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

In 2016, Russia finished delivering the S-300 air defence system to Iran. Last week, Isfahan province in Iran was struck by drone and missile attacks. The strike was reportedly carried out by Israel, targeting a region with Iran’s nuclear facility and air defence systems. Although American news agencies attributed the attacks to Israel, the country neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.

These explosions came after Iran launched multiple drone, cruise, and ballistic missile attacks on Israel. The strikes from Tehran were unprecedented and followed escalating tensions between the two countries. Satellite images revealed the Russian-made S-300 Surface-Air anti-ballistic missile defence system positioned northeast of Isfahan International Airport. However, more recent images show that the system is no longer present at the site.

Analysis from the BBC reported that the Natanz nuclear facility, located north of the attack site, was hit by drones and missiles. These weapons seemingly bypassed Iran’s air defence system undetected and damaged areas protected by the anti-ballistic missile defence system. Iranian officials stated that their military did not detect any drones, missiles, or aircraft entering their airspace during the attacks. Both the BBC and the New York Times confirmed damage to the facility, specifically to the S-300 defence system’s radar, but the extent of the damage remains unknown.

While both Iran and Israel have denied claims regarding the weapons used in the attacks, Western officials, according to the New York Times, stated that Israel’s calculated attack was aimed to bypass Iran’s defence systems undetected. In 2016, Russia completed the delivery of the S-300 air defence system to Iran after years of negotiation. The system’s supply raised concerns within Israel, prompting Russia to cancel a previous deal in 2010 under pressure from the West.