They are not waiting, but preparing?
Iranian attention to Azerbaijan's air defense.
The turmoil in the Middle East over time can attract many, which is understandable in Iran, so they research the potential enemy in advance.
Despite the attempt by the authorities of Iran and Azerbaijan to avoid mutual escalation, the tension in relations between the parties increases from time to time. Moreover, in Tehran, not without reason, they suspect the Azerbaijanis of secretly helping the representatives of Israel.
Professor Ehsan Movahedian at Alam Tabatbay University, based on open data, compiled a map of the location of Azerbaijan's air defense systems. He counted at least 38 positions of various radars and at least 76 positions of air defense systems, the vast majority of which he identified as Russian or Soviet-made.
Geography of air defense is of greatest interest. It seems that Armenia is no longer considered a serious source of air threat to Baku. But it is clear that the Iranian and financial direction attracts much more attention.
In case of escalation, one of the targets of the Iranians could be the Baku-Tbilisi-Cihan (BTC) oil pipeline - a major source not only of Azerbaijan's treasury, but also of oil for Israel.
Despite several contradictions, the parties show a reluctance to bring the situation to an open conflict. However, practical actions indicate that the escalation scenario is taken into account: this is also evidenced by the recent movement of Iranian missile systems to Azerbaijan's northern border in the Arak region.
And if, judging by the published data, they do not see a similar threat in the Armenian direction in Baku, then the mutual distrust between the authorities of Azerbaijan and Iran is already reflected in the military planning. Lack of interest in conflict does not mean lack of preparation for it.
High resolution map.
English version.
- Don't think about the Caucasus.
Support us.