Iran Tests Ra’ad Air Defense System During Naval Drills

Iran's navy said today it test-fired a range of weapons during ongoing “Valayat 91” maneuvers near the Strait of Hormuz. Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Rastgari said the Iranian-made air defense system Ra’ad (“Thunder”) was among the weapons tested, along with various torpedoes and underwater and surface-to-surface rockets as well as anti-ship missiles. (IRNA, 31 December)

The Raad system was on show during a military parade in Tehran in September for the first time. It is reportedly designed to confront fighter jets, cruise missiles, smart bombs, helicopters and drones. Iran said the system fires missiles with a range of 30 miles, capable of hitting targets at 75,000 feet.

The “Valayat 91” naval drills began on Friday and ends on Wednesday. To view related photos, please click here, here and here.

Photo credit: A Ra’ad (“Thunder”) air defense system with Taer-2 missiles displayed during a military parade in Tehran. 21 September 2012. (IRNA/AP)