T-55, and not from Russia, while the Czech Republic, and Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan. No, not funny, guys.
However, notwithstanding the foregoing, I would like to simulate a situation in which Russia suddenly actually agreed to sell to Azerbaijan's ill-fated C-300. Can I assume that as a result of this change the balance of power between the combined forces of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan? And, moreover, agree that possession of Azerbaijan-300 will increase the defensive power of the State in dealing with the Armenian states.
We will be objective, C-300 - really a weapon against modern attack aircraft and cruise and ballistic missiles. In Armenia, as we know, no such weapons. Moreover, in the case of resumption of armed confrontation phase Armenian state least likely rely on aviation. Aviation - a prerogative of Azerbaijan, our challenge - to shoot down enemy planes. Just as it was in 1991-94. Just today, armed with Armenian Armies much more modern air defenses. And if in that war, our soldiers shot down 27 military planes and 14 helicopters, but this time the figure of losses in Azerbaijan will be much higher. That's the whole difference.
Exposing air strikes populated areas of Azerbaijan by Armenian state is not going, and for the destruction of the living forces of the enemy we have other, far more effective means. Including the same ones that Azerbaijan for several years trying in vain to buy. So 300 million, which Azerbaijan, ostensibly ready to pay for two anti-aircraft batteries 300 "Favorite", will be wasted money. Provided, of course, that these P-300 in the final analysis will be under the control of Armenian soldiers. But that is another aspect of the issue.
More recently, it was stated a decision on a preliminary agreement to extend the term of the Russian military base in Armenia. An agreement in which there is an indication of the supply of modern weapons to Armenia is likely to be signed on August 19, during the visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to Armenia. Recall, according to the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia A. Baghdasaryan, the item in the agreement under which Russia will take steps to ensure that the Armenian air forces and compatible with modern weaponry, proposed by the Government of Russia.
Given that armed with Armenia has long been a C-300, the modernization and rearmament of the Russian base includes more modern and advanced weapons. What this means, I think, needs no additional explanation. Just recall that in the modern and powerful air defense needs not Azerbaijan, namely Armenia. In this scenario, the presence of forces from Azerbaijan's C-300 only added to her headaches and postpone in an uncertain future hopes to get Azerbaijan pronounced military superiority over the Armenian State.
However, this "misfortune" Azerbaijan does not end there. Prolongation of the Agreement on the presence of Russian military bases in Armenia is a serious step on the extrusion of the region's only real ally Azerbaijan - Turkey. And the absence of any reaction to this agreement confirms that Turkey has agreed with the role of grant-sneaking, sitting on a grant from the transit pipelines. That is modern Turkey knows its capabilities and his last.
In Azerbaijan and Turkey, there are other problems, preventing them from full cooperation. The current Islamist government of Turkey has a claim to Baku, not only because of the pronounced anti-Islamic policies of Baku (which in itself is a major reason for the lack of confidence), but also as a consequence of Azerbaijan subversive activities in Turkey. It's no secret that the weakening of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is, including the acts of Baku. Azerbaijan has several reasons to be unhappy with the policy of Ankara. This is naked aggression against the Kurds (remember, almost all of the Azerbaijani leadership is concentrated in the hands of ethnic Kurds), and pronounced anti-Western policies, and imposition of Islamic traditions in Turkey.
However, the focus lies in the fact that nurturing hope to return to power of Turkish opposition to an even lesser extent than the AKP, is capable of military-strategic alliance with Azerbaijan. The largest opposition party - the People's Democratic, National Action Party, constantly changing the name because of government pressure and bans Kurdish party, but also do not exist officially, but really functioning the "party of war" - all these political and military forces are obedient executors of the will of the West and USA. Thus, in case of defeat the AKP's election in Turkey can not ignore, focusing lobbying in the power corridors of the true owners of these forces.
To be fair, the Russian base in Armenia is intended to aid in repelling possible attacks on Armenia. And not only by Turkey. And the presence of this base significantly reduces the front actions of the Armenian army in the event of renewed military phase of the conflict, limiting its border with Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh. Such developments have major benefits for the Armenian side and nearly 100 per cent guarantee predicts failure of Azerbaijan. C-300 or without them. C-300, inspiring Azerbaijani politicians today have no real allies, may prompt them to a suicidal step. And even then the task of destroying Azerbaijani worth of new challenges that we, in the circumstances, simply must be overcome.

Levon Melik-SHAHNAZARIAN

http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http://www.voskanapat.info/news/azerbajdzhan_bez_s_300_plokho_s_s_300_khuzhe/2010-08-09-674&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1&usg=ALkJrhhV0rhQL4zSdFqK4_SEu4QgnIREfA

its been translated from Russian to English so there are alot of spelling and grammar mistakes.

[londontsi]

Re: Nagorno-Karabagh: Military Balance Between Armenia & Azerbaijan

Exposing air strikes populated areas of Azerbaijan by Armenian state is not going, and for the destruction of the living forces of the enemy we have other, far more effective means. Including the same ones that Azerbaijan for several years trying in vain to buy.

Can anybody state what weapon is meant here.

[burjuin]

Re: Nagorno-Karabagh: Military Balance Between Armenia & Azerbaijan

http://caucasusinstitute.org/index.php?p=27&a=51&l=eng

Alexander Iskandaryan is the Director of CI since January 2005. Prior to becoming director, he headed the CI Research Unit. He teaches the Contemporary Studies and Area Studies courses.

One of the founders of CI, Alexander Iskandarian moved to Yerevan from Moscow to launch the institute in April 2002. Back in Moscow he directed the Center for Caucasus Studies since 1992.

He has dozens of academic publications in various countries and regularly gives interviews to Western, Russian and Armenian press.

http://caucasusinstitute.org/index.php?p=8&l=eng

PARTNERS AND DONORS
Donors
We use this opportunity to thank our donors for supporting our work and our ideas.


Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), 2001-2010
The Norwegian Helsinki Committee, 2009
United Nations Department of Political Affairs, 2008
Press Now, 2007-2009
European Union Delegation of the European Commission to Georgia, 2009-2010
United Nations Development Programme, 2008-2009
National Endowment for Democracy, 2008-2009
Embassy of Switzerland in Georgia and Armenia, 2007
Embassy of the Netherlands in the South Caucasus, 2007
Council of Europe, 2007
Embassy of France in Armenia, 2006-2007
World Press Photo, 2004-2006
British Council, Armenia, 2004-2005
Open Society Institute, 2003
Eurasia Foundation, 2003

Partners
South Caucasus Bureau of the Heinrich Böll Foundation
Eurasia Partnership Foundation Armenia
TESEV, Turkey
Caucasus Institute for Peace, Democracy and Development (CIPDD), Georgia
Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES)
Center for Social Studies, Georgia
CIMERA, Switzerland
International Crisis Group
Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR)
Noravank Foundation for Science and Education, Armenia
Patker Photo Agency, Armenia
Yerkir NGO Union, Armenia

[ninetoyadome]

Re: Nagorno-Karabagh: Military Balance Between Armenia & Azerbaijan

is this information accurate about our military equipment?

http://www.army-guide.com/eng/countrys.php?countryID=48

and here is azerbaijan's

http://www.army-guide.com/eng/countrys.php?countryID=46