(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Iran has unveiled its latest ballistic missile defense system named “Arman” and a short-range air defense system “Azarakhsh,” amid ongoing aerial attacks by the United States against pro-Iranian armed groups in the region.
According to Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, the introduction of these new air defense systems was conducted in the presence of Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani.
“With the inclusion of both systems into our air defense network, the overall capability of our air defense will be significantly enhanced,” he stated at the ceremony unveiling Iran’s new air defense systems.
He mentioned that the “Arman” ballistic missile defense system is capable of engaging six targets at distances ranging from 120 to 180 kilometers.
Meanwhile, the “Azarakhsh” short-range air defense system can detect and destroy targets up to 50 kilometers away, equipped with four guided missiles on its launcher vehicle.
The “Arman” ballistic missile defense system has two variants, one featuring X-band PESA radar and the other equipped with S-band AESA radar.
Military observers have noted that the guided missiles for the “Arman” defense system are tactical missiles named “Sayyad,” though this has not elicited any response from Iranian military leaders.
The unveiling of Iran’s new air defense systems coincided with American fighter jets launching airstrikes against positions of pro-Iran groups believed to be responsible for an attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan, resulting in the death of three American soldiers.
Additionally, American and allied fighters have attacked positions of the Houthi armed groups in Yemen, who have been targeting commercial ships passing through the Red Sea towards Israel.
The attacks by the Houthi groups were in solidarity with Palestinian fighters facing Israeli military aggression since October 7 of the previous year. In June last year, Iran revealed its first hypersonic missile, “Fattah,” capable of hitting targets up to 1,400 kilometers away.
Tehran claims its ballistic missiles serve as a deterrent and a means to retaliate against any potential attacks by the United States, Israel, or any other adversaries. — DSA