(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Iran has reportedly begun operating its latest generation short-range and low-altitude air defense system called “9 Dey,” which made its debut during the 2023 military exercise “Defenders of the Sky of Velayat.”
During the exercise, Iran’s new short-range air defense system successfully intercepted and destroyed multiple aerial targets, demonstrating its effectiveness and accuracy in countering aerial threats.
The launch tests of the “9 Dey” air defense system during the exercise were conducted amidst intense electronic warfare conditions.
Developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, Iran’s latest short-range air defense system is operational as the Persian nation faces significant threats from Israel and its ally, the United States following the assassination of Hamas Political Bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Teheran recently.
The system is capable of shooting down various low-altitude aerial targets, including drones, helicopters, fighter jets, and cruise missiles, within a range of 5 to 30 kilometers and at altitudes up to 20 kilometers.
The radar of the “9 Dey” short-range air defense system is reported to be capable of detecting and engaging multiple targets simultaneously, providing early warning and interception capabilities.
This air defense system is also integrated with Iran’s existing air defense systems, including the “Khordad 15,” to create an effective layered air defense network.
The “9 Dey” system utilizes the same 6×6 vehicle as Iran’s long-range air defense system, “Sevom Khordad.”
Although both systems use the same vehicle, their interceptor missile configurations differ.
The launcher vehicle for the “Sevom Khordad” long-range air defense system is equipped with three missiles, while the “9 Dey” launcher vehicle is equipped with eight missiles housed in four containers.
All eight missiles of the “9 Dey” system are ready for launch at any time.
Additionally, Iran’s newest short-range air defense system is integrated with an S-Band detection radar to further enhance its detection and engagement capabilities.
The S-Band detection radar of the “9 Dey” is similar to the S-Band detection radar of the “Sevom Khordad” long-range air defense system, positioned at the front of the 6×6 launcher vehicle to improve target detection and tracking capabilities.
The S-Band detection radar is designed to detect and track targets, providing critical data to the missiles for target engagement.
Operating in the 2 to 4 GHz frequency range, this Phased Array radar technology enables target detection up to a distance of 150 kilometers.
The S-Band detection radar of the “9 Dey” system is also reported to have high resistance to electronic warfare attacks and countermeasures by adversaries. — DSA