Bavar-373 air defense system.

Technical Data

• Armament

  Each transporter erector launcher (TELAR) of the Bavar-373 air defense missile system carries two or four vertical-launch containers, each housing a single Sayyad-4 or Sayyad-4B missile. These munitions are engineered to intercept a wide spectrum of aerial threats including stealth aircraft and theater ballistic missiles.

• Missiles

  The Sayyad-4 missile is a long-range, solid-fuel, single-stage SAM with vertical launch capability. It is closely modeled after the Russian 48N6E missile used in the S-300P system. Sayyad-4 achieves a maximum range of 300 kilometers and an altitude ceiling of 27 kilometers. Its guidance architecture includes semi-active radar homing and proximity fuse-equipped fragmentation warheads. The missile is designed to function effectively in cluttered and electronically contested environments. It demonstrates high agility and robust countermeasures resistance.

  The upgraded Sayyad-4B variant introduces a two-stage propulsion system and active radar seeker, expanding its effective range to over 300–400 kilometers and enhancing interception capabilities at higher altitudes. It represents a leap in indigenous missile engineering with increased accuracy, resilience, and kinetic reach.

• Mobility

  The mobility of the Bavar-373 air defense system is a core feature of its design, enabling rapid deployment, repositioning, and integration into mobile defense formations. The primary launcher vehicle is based on the Iranian-made Zoljanah 10×10 tactical truck chassis. This platform provides a high load capacity, advanced off-road capability, and features such as an active rear axle for improved maneuverability across rugged terrain. The Zoljanah serves as the standard transporter erector launcher (TEL), carrying four vertical launch canisters at the rear of its flatbed.

  However, the system demonstrates notable modularity, as confirmed by publicly released images and video footage. Alternative configurations have been observed, including TELs mounted on Belarusian MZKT-791300 8×8 heavy trucks, which were showcased in military parades and exhibitions. Additionally, the Zafar 8×8 chassis—initially intended for radar and command modules—has also been adapted in some cases to serve as a missile launcher platform.

  These multiple chassis options reflect the system’s flexible design and operational adaptability. The entire Bavar-373 battery, including launcher units, radars, and command centers, is road-mobile and mounted on high-mobility truck platforms. This ensures the system can be repositioned quickly to respond to evolving threats or avoid counter-attacks, while also supporting decentralized deployment over wide operational areas. Such mobility is vital for the system’s survivability and effectiveness in high-intensity, contested air defense environments.

• Command and Control Vehicles

  A standard Bavar-373 battery includes up to six mobile launchers, an AESA engagement radar on a truck chassis, an S-band acquisition radar mounted on a Zafar 8×8 truck, and a command-and-control unit also housed on a Zafar 8×8 chassis. The battle management system uses the Fakour command suite and Rasoul encrypted datalink to coordinate operations.

  The Meraj-4 radar system, developed by Iran Electronics Industries, serves as the primary long-range acquisition sensor. It is an S-band, 3D AESA radar with a maximum detection range of 500 kilometers and a 360-degree azimuth. Its tracking range is reported to be up to 200 kilometers, enabling early target detection and efficient handover to engagement radars.

• Combat Use

  Since its entry into service, the Bavar-373 has participated in multiple Iranian air defense drills, including the large-scale “Defenders of Velayat Skies” series. Reports from Iranian military officials state that the system is capable of detecting up to 300 targets at once, tracking 60 simultaneously, and engaging six targets concurrently. These include both high-speed aircraft and incoming ballistic missiles. Additionally, Bavar-373 has been deployed in strategic regions, including near sensitive installations and forward positions in the Middle East.