Exploring Iran’s Bavar-373 Air Defense System: Advanced Features

By Ivan Kesic

The Bavar-373 air defense system has successfully conducted tests on its advanced missiles, showcasing the system’s reliability as a crucial element in Iranian air defense. The recent high-resolution images revealed an 8×8 TELAR vehicle launching the Sayyad-4B missile with a range of 300km.

The tests conducted on National Air Defense Day emphasized Iran’s capability as one of the six countries with the longest-range surface-to-air missiles. The Bavar-373 system, operational since 2020, is a mobile long-range air defense system that protects a territory of 280,000 square kilometers. It can target various threats such as cruise missiles, drones, and fifth-generation stealth jets at different ranges and altitudes.

The development of the Bavar-373 system began in response to Russia’s suspension of the S-300PMU-1 system delivery in 2010. Over the years, Iran has progressively revealed components of the system, culminating in its full operational capability in 2019. The system includes launchers, radar vehicles, and interceptor missiles, all internally developed and manufactured within Iran.

The successful tests reaffirm the effectiveness and importance of the Bavar-373 system in enhancing Iran’s air defense capabilities.

Key Components of the Bavar-373 System

The Bavar-373 system consists of modular components such as launchers, fire control sections, and radar vehicles, all mounted on trucks or trailers for enhanced mobility. The system includes vehicles like the Zoljanah 10×10 TEL and Zafar 8×8, which carry interceptor missiles and radar equipment.

One of the primary components, the Meraj-4 radar, is a long-range 3D AESA radar capable of controlling large airspace areas and detecting targets up to 450km away. The system also features Hafez S-band AESA acquisition radar, X-band AESA engagement radar, and an Alim passive radar for electronic warfare resistance.

The Bavar-373 system’s use of the Sayyad-4 interceptor missiles, with a range of 300km, highlights its robust integrated defense capabilities against various airborne threats.