Iran Test-fires Naval Khordad Air Defense System

Images of an anti-aircraft missile mounted on a small naval vessel have appeared in Iranian media amidst official claims that Tehran has test-fired a sea-based version of the Khordad air defense system.

Iranian news outlets showed images of the missile firing off the coast of Iran on Friday. Iran last week released a video depicting the shooting down the US Navy's MQ-4C Triton UAV in skies over Iran last June. The video was released to mark the 'anniversary' of the shooting, Iranian news agencies claimed.

Third of Khordad missile system stationed on the IRGC Shahid Siavoshi frigate is capable of target lock and missile fire with the frigate on the move. The Khordad system was used to destroy US MQ-4C Triton drone near the country's Southern coasts flying at an altitude of 50,000 feet in June 2019, reports said.

The missile is reportedly capable of engaging and intercepting 4 active targets at each round and has been assigned for countering tactical and strategic aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones and can also shoot down its targets under electronic warfare conditions.

The Third of Khordad Air Defense Shield fires Taer-2 Missiles which have also been developed and mass produced at the IRGC Aerospace Force. Third of Khordad defense shield is also capable of launching Sayyad-2 missiles with a range of 75km.