Iran upgrades latest air defense systems to counter Israeli and US guided missiles.

According to Caspian News on March 18, 2024, Iran upgraded its recently unveiled Shahid Arman anti-ballistic missile system and Azarakhsh low-altitude air defense missile system, asserting their capability to intercept bunker-buster and guided bombs, particularly those potentially launched by Israel, known for its use of such bombs, and the United States.
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The Shahid Arman system now features missiles capable of intercepting long-range guided bombs, bunker busters, and jamming-resistant missiles used by Israel and the United States. (Picture source: IRNA)

Bunker busters, such as the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) and the BLU-109, are munitions designed to penetrate deep into the ground or through substantial fortifications like reinforced concrete before exploding. These bombs typically target underground facilities, command centers, or heavily fortified structures, neutralizing the defensive benefits of subterranean shelters. They are characterized by a delayed fuse, detonating after breaching their intended target to ensure destruction.

Iran's response to these bombs includes upgrades to the recently unveiled Shahid Arman anti-ballistic missile system and the Azarakhsh low-altitude air defense missile system, both developed domestically and mounted on vehicles. According to Brigadier General Amir Sadeghnejad, advisor to the Minister of Defense on Air Defense Affairs, the Shahid Arman system now features missiles capable of intercepting long-range guided bombs, bunker busters, and jamming-resistant missiles. This enhanced capability aims to address threats from afar, primarily from countries such as Israel and the United States.

The Shahid Arman system's mobility allows for deployment in approximately three minutes with a reaction time of less than 20 seconds. This shift from static to mobile defense systems is influenced by historical military operations, like the Wal-Fajr 8 operation, highlighting the value of rapid deployment in combat. The system consists of phased array radar, command and control systems, and missile launchers integrated into a vehicle-based platform, primarily designed for short-range air defense with a protective radius of 40 km.

Still undergoing testing, the Shahid Arman is expected to integrate into the operational capabilities of the Iranian army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to strenghten national defense infrastructure. The conversation also hints at potential future enhancements, such as integrating Sayad 3F and Sayad 4B missiles into the Shahid Arman system and possibly introducing Sayad 4B missiles, indicating ongoing development.

The Sayad 3F missile, adapted for use in the Shahid Arman defense system, features modifications to autopilot, warhead, flight computer, control guidance, and rocket fuel to meet system requirements. It belongs to the Sayad missile series, designed for compatibility with various defense systems, including the 15 Khordad and Bawar 373 systems. Conversely, the Sayad 4B missile, aimed at extending the defensive reach of systems like the Bawar 373, can engage aerial targets up to 306 km away and at altitudes up to 45,000 feet.

To complement the Shahid Arman, Iran introduced the Azarakhsh low-altitude air defense system, countering threats from drones, quadcopters, cruise missiles, and other small airborne targets. (Picture source: ANA)

To complement the Shahid Arman system, Iran introduced the Azarakhsh low-altitude air defense system, countering threats from drones, quadcopters, cruise missiles, and other small airborne targets. Guided by past conflict experiences, local expertise, and adapting to new threats, the Azarakhsh system comes in stationary and mobile configurations. It features a 24-hour operational radar monitoring low-altitude airspace up to 50 kilometers, utilizing visible and infrared cameras for day and night surveillance respectively. Equipped with four missiles for silent engagement, the system uses optical guidance to neutralize threats up to 7 kilometers away, minimizing the risk of detection and countermeasures.

Additionally, the Azarakhsh system integrates modern communication technologies like optical fiber and supports remote control functionality, enhancing operational versatility. Designed to integrate seamlessly with Iran's national air defense network, it collaborates with other defense systems under the joint command structure of the Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base.

Both the Shahid Arman and Azarakhsh defense systems feature radar systems designed to counter electronic warfare, including frequency shift, pulse shift, Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) shift, compression, Side Lobe Blanking (SLB), and Side Lobe Clutter (SLC). These capabilities aim to maintain radar functionality in the face of enemy electronic disruptions. Specifically, the Shahid Arman system has been equipped and tested for resilience against various forms of electronic interference, ensuring effective target detection and tracking under electronic warfare conditions.

Amir Sadeghnejad also stated that the Shahid Arman and Azarakhsh defense systems, which complement each other, will integrate with other Iranian air defense systems, including 15 Khordad, Tashah, S-300, and Bawar 373. Managed by the central command of the Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base, this combination of short-range and long-range systems enhances airspace security over Iran, noted for its safety in West Asia, influencing the volume of airplane traffic passing through the region's airspace.