Iran unveils Azarakhsh and Arman air defense systems

On Feb 17 Islamic republic of Iran disclosed its indigenously built new anti- ballistic missile system which is named as Arman and Azarakhsh which is low altitude air defense system. Iran unveils its new weapon system amid tense tensions in region with Yemeni Houthi Group increased it attacks on naval vessels in Red sea as response of Israel’s ground operation in strip of Ghaza.

Iran has been facing economic sanctions from US and allies but country has developed in various fields enabling Iran to become self-sufficient. The remarkable progress of country in defense industry changed power dynamics in Middle East. The country is now exporting various types of weapons to other nations like Iranian kamikaze drones HESA shahed 136 were used by Russian forces in Ukraine war. In year 2023 Iran introduced its first hypersonic missile and become first country in Middle East which has hypersonic missile technology. The country is also making significant progress in space technology.

Islamic republic of Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Gharaei Ashtiani on Saturday at unveiling ceremony told media that both systems have ability and capacity to hit aerial targets precisely in very short time.

Arman anti- ballistic missile system

Arman anti- ballistic missile system is newly developed ABM system which has ability to identify and detect 24 targets up to range of 180 km and can engage 6 to 12 targets simultaneously within the range of 120 km.

Electronic systems of anti- ballistic missile system:

The anti- ballistic missile system has upgraded control and software systems. The system has two variants, the first one is integrated with S-band AESA (Active electronically scanned array) radar and second one is equipped with X-band PESA (Passive electronically scanned array) radar. Irani state media have indicated that first variant of Arman anti- ballistic missile system is integrated with Najm 804B active phased array radar. Both radars have capacity to detect low flying aerial vehicles such as drones, cruise missiles and rotor aircrafts with 360 degree elevation and with the altitude of 27 km.

Missiles for Arman anti- ballistic missile system:

Arman anti- ballistic missile system is integrated with Sayad series of missiles. Sayad 2 missile can hit target with range of 70 km and Sayad 3 has capacity to hit target with range of 120 km.The new variant of Sayad will be able to strike targets with range of 150 km .This variant is still in under development phases.

Transport erector launcher (TEL) for Arman anti- ballistic missile system:

Unlike Iran’s other air defense system such as Bavar, 15 Khordad and Mersad, Transport erector launcher (TEL) of system has three vertical tubes and has integrated with VLS which is vertical launch system. Thus Arman anti-ballistic system has capacity to fire missiles in various directions without changing the direction of laucher. Transport erector launcher of this system consists of three tubes and can fire different types of missiles.

Azarakhsh low altitude air defense system:

Azarakhsh is Iran’s new low air defense system designed and developed to target low flying targets such has unmanned combat drones and rotor aircrafts.

Electronic system of Azarakhsh air defense system:

Azarakhsh low air defense system is integrated with highly advanced optical tracking system which can detect and identify targets up to range of 50 km .The system is integrated with four missiles which can track targets with infra-red homing feature . Azarakhsh has modern 3D radar for detection of aerial targets.Azarakhsh system will join family of other defense systems of country such as Khamin 2, Ya Zahra and Mersad.