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

In 2016, Russia finished delivering the S-300 air defence system to Iran. Last week, Isfahan province in Iran was targeted by drone and missile strikes originating from Israel. The attack was aimed at a region housing Iran’s nuclear facility and air defence systems. While American news agencies attributed the attacks to Israel, the country has neither confirmed nor denied their involvement.

This incident followed a prior series of drone, cruise, and ballistic missile attacks by Iran on Israel, escalating tensions in the region. Satellite images reveal the existence of the Russian-origin S-300 Surface-Air anti-ballistic missile defence system near Isfahan International Airport. However, subsequent images showed the area empty, indicating the S-300 system’s absence. A critical nuclear facility, Natanz, is located north of the attack site.

The S-300 system, equipped with radar and missile launchers, was reportedly struck by the drones and missiles, suggesting a breach of the Iranian air defence system. Iranian officials claimed that their military did not detect any drones, missiles, or aircraft entering the country’s airspace during the attack. The media and analysis reported damage to the facility, with the S-300 system’s radar being affected. This event has raised questions about the weapons used and the extent of the damage, as both sides have denied involvement.

Western officials suggested that Israel’s attack was meant to demonstrate the ability to bypass Iran’s defence systems undetected, with no evidence of the missile or aircraft entering Jordanian airspace. The delivery of the S-300 air defence system in 2016 by Russia to Iran had initially sparked concerns within Israel, leading to a deal cancellation in 2010 under Western pressure.