Missile Bavar-373
Introduced by Iran in 2019, the Bavar-373 is a long-range surface-to-air missile system that utilizes vertically launched Sayyad-4 missiles to engage high-altitude aerial targets.
Description
Iran initiated development of the Bavar-373 surface-to-air missile system following the suspension of an S-300 export contract with Russia. The first prototype was constructed on 22 November 2011. System components were displayed in August 2016. The Bavar-373 was formally unveiled and declared operational on 22 August 2019, and an upgraded variant was presented in 2022.
The Bavar-373 is a long-range, road-mobile surface-to-air missile system designed to engage aerodynamic targets and ballistic missiles. The system employs the Sayyad-4 missile, which features wings and control surfaces similar to the Sayyad-3 with a modified frontal shape. The missiles are housed in two rectangular launch canisters carried on a Zoljanah 10×10 truck. Target tracking and guidance rely on a phased array radar mounted on a ZAFAR heavy truck, which can track up to 200 targets simultaneously across medium to long ranges.
The system is operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Defense Force. In April 2022, reports alleged that a Bavar-373 system had been transferred to Russia during the invasion of Ukraine, a claim denied by Iranian officials.