Iran dismisses Russian s‑400s, questions weapon efficacy
Iranian and Russian media report that Tehran is not interested in purchasing Russian S-400 anti-aircraft systems. This contradicts unofficial reports that have been circulating recently. It's possible that this decision by the Iranian authorities is influenced by disappointing experiences with other Russian weapons.
The statement from a deputy of the Aerospace Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that Iran possesses and uses S-300 systems but has never sought the S-400 systems, as Iran's weaponry in this category provides greater capabilities.
Western media note that this statement is interesting for several reasons. Iran is one of Russia's biggest allies, and S-400 systems are touted by the Kremlin as the best anti-aircraft weapons in the world.
Iran does not want Russian S-400 anti-aircraft systems
According to the Russians, the S-400 system, accepted into service in 2007, can intercept not only planes and helicopters but also cruise missiles and even ballistic missiles that move at very high speeds. The range of engagement depends not only on the target but also on the ammunition used. It ranges from 40 kilometres (rockets 9M96 weighing about 350 kilograms) to even 400 kilometres (rockets 40N6E weighing about 1,800 kilograms, which are produced in limited quantities).
The Almaz design bureau developed this system as a deep modernization of the S-300PMU systems. These latter systems are, or rather were, used by Iran. It was estimated that Tehran received four such complexes from Moscow. However, all were reportedly destroyed (in whole or at least partially, for example, due to a hit on the launchers) by Israel—one in an April attack and three more in October during a large-scale operation utilizing aviation.
Iran's anti-aircraft weapons
As noted on the Defense Express portal, the maximum range of the S-300PMU2 is estimated to be about 250 kilometres, but in terms of construction, it is similar to the S-400. Therefore, if the S-300PMU2 systems did not repel the Israeli attack, Tehran might have concluded that there was no point in seeking the S-400 systems.
Referring to the statement that Iran possesses better weaponry of this type in its arsenal, Defense Express analysts suggest that this might refer to the Bavar-373 systems, first presented in 2019. They are said to be capable of detecting up to 100 targets, tracking 60 of them, and simultaneously attacking up to six objects. The maximum range is estimated in this case to be about 300 kilometres.
It is worth recalling that the conflict in Ukraine also exposed the weaknesses of Russian anti-aircraft systems. The Ukrainians have already destroyed several S-400s. Fredrik Mertens, an analyst at the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, stated that the S-400 has problems primarily with intercepting ballistic missile targets. Social media has published videos confirming the Ukrainians' use of Storm Shadow cruise missiles that flew right over the S-400.
