Israel Targets Iran’s S-300 Air Defence System in Reported Attack

In 2016, Russia finished delivering the S-300 air defense system to Iran. Last week, the Isfahan province in Iran was targeted by drone and missile strikes, which were reportedly launched from Israel. The region that was attacked is home to Iran’s nuclear facility and air defense systems. American news agencies have stated that Israel was responsible for the attacks, but the country has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.

These strikes occurred following an unprecedented and extensive drone, cruise, and ballistic missile attack from Iran aimed at Israel. Tensions between the two nations had reached a boiling point. Satellite images revealed the presence of the Russian-origin S-300 Surface-Air anti-ballistic missile defense system northeast of the Isafan International Airport in December 2021. The S-300 defense system was captured in satellite images accessed by the BBC on April 15 but was absent in the most recent Google Earth image.

The Natanz nuclear facility is situated north of the site of the attack. The system consists of vehicles equipped with radar, distinct missile launchers, and other equipment, according to the BBC’s analysis. The reported strikes on the system suggest that Israeli weapons were able to evade the Iranian air defense system and strike a region equipped with anti-ballistic missile defense. According to two Iranian officials, Iran’s military did not detect any incursions into its airspace on the day of the attack, including drones, missiles, or aircraft, as reported by the New York Times and Iran’s state media agency IRNA.

Both media outlets also reported damage to the facility, highlighting harm to the S-300 defense system’s radar, while the missile launchers remained intact. The extent of the damage and the specific weapons used in the attack remain unclear. Following years of negotiations, Russia completed the delivery of the S-300 air defense system to Iran in 2016. The delivery sparked concerns within Israel, as in 2010, Russia canceled a previous deal with Iran under pressure from the West.