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Iran Deploys 800 km Over-the-Horizon Radar in Northwest Capable of Detecting US RQ-4 Global Hawk.
According to Islamic World News, on January 7, 2024, Iran operationalized an advanced over-the-horizon (OTH) radar system, named Nazir, in the highlands of Gilan province, located in the northwest of the country. This radar significantly enhances Iran's integrated air defense network, providing a detection range of up to 800 kilometers. The deployment is strategically positioned to monitor northern Iranian airspace while extending coverage to key regional areas, consolidating its surveillance capabilities against potential aerial threats.
Initially operationalized in 2016, Nazir was fully developed domestically and integrates advanced features such as frequency-hopping technology and high resistance to electronic warfare, enabling it to counter anti-radiation missiles effectively (Picture source: Tasnim)
The Nazir radar system is engineered to detect targets at altitudes exceeding 30 kilometers and is capable of identifying objects with low radar cross-sections, such as drones, stealth aircraft, and cruise missiles. With its extensive range, Nazir covers the airspace over Azerbaijan, large portions of Armenia, eastern Türkiye, most of Georgia, western Turkmenistan, parts of southwestern Kazakhstan, and the Caspian Sea.
Initially operationalized in 2016, Nazir was fully developed domestically and integrates advanced features such as frequency-hopping technology and high resistance to electronic warfare, enabling it to counter anti-radiation missiles effectively. It also excels in tracking stealth drones, including the RQ-4 Global Hawk, as well as reconnaissance aircraft like the U-2 and both ballistic and cruise missiles.
The radar has been installed in high-altitude and flat terrains to optimize its coverage and ensure advanced monitoring of sensitive border regions, such as Azerbaijan and eastern Türkiye. Its design emphasizes robust multi-frequency operations, making it challenging for adversaries to detect or jam. These capabilities play a critical role in providing Iran with comprehensive airspace surveillance and early warning against potential incursions.
This deployment occurs against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions. Following airstrikes on Iranian facilities in October 2024, where the Caspian Sea airspace was reportedly used with Azerbaijani cooperation, Nazir's presence in Gilan is aimed at preempting similar scenarios. The radar's coverage over Azerbaijan and the Caspian Sea ensures constant monitoring, reinforcing Iran's ability to identify and counter hostile movements.
The Nazir radar forms a cornerstone of Iran's air defense strategy, complementing its broader network of systems. It provides early warning capabilities while enhancing Iran’s capacity to address evolving aerial threats. Its integration into the national defense infrastructure underscores a strategic focus on maintaining airspace sovereignty in a region marked by complex geopolitical dynamics. This addition reflects a broader effort to modernize Iran's military capabilities and fortify its defenses against emerging challenges in a volatile environment.