Iran inducted the Bavar-373 air defense system into the military in a ceremony presided by President Hassan Rouhani last week. The unveiling of the long-range air defense missile system is a strategic move as tensions are high in the region.
Iran claims that the Bavar-373 has a range of 300 km (186 miles) and can strike targets at an altitude of 65 km and is a very close contender for Russia’s S-300. The Bavar-373 which was revealed on the National Defense Industry Day is a clear indicator of Iran’s capability to develop weapons at home instead of relying on other nations.
Military sources confirmed that Bavar-373 is the most important indigenized missile defense system and can engage multiple targets in high altitudes. It uses a vertical launch system and a long-range, phased array fire-control radar. It can reportedly detect up to 100 targets, tracking 60 of them, and engage six concurrently. Also, it is designed to intercept ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft, and drones.
Iran has been steadily showing its might and capability in the creation of indigenous weapon systems that are geared to protect its sovereignty despite international tensions stirred by the country’s alleged nuclear program.
