Russians steal German technology for Iranian, Syrian missiles: report

Khaleej Times Online ^ | Nov 5, 2005

[Hadean]

BERLIN - The German government has reportedly issued a warning that Iranian and Syrian weapons makers are using cutting-edge German technology poached by Russian criminals.

Berlin has circulated an alert about the scam to several German firms, Focus magazine reports in its Monday edition.

“Leading-edge (German) technology sold in a completely legal fashion to Russian enterprises and research institutes has been transmitted immediately to Iranian and Syrian workshops manufacturing missiles,” the magazine said, quoting from a warning letter to “numerous German enterprises”.

Iran used German measuring instruments and propulsion and control systems in its Shahab-3 missile, which with its 3,500-kilometre (2,175-miles) range could strike European targets with nuclear warheads, the magazine reported.

Meanwhile, Syria exploited German technology to modernise its obsolete Scud missiles, which pose a threat to Israel.

The government warning named 15 firms or institutes in Moscow, St Petersburg and Samara, including Moscow’s State Technical University, linked to the racket.

[GSlob]

Well, only a complete idiot would be selling cutting edge technology with military application to places like Russia or China... And it does not matter that the sale was "legal": any collectivist [including statist] place should automatically be placed on "no-go list", knee-jerk fashion. Ditto about security clearances for the people with roots there.

[mmercier]

>> Iran used German measuring instruments and propulsion and control systems in its Shahab-3 missile, which with its 3,500-kilometre (2,175-miles) range could strike European targets with nuclear warheads, the magazine reported.

The beat goes on. All we need now is the initial Iranian test detonation (coming maybe this month) and their announcement that they have viable medium range delivery systems operational.

Too bad the pigs that gave them the technology will be the first ones in range.

[Fenris6]

Whats the range from Tehran to Paris?

[x5452]

well maybe the germans should be less freindly with the Russians if they make such accusations?

[Chi-townChief]

Aren't Germany, Syria, and Iran allies, tacitly anyhow?

[Alexander Rubin]

I'd be more worried about Israel or India...Both of whom are also in range...

[Thunder90]

Russia is NOT our friend. Their actions prove it.