“Washington’s concern is above all the partnership that is being forged between Russia and Iran”, explained on Tuesday August 9 on franceinfo General Jean-Paul Palomeros, former chief of staff of the air force. On Tuesday morning, an Iranian satellite was successfully launched from Kazakhstan by Russia. For Tehran, it aims to monitor the country’s borders or to improve agricultural production. For the United States, the Iranian space program is intended for more military than commercial purposes, the American press even arguing that this satellite could be used by Moscow to support its offensive in Ukraine.
franceinfo: What exactly is this satellite and can it be used for military purposes?
Jean-Paul Palomeros: It is a very classic satellite that can take pictures for all types of activities: border surveillance, the environment, both military and civilian. The resolution of the sensors, which are on this satellite, are of the order of 1.2 meters, that is to say very far from the performance of Western satellites and also Russian satellites.
It has been known for many years that space is a new dimension for civil activities and, now, for military activities. The Air Force became the Air and Space Force. And it’s no coincidence: it’s to face up to this challenge.
“Mastering space today is fundamental not only for conflicts but also for the preparation and prevention of conflicts.”
General Jean-Paul Palomeros,at franceinfo
What information are armies looking for using these satellites?
Evidence of bombardment, an analysis of the armaments used, why not evidence against war crimes. The more we know, the better we can anticipate, the better we can also argue about misinformation. There is a lot of talk about the strikes that were made on the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. In this case, the only proof that we have, failing to go on site, are the satellite images which show a certain amount of damage. And now that these satellites are quite precise, it allows on-the-spot analyzes and this is extremely important politically, strategically and militarily.
There are already many satellites being sent into space, what are Washington’s concerns when every square meter of Ukraine is already under scrutiny?
Washington’s concern is above all the partnership being forged between Russia and Iran. Washington and the Western allies fear that this partnership will eventually give Iran capabilities that will help it implement a nuclear component. This is also true in its immediate environment. This worries Israelis and the Middle East.
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There are technologies that are mastered by Westerners that are not mastered by the Russians, and even less by Iran. And the fact that Russia is helping and creating this partnership with Iran is of concern for the future. We will have to follow this partnership well to know whether or not Russia wants to go even further and really provide Iran with high-tech means.