Iranian experts conducted a number of tests on the Russian missile systems
during drills, which were held in the presence of several military and
government officials in one of the country’s defense units.
The tests included all phases of performance, namely detection, identification,
interception and target shooting.
The military exercise was carried out to analyze the performance of the S-300
system and to assess the capability of the system in engaging targets with a low
radar cross sections and ballistic missile threats, as well as the ability of
the Iranian military personnel to use the system.
Reportedly, two targets, a ballistic missile and turbojet-powered drone
designated 'Karrar', had been successfully identified, intercepted and taken
down by the system.
Confirming the news, Farzad Esmaili, commander of the Iranian army's air defense
force, said "the S-300 system hit the ballistic missile.”
The contract to deliver five Russian S-300 systems to Iran was signed in 2007,
however due to the adoption of UN Security Council sanctions on Iran in 2010,
which barred hi-tech weapons sales to the Islamic Republic, it was stalled.
After the 2015 nuclear deal, Russia resumed the talks on the delivery of S-300,
when Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted the ban on the delivery of the
missile systems.
Earlier this week, Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister Amir Khatami announced that
Iran is also carrying out tests of its Bavar (Belief) 373 long-range air defense
system.
The Bavar 373 has similar characteristics to Russia’s S-300 system and was
unveiled in August 2016. The project to build these missiles was launched in
February 2010, after Russia suspended the $900 million deal signed in 2007.
Tehran has since persevered with its plans to produce its own ground-to-air
missile system.
"Work with the Bavar 373 complexes is progressing as planned, testing of the
complex has been carried out. These tests will continue to be carried out until
the complexes are delivered to their units,” Khatami said in an interview with
Tasnim news agency.
Russia’s S-300 surface-to-air missile system has a range of up to 150 km and can
hit targets at an altitude of up to 27.000 meters traveling at 2,800 meters per
second. Its 92N6E multi-functional radar has a 400 km range, which is able to
engage six targets simultaneously.
source: Tehran Times