Iran Claims Air Defenses Fully Restored After Devastating Israeli Strikes
Iran claims to have restored its air defense network, damaged by Israeli strikes in June 2025, using domestic systems like Bavar-373 and remaining S-300 batteries. The announcement follows Israel’s reported destruction of a third of Iran’s air defense infrastructure, raising doubts about Tehran’s true capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions.
One month after Israel’s devastating airstrikes in June 2025 crippled Iran’s air defense network, the Islamic Republic claims to have fully restored its capabilities. Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi, deputy for operations in Iran’s regular army, acknowledged the damage, stating, “Some of our air defenses were damaged. This is not something we can hide.” He emphasized the rapid recovery, adding, “Our colleagues have used domestic resources and replaced them with pre-arranged systems that were stored in suitable locations. We were able to cover the skies using existing and new systems, securing the airspace of our dear Iran. The enemy, despite its desperate efforts, failed to achieve its goals.” The restored network reportedly includes upgraded domestically developed Bavar-373 and Khordad-15 systems, alongside surviving Russian-supplied S-300 batteries.
Israel’s Defense Ministry reported that the June 2025 strikes, part of Operation Rising Lion, disabled over 120 air defense systems, including long-range missile launchers, radar stations, and mobile platforms across eight Iranian provinces, representing nearly a third of Iran’s air defense inventory. The 12-day war, which killed over 1,000 in Iran, including senior IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists, targeted key nuclear facilities like Natanz and Isfahan. A study highlighted Iran’s air defense as “fragmented and outdated,” relying on a mix of Russian and Chinese radar with local launchers like the Bavar-373, lacking real-time coordination. No evidence suggests new imports from Russia or China, despite Iran’s claims of upgrades. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, on June 30, 2025, ordered a new strategy to maintain air superiority and disrupt Iran’s missile and nuclear programs. Social media posts on X expressed skepticism, with one user noting, “Iran’s boasting about restored defenses sounds like propaganda to cover their losses.” Tensions remain high as Iran prepares for nuclear talks with European powers in Istanbul on July 25, 2025, amid threats of renewed sanctions.