Iran air defense

Israel, Iran trade blows before ceasefire, but Hezbollah conflict could destabilize

The latest IDF attacks further reduced these newly restored air defenses, enabling the air force to attack more freely within Iran if the current round of fighting were to continue.

People walk past a mural depicting the late leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran, Iran, May 25, 2026.
 Israeli air defense systems operating during the war with Iran.

Lessons from Operation Roaring Lion: Defending the Defenders -opinion

An IDF F-35 "Adir" shot down an Iranian Air Force YAK-130 fighter jet on March 4, 2026.

US F-35 hit, forced to make emergency landing, IRGC takes credit

Smoke rises in the distance following an airstrike at the same time a Quds Day demonstration takes place on March 13, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.

IDF confirms 400th strike wave in Iran since start of Op. Roaring Lion


Drones define Israel’s military edge during Operation Roaring Lion

As Operation Roaring Lion unfolds, Israel Air Force's unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as the backbone of its air strategy far, from Israel's borders

Elbit Systems' Hermes 900 over Iran

Iran says it has replaced air defenses damaged in Israel war

Israel's air force dominated Iran's airspace and dealt a heavy blow to the country's air defenses while Iranian armed forces launched successive barrages of missiles and drones on Israeli territory.

 An Iranian missile is displayed during a rally marking the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan in Tehran, Iran April 29, 2022.

WATCH: Israeli strikes destroy three F-14 jets in central Iran, IDF targeting military sites

The strike on the three Iranian F-14s was carried out "in the heart of Iran," IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin said.

 Israel Air Force targets an Iranian F-14 jet, June 21, 2025.

How many air defense systems does Iran have? - explainer

Iran has seemingly focused on gaining a large quantity of defense systems - but it is unclear if any are actually effective.

 Iranians walk next to an anti-Israel billboard on a street in Tehran, Iran, October 27, 2024.

Radar systems in Iran breached prior to Israel's Saturday counter-strike - report

Due to this possible breach, Iran's ability to intercept targets was limited and allowed the Israeli air force to penetrate Iranian airspace.

 Commuters drive past an anti-Israel billboard covering the facade of a building in Tehran on October 26, 2024.

'Defense is more expensive than offense': The cost of Iran's missile attack and Israel's defense

The unwritten rule is that the interceptor missile always costs more than the missile being intercepted.

 People stand around apparent remains of a ballistic missile lying in the desert, following an attack by Iran on Israel, near the southern city of Arad, Israel October 2, 2024.

Iranian official claims Tehran leading in missile capabilities - is it true? - analysis

While Iran claims to be one of the top superpowers when it comes to air defenses, much of its arsenal relies on recycled ideas, material and weapons.

 Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani walks near an Iranian missile during an unveiling ceremony in Tehran, Iran, in this picture obtained on February 17, 2024.

These are the goals Iran wants to achieve by attacking Israel - interview

Dr. Hani Suleimani discusses his views on the growing tensions between Iran and Israel following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

 A man walks next to the apparent remains of a ballistic missile, as it lies in the desert near the Dead Sea, following a massive missile and drone attack by Iran on Israel, in southern Israel April 21, 2024 .

Iran's flight warning issued to pilots due to 'gun firing exercises' - US aviation administration

According to the alert, gun firing exercises will occur from ground level up to 10,000 feet above mean sea level (AMSL).

 The plane of Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq is seen at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, Iran May 28, 2023.

Iran tried to cover up damage of alleged Israeli strikes - report

Iran appears to have replaced a damaged radar with a different, incompatible radar in order to hide the impact of the strike.

 Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting with a group of academic elites and scientific talents in Tehran, Iran October 19, 2022