The Islamic Republic of Iran has introduced a new advancement in its military capabilities with the unveiling of the Bavar 373-II, an upgraded version of its indigenous air defense system, during recent military exercises.

Iran’s Bavar 373 defense system was first introduced in 2019 and encompassed a wide range of capabilities, particularly standing out for its ability to target offensive drones at a distance of 304km. 

It was later developed in 2022, enhancing the range of its detection radar from 350 to 450 km, whereas its tracking range increased from 260 to 400 km. 

The Bavar 373-II is an advanced generation of Iran’s air defense system, boasting an even more extended operational range and enhanced interception capabilities.

Key features of the Bavar 373-II

The Bavar 373-II features an improved radar system that operates while in motion and is deployed vertically during activation using a mechanical arm, allowing for better target tracking and information relay.

The system also requires mid-flight updates to adjust its trajectory and provide real-time missile guidance.

With superior detection and interception capabilities, the Bavar 373-II can track and engage up to 100 targets at a range of 405 km, a significant improvement over the S-300, which can only handle 12 targets at less than 200 km.

Additionally, it can simultaneously engage nine targets, surpassing the S-300 and Patriot systems, which are limited to six targets at a time.

Designed to counter a variety of threats, the system is capable of intercepting stealth aircraft like the F-22 and F-35, as well as cruise missiles and helicopters.

Technical enhancements

A full battalion of the Bavar 373-II consists of six TELAR (Transporter Erector Launcher) units, each carrying 24 ready-to-launch missiles, in addition to a target acquisition radar, fire control radar, and a command center.

The system's missiles are equipped with infrared guidance, complementing radar tracking for improved final-stage targeting and higher interception success rates.

The original Bavar 373 had a detection range of 320 km, a tracking range of 260 km, and a missile range of 200 km. The addition of the Sayyad-4B missile extended its engagement range to 300 km.

With the Bavar 373-II, Iran now boasts an air defense system with a greater engagement and surveillance range than many known systems, including Russia’s S-300 PMU-2.

According to local media, the Bavar 373-II is entirely Iranian-made and has been upgraded to counter evolving threats, surpassing existing threat levels.

Read more: Enemy UAVs within range of Iran's Bavar 373 defense system: Army chief