ToddE
Trusted Member
Considering how much investment Iran has done in its IADS over the years (from overhauling MIM-23 to putting Datalinked TVC'ed HIMADS in export exhibitions in 12-14 years), I see it happening that a target specific profile library of stealth fighters or any fighters operating in and around Iran is being made and upgraded every passing day. Even modern tracking algorithms (lets say a S-300 PMU2) lock on targets after taking certain number of cues from wide low energy search beams then target is filtered through identification protocols like IFF or flight signature etc. This is a Search-Cue-Track-Filter-Lock mechanism.
RF-DNA library means AESA-FCR like Najm or Meraj just need few blips being matched in library and tracking algorithm already can jump to locking, knowing the target characteristics prior to identifying it. Suddenly an unsuspecting enemy is getting its MAWS alarmed because its being chased by a bunch of killers like Sayyad-4 chasing at 5-6 Mach while pulling G's because of TVC. Cant be jammed because of on-board ECCM, cant be dodged because it gets automatic target upgrades if it receives jamming signals. Even low RCS or stealth assets give blips when they maneuver in sky because RCS is not a constant value, its variable depending upon beam angle to the body of the aircraft. Other techniques to hide, like terrain masking or Low altitude penetration can also be negated with this technique.
So where IRIAF is a abandoned force, IRIADF is constantly stepping up its game through real time battle experience. Passive sensors of Iranian IADS see F-22, F-35, F-18E/F, F-15SE, Rafale, EF-2000, F-16C flying just KM away from its airspace daily. More dynamic data, more the IADS learns.
1-2 years back in an interview Tangsiri (IRGCN) was talking about enemy's Maritime Petrol trying to perform ELINT surveillance on Southern Iran and was jammed two times. One time was even chased by a A2A armed Karrar. P-8 of USN operate in PG and Red Sea so they are a strong candidate for this incident.
In Kish airshow they did show attack Heli HMD similar to Russian Ka-52 Shtrum. Other than that I have never seen this HMD or touchscreen MFDs. If someone has seen them in some exhibition gallery or in some video, please post them here.
Something interesting was noticed few months back in F-4E/D Dowran pilots receiving large Modular Helmets. They have no sensors but are very similar to Israeli DASH HMDs in size and make. Could be possible that they are built to be adaptable as SAIRANs-HMD as Rastegari is saying.
PESA are obsolete. They will be jammed or have to fight for their relevance through builtin ECCM controls. Unless SAIRAN gives them AESA antennas these radars have very little to offer in future modern combat arena. In form of BARS PESA of Yak-130 and N035 IRBIS of SU-35S/30SM IRIAF got two more PESA radars. If MIG-29 get upgraded they will get Zhuk M. IRIAF needs to get out of this obsolete tech whirlpool. They should somehow get their hands on N036 Beylka.
Local airborne AESA upgrades on PESA radars can suddenly boost the fleet:
- Local light CAP fighters/ATs can get combat level boost (Kowsar, future Wingmen).
- Entire fleet of F-4E/D can get upgraded with Bayennat-II for heavy maritime strike role.
- F-14A airframes can be converted to F-14AM version for LRBVR Fakour-90 integration. This is a must for IRIAF even if 50-60 SU-35S arrive. In future an AEW can be created out of this system. Turkey recently flew its Akinci with a Airborne Radar. Iran can use its MALE/HALE like Shahed-149 for same role with AESA variant of F-14AM's digitalised AWG-9 with a boosted search range exceeding 500 KM, datalinked to IADS and fighters.
Confirmed, can be seen in upgradations since 90s.
Confirmed many times.
It will be interesting to see if LEO-SLVs of ISA or IRGCAF will be called ICBMs in disguise by US in future talks. Multiple power position holders in Iran have openly talked about creating a LEO constellation for military purposes. If US sees it as an actual viable threat to Israel and its own assets in the region or beyond, they will try to put down the Space program as ICBM cover while actually targetting the space program. Iran will need to not take this bait. Years ago Khamenei pulled the plug on BM ranges and IRGC had to disguise the Sejjil and K-2/4 ranges with silly "1.8 Ton Warhead" cover.
The triple staged TEL one like Qassed or Ghaem look like 100% ICBMs if with RVs instead of kickoff stages or Satellite Bus but now their role as constellation builders is much bigger than what they can offer as ICBMs.
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