Tel Aviv: Another major step in the Russia – Iran defence alliance has unfolded. According to many sources, the Russian S-400 Triumf air defence system has been deployed in Iran as of July 2025.
According to these sources, Iran conducted its first-ever operational test of the S-400 system near the city of Isfahan on July 26, demonstrating the presence and functional deployment of the system on Iranian soil. Though the sources could not say whether this advanced Russian air defence system is part of a wider supply deal or just for demonstration. This is a new development after all the Russian made S-300 air defence systems in Iran were destroyed in recent Israeli air force attacks.
The test involved the full S-400 battery, with acquisition and engagement radars, command units, and multiple missile launchers, sources added. Israeli and western sources say that satellite and open-source intelligence indicated significant military activity in the region prior to the test, supporting reports of the system’s deployment.
Before the destroying of the S-300 Iranian officials were publicly downplaying the need for the S-400. The Russian S-400 is one of the world’s most advanced and versatile long-range air defence system, developed by Almaz-Antey for both national and export markets. It is designed to defend against a wide array of aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
According to open sources, the system can detect, track, and engage multiple targets simultaneously, including stealth aircraft, UAVs, cruise, and ballistic missiles. The system uses a mix of missile types, with the longest-range missile (40N6E) capable of intercepting targets up to 400 km away. Other missiles in the system have ranges of 120 km and 250 km. The S-400 can engage targets at altitudes of up to 30 km.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
