Iran dismisses the need for Russian S‑400 systems amid doubts
Iranian and Russian media report that Tehran is not interested in purchasing Russian S-400 anti-aircraft systems. This contradicts unofficial reports that have been circulating recently. It is possible that Iran's hesitation stems from disappointing experiences with other Russian weapons.
7:36 PM EST, November 19, 2024
A deputy of the Aerospace Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is quoted as saying that Iran possesses and uses S-300 systems but has never sought the S-400 systems because Iran's current weaponry in this category provides greater capabilities.
Western media finds this statement interesting for several reasons. Iran is one of Russia's biggest allies, and the Kremlin promotes the S-400 systems as the best anti-aircraft weapons in the world.
Iran does not want Russian S-400 anti-aircraft systems
According to the Russians, the S-400 system, which entered service in 2007, can intercept not only planes and helicopters but also cruise missiles and even ballistic missiles, which travel at very high speeds. The range of engagement depends not only on the target but also on the ammunition used. It ranges from 25 miles (rockets 9M96 weighing about 770 pounds) to as far as 250 miles (rockets 40N6E weighing about 4,000 pounds, which are produced in limited quantities).
The Almaz design bureau developed this system as a major upgrade of the S-300PMU systems. It is these latter systems that Iran has used in the past. It is estimated that Tehran received four such complexes from Moscow. However, all were reportedly destroyed, either in whole or at least partially, for example, due to hits on the launchers by Israeli forces—one in an April attack and three more in October during a large-scale operation utilizing aviation.
Iran's anti-aircraft weapons
As noted on the Defense Express portal, the S-300PMU2's maximum range is estimated to be about 150 miles. Despite many structural similarities to the S-400, the S-300PMU2 systems reportedly failed to repel the Israeli attack, which might lead Tehran to conclude there is no point in seeking the S-400 systems.
When Iran claims to possess better weaponry of this type, Defense Express analysts suggest it might refer to the Bavar-373 systems, first presented in 2019. These are said to be capable of detecting up to 100 targets, tracking 60 of them, and simultaneously attacking up to six objects. The maximum range is estimated to be about 185 miles.
It's worth mentioning that the conflict in Ukraine has also exposed weaknesses in Russian anti-aircraft systems. The Ukrainians have already destroyed several S-400s. A Hague Center for Strategic Studies analyst, Fredrik Mertens stated that the S-400 has problems primarily with intercepting ballistic missile targets. Social media has published videos confirming the Ukrainians' use of Storm Shadow cruise missiles that flew right over the S-400.
