Iran has shown its ability to create promising air defense systems for a long time, and regularly presents new evidence of this. In early June, it became known about the completion of development and testing, as well as the adoption of the new air defense system "Khordad-15". By that time, the first samples of new technology were handed over to the armed forces. Further deliveries will have to ensure the strengthening of Iran's air defense.
Declassified SAM
The new Iranian air defense system was first shown on June 9 during a ceremony with the participation of the command of the armed forces. The leadership of the military department disclosed the very fact of the existence of a new model, demonstrated the first copy of the complex, and also revealed the main tactical and technical characteristics. The announced data allow you to roughly represent the potential of the air defense system.
The complex was named "Khordad-15" or "15th Khordad" - in memory of the suppressed protests against the Shah on June 5, 1963 (15th Khordad 1342 according to the Iranian calendar).
The Khordad-15 project proposes the construction of a mobile air defense system on a self-propelled chassis, including all the necessary components. A self-propelled radar station and a pair of launchers were shown at a ceremony in early June. The well-known anti-aircraft missiles such as Sayad-3 and Bavar-373 were also demonstrated. It is curious that some of the components of the new air defense system have previously been used as part of other complexes. However, their combination in the form of the Khordad-15 complex was presented only a few weeks ago.
The air defense system of the new model is proposed for the organization of object air defense in important areas. Self-propelled components of the complex must quickly reach the specified position and deploy, which takes about 5 minutes. After that, the air defense system is capable of observing and looking for targets, as well as hitting them. The "Khordad-15" is tasked with combating aerodynamic targets of various types, including subtle ones.
Technical look
The components of the Khordad-15 air defense missile system are mounted on Iranian-made three-axle chassis, which makes it possible to carry out the transfer of equipment along the roads as quickly as possible and simplifies operation. Three vehicles were shown in two versions - one radar and two launchers. It is also known about the existence of a separate vehicle with a command post.
Target detection tasks are assigned to the "Navid" radar with a phased array antenna. The maximum detection range of air targets is declared at 150 km. The defeat is provided at distances up to 120 km. When working on inconspicuous targets, these characteristics are reduced to 85 and 45 km, respectively. Detection altitude - up to 27 km. Radar "Navid" is also responsible for missile guidance. It provides a simultaneous attack on up to six targets.
The self-propelled launcher of the Khordad-15 air defense missile system is equipped with a lifting and turning device with fastenings for four transport and launch containers with missiles. After the ammunition is used up, the installation needs the help of a transport-loading vehicle, which is associated with the large dimensions and weight of the TPK.
The key component of the Khordad-15 air defense system is the Sayad-3 missile, first introduced about two years ago. This product is a further development of the older Sayad-2 missile defense system, featuring a longer firing range. The increase in flight performance was obtained by increasing the size of the hull and installing another solid propellant engine. For "Sayad-3" the maximum speed is declared at the level of M = 4, 5 … 5, the range is about 120 km and the height of target destruction is up to 28-30 km. From the factory, the rocket is supplied in a sealed TPK compatible with various types of launchers.
It is noteworthy that the Sayad-3 air defense missile system is used not only as part of the Khordad-15 air defense system. Tests of products of the Sayad family were carried out using the modified S-200 air defense system. Also, serial missiles have been introduced in the Talash complex, presented several years ago. Now the Sayad-3 long-range missiles are offered for use as part of the Khordad-3 and Khordad-15 systems.
In early June, along with the Khordad-15 air defense system, a long-range missile defense system from the Bavar-373 complex was demonstrated. Probably, such a product can also be used with a new complex, expanding the range of combat missions to be solved.
It is easy to see the main feature of the appearance of the latest Iranian air defense system. The Khordad-15 system was created by combining existing components borrowed from other projects. The number of newly developed products is small and they play a limited role. Nevertheless, this approach also yielded the desired results. According to official statements, the new air defense system shows high performance and should have a positive impact on the Iranian air defense.
In service and in battle
In early June, the Iranian Ministry of Defense announced the adoption of the Khordad-15 air defense system for the army. At the same time, detailed information about the introduction into service, serial production and implementation was not disclosed for reasons of secrecy. Perhaps this kind of data will appear later.
As follows from the available data, the new air defense system has so far carried out missile launches only as part of tests and, possibly, exercises. The situation is different with the Sayad-3 missile defense system. Not so long ago, the Iranian army has shown in practice its capabilities to defeat a real target. However, in this case, the air defense cost an older type of complex.
On June 20, the Iranian army successfully intercepted the American RQ-4 BAMS-D UAV over the Strait of Hormuz. The shooting was carried out by the Khordad-3 air defense missile system from the Aerospace Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The complex used missiles of the "Sayad-3" type. The missile successfully aimed at the target and hit it. Thus, both the Khordad-3 air defense missile system and the Sayad-3 air defense missile system successfully hit the target for the first time in a real operation.
The incident with the American UAV shows the potential of the Iranian anti-aircraft missile, which is the main ammunition of the newest Khordad-15 air defense system. The main conclusions about the use of the Khordad-3 complex can be transferred to another new air defense system, unified with it in terms of the rocket.
Military-political tool
In recent decades, Iran has been striving to improve its air defense - including through the development of its own air defense systems of different classes. The newest Khordad-15 complex is the next step in this direction, capable of strengthening air defense in all directions and increasing the security of strategically important facilities.
The declared tactical and technical characteristics show that the Khordad-15 air defense system with the Sayad-3 and Bavar-373 missiles is a fairly successful and effective means of defense against an air attack. He can quickly move into position and prepare for work, and then monitor the situation within a radius of 150 km and attack targets at ranges of up to 120 km. The ability to work as part of an echeloned air defense system is provided.
It is argued that due to technical innovations, the air defense system of a new type is able to deal with inconspicuous air targets, such as stealth aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicles. Such possibilities have already been partially confirmed in the recent incident with an American UAV.
The development of new air defense systems is directly related to the specific political situation in the Middle East. Iran confronts several states in its region and is at risk of a possible attack, as a result of which it needs means of protection from enemy aircraft. These needs are met by purchasing foreign equipment and developing our own samples.
Long-range air defense systems, like the newest Khordad-15, in this context turn out to be a serious military and political instrument capable of influencing the plans of a potential adversary and protecting Iran from a possible attack. At the same time, "Khordad-15" is not the only one of its kind - the Iranian armed forces have a number of domestic and imported air defense systems that form a developed and rather powerful layered air defense system.
Thus, a very curious situation arises. Using existing and new components, the Iranian industry has created another own air defense system with high performance and combat capabilities. He has already been adopted and is probably entering the army. As the parts of the Khordad-15 air defense system are saturated, it will exert an increasing influence on the potential of the Iranian air defense system. This influence will be noticeable, but not decisive, since systems with similar capabilities are already in service.
Nevertheless, the new complex "Khordad-15" will not be superfluous. With its help, Iran will be able to strengthen its air defense in key areas and reduce possible risks. In terms of its characteristics, this air defense system is noticeably lagging behind world leaders, but in its current form it should become a convenient military-political tool capable of causing anxiety to a potential adversary.
