Missile madness

TALLINN - On July 20, Estonia slammed its neighbor, Soviet-era master Moscow, for deploying missiles near its border, saying the move ran counter to ongoing fence-mending efforts between the two countries. The decision on the missile deployment was announced by the commander of Russia’s ground forces, Alexander Postnikov, who said that Russian military forces are discussing the possibility of deploying even more missiles elsewhere.

The Russian move found an immediate reaction from the Estonian Foreign Ministry, as it is considered to be alarming and negative for the cooperation between Russia, Estonia and all the international community the country is part of. “Russia’s decision to position Iskander-class missiles on its western border is an alarming move,” said Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet. “While both sides speak of a desire to improve NATO-Russia relations and develop a partnership, this decision sends a negative signal,” he added.

According to Estonian Defense Minister Jaak Aaviksoo, the deployment of Iskander missiles in Russia’s northwestern military district is incomprehensible in view of Russia’s current relations with NATO. “During the past two decades, NATO has been seeking benevolent mutual understanding in relations with Russia. But benevolence does not mean naivety,” Aaviksoo added.

“We do not comprehend such a step, considering both modern security threats and current relations between Russia and NATO,” explained Aaviksoo. “The military importance of Iskanders should not be overestimated, but at the same time, their deployment, trumpeted by the Russian media, should be seen as a deliberate step in the context of the general security balance in Europe.”

Postnikov had told Moscow Echo radio that Iskander missile systems were being put into service in the military region around the city of St. Petersburg, which lies some 140 kilometers from Estonia. He said the missiles would be based mainly in that region, but added they could also be deployed elsewhere on short notice.

The Iskander is a tactical missile that can be targeted by aircraft, by satellite or even by a soldier in a few seconds, making it dangerous exactly because of the difficulty of preventing its moves. Aaviksoo noted that Iskander missiles have a range of 400 kilometers. “We are aware of the deployment of Iskander missiles in the immediate vicinity of Estonian and NATO borders and we keep very close watch on everything that goes on beyond our borders,” he said.