Iran has unveiled an enhanced version of its Bavar-373 long-range air defense system that can allegedly take out US-made stealth fighters.
Displayed during a recent military parade in Tehran, the new weapon is said to have enhanced target detection and tracking abilities, enabling the interception of radar-evading fifth-generation fighter jets such as the F-35.
It can also identify up to 100 aerial targets simultaneously and engage them with Sayyad-4B missiles, according to Iranian officials.
The update listed the range of the new Bavar-373 as 300 kilometers (186 miles), but this has not been independently verified.
Bold Claims
According to military news outlet Special Operations Forces Report (SOFREP), the upgraded Bavar-373 marks a significant development for Iran’s defense industry amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Being able to enhance its air defenses also reportedly reflects the country’s growing self-sufficiency and commitment to modernizing its military.
With the Bavar’s alleged enhanced capabilities, several Iranian officials are claiming that the system now matches or even surpasses the capabilities of the Russian S-400 missile system.
A Message to Adversaries?
This is not the first time Iran has unveiled a weapon system aimed at a specific adversary.
In 2022, the Middle Eastern nation said it successfully developed a long-range drone that can strike deep into Israeli territory.
According to SOFREP, the latest move could be Tehran’s way of sending a potent message to its adversaries, especially the US.
Washington and Jerusalem have carried out strikes against Iran-linked facilities in response to attacks against American troops in Iraq and Syria.
New look at Bavar-373's 8×8 TELAR varianthttps://t.co/laqCUx13tO pic.twitter.com/JLmyPf2HdJ
— Iran Defense|نیروهای مسلح جمهوری اسلامی ایران (@IranDefense) April 17, 2024
