“We are witnessing an impressive improvement in the capabilities and competence of the country’s air defense system,” Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Baqeri reportedly said in May, adding that Iran’s military has seen a “multi-fold increase in investments.”
“The enemies of the Iranian nation should understand that any violation of our airspace will cause them significant harm,” he added.
According to Western intelligence assessments and security analysts’ investigation of satellite imagery, Iran appears to have relocated several anti-aircraft missile launchers to positions close to key nuclear sites like Natanz and Fordow, the report says.
A significant portion of Iran’s most advanced anti-aircraft missiles and radar systems – including its long-range Russian S-300 systems – were destroyed or damaged during Israeli air strikes on the country in October and April 2024, the FT states.
Despite that, experts believe that many components of Iran’s air defense system remain intact or appear to have been repaired in recent months.
Weapons have been displayed to the public to refute destruction claims
Military equipment and weapons have been publicly displayed in Iran, with an S-300 launcher and a radar truck presented in Tehran during the country’s Army Day celebrations in May, and an S-300 shown launching an anti-aircraft missile during a military exercise in February.
