Iran has developed an arsenal of domestic short-range air defence (SHORAD) systems designed for point defence against low-altitude threats like drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. Key systems include the infrared-guided Majid (AD-08) system and the Azarakhsh, which offer radar-free, high-survivability detection.
Key Iranian Short-Range Anti-Air Systems:
Majid (AD-08): A mobile, heat-seeking (infrared) missile system designed to destroy targets at low altitudes. It is often paired with a machine gun and an electro-optical fire control system.
Azarakhsh (Thunderbolt): Unveiled in 2024, this is a lightweight, short-range defense system meant to counter low-flying threats. It has an effective range of 10 km and a speed of Mach 1.8.
Ya Zahra-3: An indigenous low-altitude air defence system, often utilising electro-optical tracking to identify targets.
Raad-85/Various Electro-Optical Systems: Iran has heavily focused on passive detection and tracking systems to combat advanced aircraft without triggering radar warning receivers.
Many new Iranian systems use Infrared (IR) or Electro-Optical (EO) guidance instead of radar. This prevents the systems from being easily targeted by anti-radiation missiles.
IR-seekers are imported from Russia or China, while the EOTS system is imported from Canada, thereby circumventing international sanctions through offshore shell companies in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Systems are typically mounted on trucks for rapid deployment and improved survival.
Primarily used for protecting critical infrastructure, command centres, and point defence for army units, filling the gap below larger systems like the Bavar-373 and S-300, which were destroyed in Operation Epic Fury.
Recent reports suggest Iran is bolstering its defense network with Russian and Chinese shoulder-fired MANPADS, such as the Verba and FN-6, to enhance its low-altitude capabilities against aircraft and drones.
Iran continues to upgrade its older systems, incorporating them into tactical air defense networks along with domestic MANPADS, which are hard to detect and combat.
Missile locations
Iran has deployed short-range air defense (SHORAD) systems, including the 15th Khordad, Azarakhsh, Majid and Arman, to protect critical infrastructure, specifically around Tehran, Esfahan, Natanz, Bushehr, and Bandar Abbas. These systems are designed for point defense against aerial threats, often co-located with medium/long-range systems.
Key Locations of Air Defense Systems:
Tehran: Protected by multiple sites, including HAWK, HQ-9B, HQ-7, HQ-16, BAVAR-373 and HQ-2 batteries. Most of these systems were destroyed in the operation Epic Fury in Tehran, where the U.S./Israeli forces concentrated their strikes in Tehran.
Natanz: Recent deployments include 15th Khordad systems protecting nuclear facilities. Natanz was protected by the Russian-made S-400 missile system, which was destroyed.
Esfahan: The Azarakhsh and Majid systems were deployed in this area. Houses sensitive sites defended by, among others, the S-300 system. Esfahan was protected by the Russian-made S-400 missile system, which was destroyed.
Fordow: The Azarakhsh and Majid systems were deployed in this area. Fordow was protected by the Russian-made S-400 missile system, which was destroyed.
Bandar Abbas & Southern Coast: Covers vital coastal facilities that are protected by the Azarakhsh and Majid systems.
Other Key Areas: Point defense systems such as Azarakhsh, Ya Zahra and Majid are also positioned around Shiraz, Kharg Island, Bandar Khomeini, Ahwaz, Dezful, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Tabriz.
Missile Infrastructure:
“Missile Cities”: Extensive, hidden underground tunnel networks for storage and launch are located in mountainous areas, including near Khorramabad (Lorestan province), Kermanshah (Kenesht Canyon, Panj Pelleh), and areas in the Tabriz region.
Naval Sites: Underground naval missile bases are located in coastal areas of southern Iran (e.g., near Haji Abad).
Production Facilities: Key sites in Tehran Province (Parchin and Khojir) manufacture and store missiles and drones.
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