Analyst's note: While speaking to Aaron Klein Investigative Radio, we hear former Ambassador John Bolton speculate how Iran could have downed our RQ-170 Sentinel highly- classified stealth, communications controlled, drone. I'd seen this speculation before, but this is the first time to hear about Iran's purchase of an advanced jamming and electronic warfare system known as Avtobaza. Whatever else is going on, we can be sure that the murky world of electronic warfare continues.
"[....] Bolton noted speculation that Iran in recent months purchased from Russian sources the advanced jamming and electronic warfare system known as Avtobaza, which he said could have been used to hack into the downed drone's system.
The captured American RQ-170 Sentinel highly classified spy drone is designed to be virtually invisible to radar and reportedly carries advanced communications and surveillance gear.
"I wouldn't be at all surprised if in fact the Russians provided the jamming equipment as the alternative to the S-300," stated Bolton.
The former ambassador was referring to Russia's S-300 antiaircraft surface-to-air missile defense system. Moscow had pledged to refrain from selling that system to Iran due to sanctions imposed on the country.
Bolton warned: "If Iran has from Russia or anybody else a capability to disrupt our communications with our drones, this could be a very significant development, very negative. It could also affect airplane and missile communications and guidance systems as well."
[....] According to reports, Chinese and Russian military officials requested to send experts to Iran to inspect the U.S. drone.
Bolton called such recent developments a "substantial setback for the U.S."
"It allows Iranians and therefore the Russian and Chinese access to our stealth technology. It allows them access to our communications and sensors inside the drone," he said.
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