Iran for the first time sold an air defense system abroad that could shoot down the F-35: who became the buyer?

Iran claimed that during hostilities they managed to shoot down an American fighter jet using this missile system.

Armenia publicly displayed Iranian-made anti-aircraft missile systems at the Republic Day parade in Yerevan today, May 28. The country confirmed that Iran has exported the Majid AD-08 short-range missile system for the first time.

Analysts confirmed the participation in the parade of four Majid AD-08 systems, writes Defense-blog . The vehicles carrying the systems differed from the standard Iranian configuration: Iran’s own Majid batteries usually use a domestically produced Aras 2 pickup truck. The systems delivered to Armenia are mounted on an Iveco Daily, an Italian-made commercial vehicle.

The authors write that Iran’s defense industry first publicly demonstrated Majid at an Iranian parade in April 2021. It was called a cost-effective mobile solution for protecting military bases, critical infrastructure, and administrative facilities from drones, cruise missiles, and low-flying helicopters.

Each launcher carries four AD-08 missiles and is equipped with an electro-optical guidance system capable of detecting flying objects at a distance of up to 15 kilometers. The AD-08 missile itself uses an infrared guidance system with a visual image combined with a non-contact detonator. Analysts write that it is guided by the target’s thermal signature, rather than relying on radar guidance, and detonates when it gets close enough to create a cloud of fragments without the need for a direct hit. The maximum range is 8 kilometers and the maximum altitude is 6 kilometers.

The system does not use radar for target detection or guidance, relying on optical and thermal sensors. This means that it does not emit a detectable signal. “A passive system of this type is much more difficult to detect and engage than a radar-based system. And its missiles cannot be neutralized by electronic jamming, which is effective against radar-guided interceptors. In conditions of intensive use of electronic warfare means, this characteristic has real operational value,” the article says.

Majid application in Iran

The authors recalled that Iranian military officials claimed that these air defense systems were involved in damaging an American F-35 fighter jet during operations over Iran. It was claimed that the missile used the infrared radiation of the aircraft’s propulsion system, and did not attempt to acquire a target from radar. Western media acknowledged that the F-35 was damaged by enemy fire from the ground.

Losses of American weapons in Iran – more news

Recall that during the operation in Iran, the United States lost or damaged at least 42 aircraft . Among the confirmed losses are F-15E Strike Eagle fighters, F-35A Lightning II and A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft. In total, the loss of four F-15Es, one F-35A and one A-10 is reported.

Also damaged or destroyed were seven KC-135 Stratotanker tanker aircraft, an E-3 Sentry long-range radar detection aircraft, two MC-130J Commando II transport aircraft, and an HH-60W Jolly Green II rescue helicopter.

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