(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Recent videos and images on social media have revealed what military analysts claim to be fragments of the Iranian-made “Sayyad-2C” air defense missile system at a site recently targeted by Israeli fighter jets in Najjarieh, Lebanon.
Military experts indicate that this debris is the first evidence that the Hezbollah militant group possesses advanced Iranian air defense systems, particularly from the Raad, Tabas, and 3rd Khordad families.
The confirmed fragments of the “Sayyad-2C” missile are part of a sophisticated air defense system developed by Iranian weapons experts.
These Iranian missiles, including the “Sayyad-2C” found in Lebanon, are known for their ability to intercept aerial targets at medium to high altitudes, posing a threat to primarily Israeli and American combat aircraft operating in the region.
Military analysts suggest that the discovery of advanced Iranian air defense missile debris at Hezbollah positions confirms Tehran’s support level for the group.
The presence of such advanced missiles in Lebanon could signify a shift in the Middle East power balance, raising concerns about the increased military capabilities of non-state actors in this conflict-prone region.
Israeli officials have yet to comment on the discovery of the “Sayyad-2C” missile fragments in Lebanon.
However, the finding of these advanced Iranian-made missile fragments is expected to escalate tensions among Israel, Hezbollah, Iran, and other regional players, including the United States and Russia, which maintains military presence in Syria.
This latest development underscores the increasing complexity of Middle Eastern conflicts, where advanced weaponry is readily accessible to groups classified as non-state actors.
The “Sayyad-2C” missile is a ground-to-air missile designed to counter aerial threats including fighter jets and drones.
It represents part of Iran’s ongoing efforts to develop local air defense systems to address threats from what it considers enemies.
The “Sayyad-2C” missile is the latest variant of the “Sayyad-2” family, based on the U.S.-made “Standard Missile” (SM-1) that Iran acquired before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the pro-Washington Shah regime.
In addition to handling fighter jets and drones at medium to high altitudes, the “Sayyad-2C” has been upgraded to shoot down ballistic missiles.
Equipped with a solid fuel system, it can engage targets at longer distances and respond faster to threats.
Its guidance system allows for precise targeting, making it a critical component of Iran’s air defense network.
The sophistication of the “Sayyad-2C” highlights Iran’s defense technological achievements, demonstrating its defense industry’s capacity to develop modern weapons systems independently. — DSA