Tehran – Iranian forces recently concluded a large Solfakar 1403 joint exercise along the strategic Macran coastline and the Indian Ocean.
A key element of the drill involves demonstrating the country’s advanced air defense capabilities. 15-The systems developed in the country, including Khordad, Monir, Majid, and Bavar-373, were featured to highlight operational preparation.
These systems are thought to form the backbone of Iran’s layered defense strategy and provide a layered approach to air defense.
Lt. Gen. Habibola Sayari, coordinating aide of the Iranian Army (Artesh), stressed that these capabilities reflect Iran’s commitment to “improving defensive and deterrent” against the evolving threat.
Sayyari is ready to “support an attack with a resolution” as Iranian troops stand as “strong weapons and fortresses” for the nation.
Below are some of the air defense systems that operate during drilling:
15-Khordad: The backbone of Iran’s strategic defense
The 15 Kholdad air defense systems, which are the heart of Iran’s aviation suppression, demonstrated versatility during the Solfakar exercise by intercepting multiple mock stealth targets over a range of over 150 kilometres. Using data from passive Zolfaqar radars that detect hostile aircraft without emitting signals, the system has successfully poses advanced drone and electronic warfare resistance threats.
Part of the Sayyad surface-to-air missile (SAM) family, the 15-Khordad has been upgraded to counter stealth technology, with recent testing confirming its ability to destroy hidden targets. Its dual role in medium-range to range engagement allows Iran to protect its critical infrastructure and urban centres, solidifying its reputation as a reliable worker in the country’s defense network.
Moniel: Silent Sentinel against the Stealth Threat
The Moniel Passive Radar emerged as a game-changer in asymmetric warfare, performing undetected behaviors to identify low radar cross-section (RCS) threats such as stealth drones. During the drill, Monir’s 360-degree coverage and mobility allowed real-time coordinates to missile systems like Majid, ensuring rapid neutralization of low-altitude intrusions.
Monir exemplifies Iran’s focus on viable next-generation detection by avoiding signal ejection. This is an important advantage against enemies that rely on radar jamming tactics. The system’s seamless integration with the engagement platform reflects Tehran’s layered doctrine of defense, designed to defeat even the most sophisticated air attacks.
Majid: A quick response shield for critical assets
By combining agility and accuracy, Majid proved his value in Zolfaqar’s exercises by blocking hostile drones and aircraft threatening sites. Advanced radar and fire control systems allow for simultaneous tracking of multiple targets, but their compact design allows rapid deployment to avoid counterattacks.
Paired with Monir radar, Majid forms a dynamic duo that can protect military bases, nuclear facilities and urban centres from sudden strikes. This mobility and adaptability underscores Iran’s aggressive approach to modern combat, where speed and accuracy define battlefield success.
Bavar-373: Iran’s answer to the world’s major air defense companies
Iran’s flagship long-range air defense system, Babar-373, stole the spotlight by captivating mock ballistic missiles and stealth fighters in an astounding 300-kilometer range. Designed to rival the Russian S-400, this fully indigenous system integrates phased array radars and postponed missiles to counter the threat of highlands.
During the exercise, the Bavar-373 demonstrated seamless interoperability with short range systems like the 15-Khordad, creating an inexplicable defensive web. Its success is not only a technical milestone for Iran’s defense industry, but also sends a clear message to the enemy in the region. Tehran’s sky is protected by a homemade shield that is impermeable to foreign forced coercion.