Russia is unlikely to sell S-300 Favorit missile to Azerbaijan, as it can lead to escalation of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, according to Anatoly Tsyganok, head of military forecast center.

“Such bargain can change the balance of forces between Armenia and Azerbaijan. If it’s struck, Armenia may also obtain missiles, possibly produced by Iran,” he said when commenting on the ongoing reports on purchase of S-300 Favorit to the amount of $300 mln by Azerbaijan.

Commenting on reaction to come from Russia, Tsyganok said the 2008 scenario can hardly be repeated. “The situation is different. Although Armenia is Russia’s strategic partner, Russia will interfere in the military conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan only in case the latter strikes Russian base in Gyumri. Anyway, I don’t think Azerbaijan will dare such attack,” he concluded.