Iran currently owns a complex air defense network, combining domestic and imported weapons. The country's main air defense system, the Bavar-373, was developed domestically to deal with threats from missiles, drones and stealth aircraft. The system is capable of intercepting targets at a range of more than 300km and is assessed as approaching Russia's S-1.00.
The Bavar-373 uses Sayyad-4 and Sayyad-4B missiles, integrated with AESA Meraj-4 radar, phagelim radar and Hafez phage. The system can detect up to 300 targets at a time, effectively attacking invisible targets such as the F-35.
In October 2024, the system was deployed in combat, successfully intercepting Israeli missiles at a distance of more than 100km. The upgraded version of Bavar-373-II launched in early 2025 has increased the combat range to 300km and is capable of operating independently of each launcher, while monitoring 60 targets and attacking 6 targets at the same time.
In addition, Iran also owns an S-300PMU-2 system imported from Russia, compatible with the 48N6DM missile that can intercept a hypersonic target at a distance of 250km. In addition to the S-300, Iran also uses the S-200D with an intercept range of up to 300km, focusing on ballistic missile defense.
The Sevom-Khordad system (Kordad-3) shot down the US RQ-4 Global Hawk in 2019. The system uses an X-ray AESA radar, which can detect 100 targets and launch two Taer-2 missiles at the same time. When equipped with the Taer-3, the attack range increased to 200km. Khordad 15, another version, uses the 3D Najm 804 radar and the Sayyad-2, Sayyad-3, Sayyad-3C missiles, capable of hitting stealth aircraft, cruise missiles and UAVs from a distance of 150km.
However, in the latest conflict, Iran's air defense system faces many difficulties. Israel is said to have combined spies, drones and artificial intelligence (AI) to paralyze Iran's radar stations and anti-aircraft missile systems. Mossad agents brought weapons into Iranian territory and deployed a near-range attack using armed mini UAVs. AI is used by Israel to analyze data and select targets, including nuclear scientists and IRGC members.
According to Israeli intelligence sources, Iran's air defense system has suffered losses from previous airstrikes, reducing its ability to respond to the current conflict. Despite its strong multi-layered network, Iran still faces major challenges from high-tech coordinated attacks.
