“The drills have made it possible to form multiple defense layers to protect the air borders of the Islamic Republic of Iran,and by so doing, has provided a comprehensive defense of the country’s sensitive and vital centers,” explained the second brigade commander, Abas Faraypur.
The Khordad 15 and the 3rd Khordad missile systems, both developed by Iran Aviation Industries Organization, were tested during the first phase of the drills, shooting down several practice targets.
The medium-range Khordad 15 is capable of detecting fighter jets, cruise missiles and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) from 150 kilometres (93 mi) away and is able to track them within a range of 120 kilometres (75 mi).
The 3rd Khrodad (also Sevom Khordad) is “often compared to the Russian Buk family in terms of performance, and its missiles have ranges of 50–105 km and can operate at altitudes of 25–30 km.
The 3rd Khordad demonstrated its operational capabilities when it shot down a US Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk over the province Hormozgan, near the Strait of Hormuz.
All detection and tracking systems and radars were designed and manufactured by the Iranian military industrial complex despite the sanctions imposed on the country by the United States.
According to experts, the Islamic Republic of Iran protects its skies by strengthening the air defense systems, installing high-precision radars throughout the country, and manufacturing missiles and drones.
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