Iran Unveils Longer Range Surface-to-Air Missile
Iran unveiled the longer-range Sayyad 4B surface-to-air missile for its Bavar-373 air defense system earlier this month.
The latest in the Sayyad series of solid-fuel missiles struck a target at 300 kilometers (186.41 miles) in an October test, an increase of 100 kilometers (62 miles) over earlier versions, state-backed Tasnim News reported.
The 2,050-kilogram (4,519-pound) missile has a 180-kilogram (397-pound) warhead, Janes reported, citing a promotion brochure. The outlet added that it uses inertial mid-course guidance and semi-active or active radar homing in the terminal phase.
Upgraded Air Defense System
The test also demonstrated the Bavar-373’s upgraded features, including a detection range of 450 kilometers (278 miles), and a tracking range of 405 kilometers (251.65 miles), an improvement of 100 kilometers (62 miles) and 144 kilometers (89.47 miles), respectively.
In addition, the system achieved an altitude of 32 kilometers (20 miles) during the test, an increase of five kilometers (3 miles).
S-300 Alternative
Iran unveiled the Bavar in 2019 after a development period of nine years. The country began developing the system after Russia suspended the delivery of at least five S-300 air defense systems contracted in 2007.
The Bavar features a vertical launch system and a long-range, phased array fire-control radar, capable of detecting up to 100 targets, tracking 60, and engaging six.
