Over the past several years, the Iranian industry has been developing a new long-range anti-aircraft missile system "Bavar-373". On Thursday, August 22, Iran celebrated the Day of the Defense Industry, during which the first official demonstration of the newest air defense system in full configuration took place. It is argued that the product "Bavar-373" in its characteristics surpasses some existing foreign air defense systems and is comparable to the most modern models.
From project to products
For the first time, the development of the Bavar-373 project was announced in 2011, and by that time some of the complex components necessary for testing had been built. The creation of a new air defense system was associated with the impossibility of obtaining Russian S-300 systems. It was decided to independently create the necessary long-range air defense systems.
Over the next few years, tests and development of the complex were carried out. At the same time, various information about the course of the project and the assembly of certain products appeared in official and unofficial sources. From a certain time, the industry began to demonstrate the individual components of the complex. As a result, this made it possible to draw up a complete picture and determine the technical appearance of the air defense system.
On the eve of the Day of the Defense Industry, Iranian television for the first time showed the Bavar-373 air defense system in full configuration. In addition, the Ministry of Defense indicated the readiness of the project for serial production and the supply of equipment to the troops.
On August 22, a new sample was officially presented to the public. During the festive events, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani made an interesting statement. According to him, the Bavar-373 is stronger than the Russian-made S-300 air defense system. In terms of its characteristics, it is close to the newer S-400. However, the comparison methods were not specified.
Thus, the project "Bavar-373" has passed all the necessary stages and reached the stage of adoption. In the foreseeable future, new air defense systems will have to enter the troops and supplement the existing air defense systems.
Technical details
"Bavar-373" is a long-range air defense system for use in object air defense. The means of the complex are made on the basis of a multi-axle automobile chassis, which ensures quick transfer and deployment to position. At the same time, some preparation is required before starting work. In general appearance and composition of the means "Bavar-373" is similar to other air defense systems of its class.
The air defense system of the new type includes two vehicles with radar stations for different purposes, a command post and several self-propelled launchers. Destruction of targets is carried out with the help of several types of missiles, including the latest "Sayad-4", which provide the maximum characteristics of the range and altitude of destruction.
According to foreign data, detection radars from the Bavar-373 air defense system are capable of monitoring the situation at ranges of up to 400-450 km and tracking up to hundreds of targets. Simultaneous firing at six targets with the use of 12 missiles is provided. Apparently, the command post and radar from the anti-aircraft complex can work within the framework of a common control system and exchange data with other command post or air defense systems.
The self-propelled SAM launcher carries four transport and launch containers with different types of missiles. The rocket is launched vertically, "hot" without the use of declination engines. The combat characteristics of the Bavar-373 depend on the type of missile used. So, the newest SAM "Sayad-4" should hit targets at ranges of about 200 km and altitudes up to 27 km. It is possible to use other missiles with different characteristics.
With the help of compatible missiles, the Bavar-373 complex should hit aerodynamic and ballistic targets of various types. This air defense system is capable of attacking aircraft and helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles of various types, as well as cruise and ballistic missiles of some classes.
Great hopes are pinned on the Bavar-373 air defense system. It is the first long-range anti-aircraft system created by Iran independently. The complex of the new class will have to complement the existing systems of other types and significantly increase the potential of the Iranian air defense. According to the latest reports, the industry is already ready to supply serial equipment to the army. Accordingly, the deployment of the air defense system will begin in the very near future.
Iranian achievement
First of all, the very fact of the appearance of the Bavar-373 air defense system and its bringing to series and operation is interesting. Iran has been developing its own air defense systems for a long time, but so far it has not had success in the field of long-range systems. In the past, to resolve this issue, it was planned to purchase foreign samples, but the delivery was delayed for several years, and Iran had to launch its own project.
About eight years have passed from the first announcement of the Bavar-373 air defense system to the news about supplies to the troops. During this time, Iranian enterprises completed the development of all the required components, as well as tested and fine-tuned. In the near future, the army will receive its first long-range air defense systems. Thus, despite the known difficulties, Iran continues to develop its air defense.
According to official data, the development of all components of the new air defense system was carried out independently and without the help of foreign states. Probably, Iranian specialists took into account foreign developments and achievements, but there is no talk of direct borrowing of technologies. Earlier, among other things, they received a refutation of the version of Russian participation. According to official data, Iran has not approached our country about the purchase of modern air defense systems or the required technologies.
The proof of the independent development of the Bavar-373 air defense missile system with the Sayad-4 air defense system can be the level of the characteristics obtained. According to the declared parameters, the Iranian complex is similar to the Russian S-300PMU2, created in the late nineties. Thus, repeating the Russian ideology of developing air defense systems, Iran is still two decades behind. At the same time, the Iranian president said that the Bavar-373 is superior to the S-300, although he did not give any details and did not disclose the methods of assessment and comparison.
It is not known whether the Iranian industry will be able to close the existing gap. At the same time, the country's leadership intends to continue developing its weapons and equipment. The result of this in the future may be new samples, the capabilities of which will be comparable to the modern developments of foreign countries.
Despite lagging behind the leading countries, Iran has secured an advantage over the states of its region. None of the countries in the Middle East can yet produce long-range air defense systems like the Bavar-373. Their armies have equipment of this class, but these complexes were purchased from third countries. There is no production of its own, which puts Iran in a better position.
Air defense prospects
By now, Iran has been able to create a developed layered air defense system covering the entire territory of the country. In service are complexes of short, medium and long range. The latter category is currently represented by only four divisions of Russian S-300PMU2 air defense systems, delivered several years ago. In the near future they will be strengthened with equipment of their own Iranian production.
The consequences of this are obvious. The deployment of production of the Bavar-373 air defense system will allow the continuation of rearmament without dependence on foreign suppliers and the international situation, as well as with optimal spending. In fact, now plans for the development of long-range air defense systems depend only on the needs and capabilities of the Iranian army.
The appearance of the product "Bavar-373" can also be considered in the context of the military-political situation in the region. Recently, relations between Iran and foreign countries have noticeably deteriorated, which leads to certain risks. In such a situation, new high-performance air defense systems in combination with other air defense systems can be the most important argument preventing the transition of disputes into a real collision.
In general, the latest news about the Bavar-373 project shows Iran's desire and ability to create anti-aircraft missile systems of all major classes with sufficient tactical and technical characteristics. The Iranian industry is still lagging behind the leading countries of the world in this area, but all the necessary measures are being taken to narrow the gap and ensure the necessary level of development of air defense.
