Iran Conducts First Live Firing of New 9-Dey Air Defense Missile Due to Rising Threat of Israeli Strikes.

On January 24, 2025, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) demonstrated its growing military self-sufficiency with a series of advanced capabilities showcased during a military drill in the Persian Gulf. Among the highlights was the successful live-fire test of the 9-Dey air defense missile system, a significant milestone in Iran's air defense strategy. This event marked the first public demonstration of the latest generation of the 9-Dey system, a domestically developed platform designed to defend critical infrastructure against a range of aerial threats. The drills also featured the deployment of AI-powered missiles, showcasing Iran's ongoing efforts to incorporate cutting-edge technology into its military arsenal.
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Iran accelerates the development of new air defense missile systems like the 9-Dey in response to escalating tensions with Israel. (Picture source: Screen Shot Iranian TV)

The use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in missile technology is a particularly noteworthy development, as it enhances the precision, targeting, and autonomous decision-making of Iran's missile systems. AI-powered missiles are capable of adapting to real-time battlefield conditions, adjusting their flight paths and strike strategies as necessary. This adaptability allows Iran to target high-value threats with greater accuracy, making these missiles a formidable addition to the country's defense capabilities. The integration of AI into its missile systems helps Iran counter technologically advanced adversaries, particularly in a region where Israel and the United States have raised concerns over Iran's missile and nuclear programs.

The 9-Dey air defense system, which took center stage during the drills, is a short-range, mobile missile system developed entirely in Iran. Optimized for engaging low-flying targets, the 9-Dey is designed to protect against a wide array of aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, drones, and aircraft. The system has an effective engagement range of 5 to 30 kilometers, and a flight ceiling of up to 20 kilometers, which allows it to engage threats across varying distances and altitudes. This makes it a versatile addition to Iran's layered defense strategy, capable of defending key sites from a broad spectrum of aerial attacks.

One of the key features of the 9-Dey is its radar systems, which are capable of detecting and engaging multiple threats simultaneously. This provides robust early warning and interception capabilities, essential for countering fast-moving targets like missiles and drones. The system integrates an S-band detection radar, which is mounted at the front of the missile weapon station, improving its target acquisition and engagement performance. This configuration significantly enhances the 9-Dey’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to evolving threats, allowing Iran to defend itself from diverse and fast-changing attack scenarios.

The missile launch station for the 9-Dey system consists of three rows, each containing two missile containers, allowing for rapid launch sequences and improved operational efficiency. The system is mounted on a 6x6 wheeled chassis, which is a locally produced copy of the Russian-made MZKT-6922, originally used in the Russian Buk-M2E missile system. By adopting this chassis, Iran ensures that the 9-Dey system is not only mobile but also highly adaptable to various terrains, enabling it to be deployed rapidly in both urban and remote locations. The modularity of the 9-Dey enhances its operational flexibility, allowing it to reposition as the tactical situation evolves quickly.

This development underscores Iran’s commitment to achieving greater self-sufficiency in defense technologies, particularly as international sanctions and embargoes continue to limit its access to foreign weapons systems. Since the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, Iran has focused on bolstering its indigenous defense capabilities to ensure its ability to deter and defend against potential adversaries. The 9-Dey missile system is a direct result of this push for local production, allowing Iran to circumvent the restrictions imposed by the international community and build a defense infrastructure that is more resistant to foreign influence.

The advancement of Iran's air defense systems, including the 9-Dey, comes amid increasing tensions with Israel. Israel has consistently expressed concern over Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, with some Israeli officials suggesting the possibility of preemptive strikes to neutralize perceived threats. In this context, the 9-Dey system, along with other advancements in Iran's missile and drone technology, serves as a key component of the country's broader defense strategy. By strengthening its air defense capabilities, Iran aims to protect its airspace from Israeli or Western military strikes, making it a more formidable adversary in the region.

The successful demonstration of the 9-Dey, alongside AI-enabled missiles, highlights Iran’s growing confidence in its ability to defend itself without reliance on foreign suppliers. The system’s modularity, mobility, and advanced radar and missile capabilities demonstrate Iran’s strategic focus on asymmetric warfare, utilizing advanced technology to counter the superior conventional forces of its adversaries. The system’s mobility, in particular, provides Iran with a flexible response to potential threats, allowing it to quickly reposition forces and respond dynamically to changing battlefield conditions.

The January 2025 military drills not only showcased Iran's advancements in missile and air defense technology but also signified the growing sophistication of its military forces. The live-fire demonstration of the 9-Dey system, along with the use of AI-powered missiles, underscores Iran’s commitment to building a robust and self-sufficient defense posture. As regional tensions continue to rise, particularly with Israel, Iran’s ability to develop and deploy advanced, locally-produced defense systems like the 9-Dey will be crucial in deterring potential military action and ensuring the country’s sovereignty in an increasingly volatile region. Through these efforts, Iran seeks to assert its military capabilities, ensuring that it is well-prepared to defend its airspace and strategic interests against any potential threats.