Iran’s advanced air defense system, the Bavar 373, has created a global stir with claims of having successfully shot down three Israeli F-35 stealth fighter jets. According to Iranian state media, two Israeli pilots were captured alive, and if confirmed, this would mark the first ever successful strike against fifth-generation fighter jets.
According to information provided by the Iranian government, the Bavar 373 forms the backbone of Iran’s overall air defense network, which also includes the Russian Rezonans-NE radar, older S-200 systems, and other complementary weapons. While this system does not operate alone, experts consider it the backbone of Iran’s aerial defense.
Development of the Bavar 373 began after Russia canceled a deal in 2010 to supply S-300PMU-1 systems due to Western pressure. The first prototype was revealed in 2016 with a reported range of 200 kilometers, though there was considerable skepticism about its effectiveness at that time.
Later, Iran procured the advanced Russian S-300PMU-2 system and covertly modernized the Bavar 373 with technological support from North Korea and Russia. The 2021 updated version was claimed to outperform Russia’s advanced S-400 system, with the ability to detect 300 targets simultaneously and track 60 targets.
On April 17, 2024, a new variant was unveiled featuring the Sayyad 4B solid-fuel surface-to-air missile with a reported range of 300 kilometers. While the previous radar range was 260 kilometers, questions arose whether the new model integrated longer-range radar or relied on external targeting data.
In October 2024, reports emerged that this system successfully intercepted Israeli missiles at ranges exceeding 100 kilometers, indicating combat use.
Although Iran’s technological base still lags behind Russia, China, and North Korea, the Bavar 373, as part of a wider defense network, has proven highly capable. If it indeed shot down Israeli F-35 jets, it marks a new chapter in the era of stealth technology.
Source: Military Watch Magazine, June 15, 2025
MilitaryWatchMagazine.com
