Tensions between Iran and Israel are at an all-time high in the Middle East. Israel has targeted Iran's Natanz nuclear facility and other military bases, even though Iran received warnings 2-3 days prior. Nonetheless, Iran could not thwart this attack with its air defense systems. Let us explore the causes behind this failure, focusing on Iran's air defense and Israel's attacking strategy.
Understanding Iran's Air Defense System: Capabilities and Operations
Iran has built several advanced systems to bolster its air defenses, designed to ward off enemy airstrikes. These include...
Also Read:
Source: aajtak
S-300 System:
Purchased from Russia, this long-range air defense system can engage targets up to 150 kilometers away. It's capable of intercepting high-altitude aircraft, missiles, and drones. Iran possesses approximately 4-6 S-300 batteries that safeguard key cities and military posts.
Source: aajtak
Bavar-373:
This indigenous Iranian system is seen as an alternative to the S-300. Capable of striking targets 200-250 kilometers away, it can intercept high-altitude missiles. Despite its deployment in 2019, its effectiveness has been questioned.
Source: aajtak
Khoradad-3 and 15:
These medium-range systems function at 75-150 kilometers, designed to take down drones and low-flying aircraft.
Shaheen and Tiran:
Short-range systems effective up to 20-40 kilometers, crucial for local defenses.
Iran stationed these systems around sensitive sites like Natanz to thwart aerial assaults. Furthermore, Iran reinforced its radar systems and electronic jamming technology, aimed at disrupting enemy communication.
Also Read:
Israel's Attack Strategy: Precision Incognito Operations
Israel employed a carefully orchestrated plan for its attack on Iran, successfully eluding Iran’s air defenses, characterized by the following elements...
Source: aajtak
Stealth Technology:
Israel utilized its F-35 fighter jets, equipped with stealth technology, making them less visible on radar and harder for Iran’s systems to detect. The versatility in speed and altitude of these jets confused Iran’s air defenses.
Drone and Missile Combination:
Israel deployed drones and cruise missiles flying low to evade radar, launching from multiple directions to overwhelm Iran’s defenses.
Also Read:
Cyber Attacks:
Israel conducted cyber operations to disable Iran’s radar and communication systems temporarily, creating uncertainty about the attack’s timing and direction.
Precision Strikes:
Despite warnings, Israel executed the attack with sudden precision. Striking Natanz at dawn, a time when defense operators are less vigilant, and using bunker-buster bombs capable of destroying underground facilities.
Source: aajtak
International Support:
In collaboration with the intelligence resources of the US and other nations, Israel accurately assessed Iran's vulnerabilities.
Reasons for Failure Despite Warnings
Iran received a warning 2-3 days before Israel's attack, yet failed to prevent it. Several factors contributed to this...
Technical Limitations:
Iran’s defense systems, such as the Bavar-373 and Khoradad-15, struggled against modern stealth technology. These systems lacked live combat testing, and outdated radar couldn't detect advanced aircraft like the F-35.
Also Read:
Delayed Preparation:
Despite the warning, Iran was slow to fully activate its defenses. Military analysts suggest that 24-48 hours are needed to switch defense systems to alert mode, with insufficient troop reinforcements around Natanz.
Impact of Cyber Attacks:
Israel's cyber operations disabled Iran’s communication and radar systems, rendering defense systems useless. Iran lacked adequate cybersecurity measures.
Source: aajtak
Lack of Experience:
Iran hasn't faced large-scale airstrikes for decades, leaving its military inexperienced with real combat responses. In contrast, Israel, having conducted operations in Syria and Gaza, has accumulated extensive experience.
Internal Weaknesses:
Economic sanctions and limited military resources affected Iran's preparedness. There wasn't adequate funding to upgrade new systems.
The Impact of the Attack and the Future
The attack damaged the Natanz facility and resulted in the deaths of several senior officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran labeled this as a 'terrorist attack,' with pledges of retaliation. However, experts believe tensions could escalate further unless Iran enhances its air defenses.
Also Read:
Israel’s strategy highlights the critical role of technology and intelligence in modern warfare. Conversely, Iran needs to update its defenses, specifically against stealth aircraft and cyber-attacks. Although Iran couldn’t stop Israel’s assault, the lack of modern technology and precise strategies revealed a significant shortcoming.
The oversight in preparation, resource limitations, and inability to fully capitalize on warnings accounted for this shortfall. The forthcoming days will be pivotal as Iran decides on its response and Israel considers its next moves, influencing regional peace significantly.
