Play store
Iran claims its domestically developed air defence systems destroyed more than 200 US and Israeli aircraft during recent attacks on the country.
Iranian military commanders made the claim on Tuesday (1 September) at an event marking the country’s Air Defence Day.
Brigadier General Alireza Elhami, head of Iran’s Air Defence Force, said the systems were developed using domestic technology and incorporated advanced and highly classified capabilities.
He claimed the systems were so sophisticated and concealed that enemy forces were unable to determine which specific defence systems had targeted their aircraft.
Senior Iranian military officials said air defence units had been deployed at more than 3,800 strategic and remote locations across the country, including deserts, coastal areas, mountainous regions and islands.
According to the officials, the units are capable of detecting and engaging hostile aircraft and drones as soon as they enter Iranian airspace.
Iranian Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami said the country’s people were prepared to continue fighting for the defence of their homeland for generations.
The claims came as Iran commemorated Air Defence Day amid heightened tensions with the United States and Israel.
According to Iranian accounts, the United States and Israel launched a major joint offensive against Iran on 28 February, targeting Tehran and several other cities. The attacks reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior military commanders.
Iran subsequently launched extensive missile and drone attacks against Israel and US military bases in the Middle East in retaliation.
The claims regarding the number of aircraft destroyed have been made by Iranian military officials and could not be independently verified. Source: News agencies