Thunder Tondar Air Defense System.

Technical Data

• Armament

  The Thunder / Tondar launcher weapon station configuration consists of four missile canisters mounted on the Aras 2 vehicle, arranged in two rows of two. The system is reportedly capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously, though specific figures on the rate of fire or engagement time are yet to be disclosed.
  
  The Thunder system employs a short-range missile designed to counter threats like small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles, and other low-flying munitions. The exact specifications of the missile, including its range and warhead, have not been fully disclosed by Iranian sources, but based on its role and design, it is likely optimized for high-speed, low-altitude intercepts. The missile is guided by an infrared seeker, which allows it to home in on targets using heat signatures, enhancing its effectiveness against stealthy or evasive threats.

• Design and protection

  The Thunder / Tondar Air Defense System is mounted on the Aras 2 4x4 light tactical vehicle, which serves as the mobile platform for both the radar and missile launchers. The vehicle has a flatbed design with the missile launchers mounted on the rear, and a crew cab at the front. There is no significant armor protection on the vehicle, indicating its primary focus on mobility and rapid deployment in operational environments rather than heavy engagement with direct fire.

  The Aras 2 vehicle itself is designed for high mobility, capable of operating in challenging terrain, including impassable areas, which would make it effective in rapidly deployed defense scenarios. While the vehicle does not feature heavy armor, its high maneuverability and the integration of advanced systems like the Shahid Jalilvand radar provide a different form of protection by enabling the system to evade or neutralize incoming threats before they can reach critical assets.

  The Thunder system likely operates as part of a layered defense network, supported by other air defense systems with higher altitudes and longer ranges, while focusing on close-range, tactical interception of lower-flying threats.

• Mobility

  The Thunder / Tondar is based on the Iranian-mader Aras 2 4x4 light tactical vehicle with enhanced mobility, designed for high performance in rough and uneven terrain. The Aras 2 features a 200 hp engine that provides 470 Nm of torque, making it 50% more powerful than the previous version, the Aras 1. This increase in power enables the vehicle to carry heavier equipment, including the radar and missile launchers, while maintaining high mobility.

  The Aras 2 has a high strength-to-weight ratio, improving its acceleration, maneuverability, and operational range. With a range of 750 km and reduced fuel consumption compared to its predecessor, it is well-suited for long-distance deployments, ensuring that the Thunder system can provide continuous defense over extended periods without needing frequent refueling.

  In terms of operational flexibility, the Aras 2 is capable of reaching impassable areas, which is particularly valuable for defending remote or difficult-to-reach military bases or strategic sites. The vehicle’s design allows it to maintain high operational readiness even in harsh environments.

• Command and Control Systems

  The Thunder / Tondar air defense system is equipped with advanced fire control systems that include the Shahid Jalilvand reconnaissance radar, a critical component for detecting and tracking incoming aerial threats. The radar provides early warning and target tracking capabilities, feeding targeting data to the missile launcher.

  The infrared imager integrated into the missile's guidance system allows it to detect and lock onto heat signatures from enemy targets, enhancing its capability to counter low-flying and potentially evasive threats. This infrared guidance system would also provide the system with increased accuracy and effectiveness against small, fast-moving targets like UAVs or small cruise missiles.

  Given the nature of the missile system and its reliance on infrared tracking, the Thunder system appears to be a high-tech, precision-oriented short-range air defense asset, focused on countering specific threats rather than broad-area defense. The system is likely designed to integrate with other components of Iran’s air defense network, filling a tactical gap in the protection of military assets and sensitive infrastructure.

  While full details on the Thunder system’s missile characteristics and combat capabilities remain scarce, it represents a significant step forward in Iran’s short-range air defense capabilities, leveraging domestic innovation and increasing the country's ability to defend against modern aerial threats.