Iran’s indigenous air defense systems shot down over 200 enemy aircraft during recent war: Commander

The chief commander of the Iranian Army’s Air Defense Force says the country’s indigenous air defense systems shot down more than 200 enemy aircraft during the US-Israeli war, stressing that some of the systems developed domestically have no known foreign equivalents.

In a message marking Air Defense Day on Tuesday, Brigadier General Alireza Elhami said Iran has been developing and deploying indigenous air defense systems tailored to the country’s operational requirements, adding that in some cases, enemy forces were unaware of which Iranian systems had engaged their aircraft during the war.

He said the experience of the recent war demonstrated the importance of self-reliance in strengthening Iran’s air defense capabilities.

Air defense units deployed at more than 3,800 locations across Iran

Meanwhile, the Army’s coordinating deputy commander Brigadier General Mohammad Sadeghian also marked the occasion, saying air defense forces are responsible for four major missions across the country: detection, identification, interception, and engagement of aerial targets.

“The main mission of air defense is to detect any flying object in Iran’s skies and even beyond the country’s airspace,” he said, explaining that after detection and identification, targets may be intercepted by fighter aircraft or engaged by missiles and air defense systems when necessary.

“The ultimate mission of air defense is to prevent hostile aircraft from carrying out their missions and, when necessary, destroy them,” he added.

The official said Iranian air defense forces are deployed at more than 3,800 locations across the country, many of them in difficult-to-access areas.

“Air defense forces are deployed in deserts, along the coasts, on islands and in mountainous areas,” he said, referring to Iran’s diverse geographical terrain.

Army chief: Iranians ready to fight for next 20 generations, won’t allow homeland to be harmed

The commander-in-chief of the Iranian Army says Iranians are prepared to fight for 20 generations to come, and will not allow enemies and foreign powers to harm their homeland.

Army Commander Major General Amir Hatami also highlighted the strategic importance of air defense, saying the experience of recent imposed wars have once again demonstrated its vital role in protecting the country’s airspace.

He described air defense as “a symbol of defensive power and self-reliance in safeguarding the country’s skies.”

Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, the Army’s coordinating deputy commander, said air defense is “one of the pillars of the country’s defensive power and an alert shield of national security,” stressing that the force maintains continuous surveillance and readiness to protect sensitive and vital sites.

Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani also praised the performance of air defense personnel during the recent war, saying they relied on indigenous expertise and domestically produced systems to confront the US-Israeli aggression.

He said air defense personnel defended Iran’s airspace with “vigilance, courage and readiness” throughout the war.

On February 28, Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, assassinating the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and top military commanders, and destroying military installations as well as critical civilian infrastructure.

Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US bases and assets across the region.

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