Iran Boosts Air Defense Capabilities with Fully Operational 3rd Khordad Missile System.

On May 13, 2024, Brigadier General Ali Reza Balali, advisor to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force, highlighted the operational expertise of the 3rd Khordad system during an interview with the Iranian news agency Fars News. Balali emphasized its mobility and tactical design, tailored to effectively confront American forces in the region.

Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Iran's 3rd Khordad Surface-to-Air Missile Defense System (Picture source: Wikimedia)

The ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran remain palpable on the international stage. In this context, Brigadier General Ali Reza Balali revealed a new advancement in Iran's defense capabilities. Iran has enhanced its defenses with the development of the 3rd Khordad Tactical Air Defense System, specifically designed to counter American aircraft. The efficacy of Iran's Khordad system garnered significant attention following its successful interception of an American RQ-4 Global Hawk drone over the Strait of Hormuz in 2019.

The 3rd Khordad system, also known as Sevvom Khordad, is a road-mobile, medium-range air defense missile system, first unveiled at the IRGC achievements exhibition in 2014. Initially boasting a range of 75 kilometers, this has been extended to 200 kilometers due to advancements in missile and radar technologies. The inclusion of the 9 Dey missile has further expanded the operational capabilities of the Sevvom Khordad system, enabling it to address a broader range of threats. Currently utilized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force and the Syrian Air Defense Force, this system was developed by the Radar Defense Studies Center of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard after Iran did not receive the S-300 system from Moscow.

The Sevvom Khordad system bears similarities to the Russian Buk-M2EK wheeled air defense system, with operational characteristics often likened to those of the Russian Buk family. Its utility was demonstrated when it successfully downed an American Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk drone near the Strait of Hormuz on June 20, 2019. The system derives its name from the date of the liberation of Khorramshahr, corresponding to the 3rd of Khordad in the Persian calendar.

The Sevvom Khordad system employs an X-band Active Phased Array engagement radar. Its Transporter Erector Launcher And Radar (TELAR) can carry three Taer-2B missiles with ranges of 50 to 105 kilometers and engage targets at altitudes between 25 and 30 kilometers. It can detect up to 100 targets, engage four, and guide two missiles towards a target simultaneously. A standard configuration comprises one TELAR and two additional Transporter Erector Launchers (TELs), enabling the firing of nine missiles. Each battalion, consisting of four batteries, can thus engage 16 targets simultaneously. Additionally, the system includes a Bashir 3-D S-band Phased Array Surveillance radar with a detection range of 350 kilometers and a Command and Control (C2) unit for coordination with other air defense systems, facilitating integrated networked operations and providing a Data link to counter radar jamming.

Technically, the Sevvom Khordad system can engage aerodynamic targets within a range of 2 kilometers to 105 kilometers and cruise missiles from 2 kilometers to 15 kilometers. It can track and engage aerodynamic targets moving at speeds up to 800 meters per second at altitudes ranging from 40 meters to 27 kilometers. The system can be readied for operation in under three minutes and is equipped with an IVECO diesel engine, allowing for a maximum road speed of approximately 65 kilometers per hour and a range of around 500 kilometers.