Anti-aircraft guns supplied to Iraqi Kurds efficient against ground armored targets, helicopters - expert
MOSCOW. March 16 (Interfax) - The ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns that Russia has supplied for the Iraqi Kurds can be used efficiently against helicopters, armored ground targets and personnel, Retired Gen. Leonid Ivashov, a military expert, told Interfax on Wednesday.
"We do acknowledge that these are obsolete Soviet-era systems. They cannot shoot down a modern aircraft, but they are very efficient against armored ground targets, in particular, armored vehicles, they can work against personnel. These systems can work against helicopters, especially the outdated types," said Ivashov, who used to head the main directorate for international defense cooperation at the Russian Defense Ministry.
On Wednesday, the Russian Consulate General in Erbil officially confirmed the delivery by Russia of five Zu-23-2 anti-aircraft guns and 19,000 munitions to the Iraqi Kurds upon agreement with the Iraqi authorities. Ivashov, who is head of the Academy of Geopolitical Problems, said Russia is helping some of the Kurdish groups in Iraq. "These are the groups which support the Iraqi central government," the expert said.
"We should not forget about the efficient coordination center in Iraq, which consists of representatives from Russia, Iraq, Iran and Syria. The delivery of this armament clearly shows on whose side Russia now is," Ivashov said.
"I believe that the Syrian Kurds are provided with an even more substantial aid with the weapon systems that the Kurdish rebels can now quickly learn to use. I am talking about the systems which can cut supply routes from Turkey, and counter the Turkish and pro-Turkish forces," Ivashov said.
By reducing its military presence in Syria, Russia is betting more on the Syrian armed forces and Kurdish groups, Ivashov said. "Naturally, we are giving them something more substantial. This is our duty. But we are doing all this with the agreement with Damascus, as we do in the case of the Iraqi Kurds, upon agreement with the central government of Iraq," the expert said.