Tehran – Iran is planning to announce the next-generation version of its “Babar 373” air defense system. This is a development that military authorities claim to establish as one of the world’s most advanced systems.
Brigadier General Alireza Sabahifard, commander of Khatam Al-Anbiya Joint Air Defense Base, confirmed the upcoming release, claiming that the upgraded system will significantly enhance Iran’s defensive capabilities.
“The military, especially the Army’s air defense forces, are at the peak of their power and are ready to counter any threat,” he declared in a statement released Sunday by the Iranian Army’s Public Relations Bureau.
Iran has long prioritized independence in military production, particularly air defense technology, as it seeks to counter external threats. General Sabahiferd emphasized that Iranian air defense systems are primarily manufactured domestically and are being continuously upgraded to address evolving security challenges.
He cited recent military training as evidence of Iran’s growing defensive capabilities, noting that the enhanced Babar 373 system has successfully engaged aerial targets in nighttime operations and demonstrated its ability to function effectively in low visual conditions.
Emphasizing further Iran’s progress, Sabahiferd revealed that a new generation of Babar 373 will soon be announced, adding, “This next-generation system cannot be compared to other air defense systems around the world.”
General Sabahifad said Iranian airspace remains inaccessible thanks to strong coordination and unity of the air defense force.
He spoke to senior military officials and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to developing sophisticated air defense systems that align with the strategic goals of the Islamic Revolution and meet the expectations of leaders of the Islamic Revolution.
He also said that such adaptability would irritate and deter the enemy, highlighting the need for ongoing adaptation of military tactics and technology to stay ahead of new threats.
“Continuously improving our strategy and technology in line with the new threats ensures that our enemy is uncertain and cannot act against us,” he concluded.
In February 2025, Iran unveiled the upgraded version of Babar 373-II during President Masuud Pezeshkian’s visit to an exhibition hosted by the Ministry of Defense aerospace organization. This enhancement has resulted in significant technical improvements, particularly in the radar and independent launcher capabilities.
One of its important upgrades was the introduction of an independent launcher station. There, each Transporter Erector Launcher (TELAR) is equipped with its own radar, allowing targets to be autonomously detected, tracked and involved without relying on a central radar system.
The system’s detection and tracking ranges have also been expanded, surpassing the original 320km detection and 260km tracking ranges.
Furthermore, its engagement range has been extended from 200 km to 300 km thanks to the integration of advanced Sayyad 4B missiles, giving a great range to the aviation threat. The Bavar 373-II can track up to 60 targets simultaneously, and engage six at once, greatly improving Iran’s ability to handle multiple threats in complex combat scenarios.
The new upgraded version is set to further strengthen Iran’s multi-layered air defense network, which will strengthen its deterrent capabilities amid rising regional tensions.
From the beginning of the year, various branches of the Iranian army revealed a series of new weapons and equipment. A significant announcement came last week when air defense units introduced the Monir system and were promoted as a potential game changer in the Asymmetric Wars.
The Monil system is excellent at undetectable identification of low-radal cross-section (RCS) threats such as stealth drones. Its main features include 360 degree coverage, high mobility, and the ability to send real-time coordinates to other Iranian missile systems like Majid, allowing for rapid neutralization of low-altitude intrusions.
By operating passively without ejecting a detectable signal, Monir represents Iran’s emphasis on viable next-generation detection technologies. This offers important advantages against enemies employing radar jamming tactics. The seamless integration of the system with the engagement platform shows Tehran’s layered defense doctrine designed to counter advanced aviation attacks.
In addition to advances in air defense, the Iranian Army Ground Forces recently received new cargo of new machines, and the Navy expanded its fleet with several new warships and fast attack crafts.