WANA (Sep 04) – Iranian armed forces successfully developed, deployed, and operationalized new air defense systems amid recent military conflicts, using them to shoot down hostile enemy aircraft, according to a senior military official.

 

Speaking ahead of Friday prayers in Tehran on September 4, 2026, Brigadier General Alireza Elhami, Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Joint Air Defense Base and Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Air Defense Force, stated that the country’s defense sector relied entirely on indigenous capabilities to enhance its air combat readiness.

 

“Our forces developed and produced air defense systems during the conflict, deployed them directly to the field, and successfully destroyed hostile enemy aircraft,” Elhami said, adding that advanced enemy technology failed to grant immunity against Iranian defense networks.

 

Highlighting Iran’s defense strategy, Elhami emphasized the following key points:

 

Full Defense Self-Sufficiency: Iran is completely self-sufficient in manufacturing and supplying its air defense weaponry, leveraging internal expertise from military scientists, defense industries, local universities, and tech firms.

 

Validation of Air Defense Independence: Recent regional military developments—including air-based reconnaissance and offensive campaigns—validated the 2008 decision by the late Supreme Leader to establish an independent air defense command structure within the armed forces.

 

Three Pillars of National Power: Elhami defined Iran’s national resilience and military power as resting on three elements: decisive leadership, strong public support, and fully indigenous military hardware.

 

The commander concluded by warning that while current military engagements have demonstrated Iran’s readiness, defense forces remain prepared for potential future threats across multiple operational fronts.