Iran’s Missile Technology: A Journey of Self-Reliance and Strategic Influence
In recent remarks, Mohammad-Ali Jafari, a prominent Iranian military figure, shed light on Iran’s evolution in missile technology and its relations with other nations, particularly Russia, Libya, and North Korea. His insights reveal a narrative of gradual self-reliance and unexpected shifts in international dependencies.
Early Support from Libya and North Korea
During Iran’s early post-revolutionary years, cooperation with nations such as Libya and North Korea played a pivotal role in advancing its missile capabilities. Jafari indicated that Iran was allowed to reverse-engineer specific systems from these countries and exchange limited technical information. This partnership marked a significant phase in Iran’s military development, helping the nation to form foundational technologies that would later be further refined and expanded upon by domestic engineers.
The Russian Connection: Limited and Largely Unfulfilled
Contrary to the support received from Libya and North Korea, Jafari asserted that Iran did not receive meaningful assistance from Russia. He emphasized this during an online interview, explaining that while there was a long-term security framework between Iran and Russia, the expected military backing was essentially non-existent during critical moments, such as Iran’s brief conflict with Israel in the summer.
This perceived lack of support starkly contrasts with the current dynamics, where Jafari claimed, “They [the Russians] are the ones who need our missiles and drones.” This statement not only illustrates the shift in the balance of military capabilities but also highlights a significant point of friction in Iran-Russia relations.
Drones in the Modern Battlefield
Iranian-designed drones have surfaced in discussions surrounding Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite Tehran’s denials regarding direct weapon provisions to Moscow, the involvement of Iranian technology in Russian military strategies is evident. This turn of events showcases how Iran’s advancements in drone warfare have become integral to another nation’s combat operations, further underlining the evolving geopolitical landscape.
A Shift in Military Focus
According to Jafari, Iran’s military strategies have been shaped significantly by its historical context and perceived threats, particularly from Israel. Since the 1990s, the focus shifted towards developing missile and drone capabilities rather than conventional air power. He noted that the Iranian military’s plan compartmentalized responsibilities—leaving the air force with traditional aircraft duties while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) concentrated on aerospace technologies.
This strategic stance was fueled by financial constraints and concerns over technological gaps with Western powers. By prioritizing missile development, Iran aimed to enhance its deterrence capabilities while acknowledging the vulnerabilities inherent in modern air combat.
Advances in Precision and Guidance Systems
Jafari proudly highlighted Iran’s advancements in missile technology, specifically in precision and guidance systems. He argued against the notion that Russian technology surpassed Iranian innovations, asserting that Iranian missiles offer pinpoint accuracy that he believes Russian systems cannot match. This confidence stems from Iran’s extended commitment to indigenous efforts in military technology, which he described as the result of decades of development.
Recent Military Acquisitions and Modernization Efforts
Iran’s desire to modernize its air force has also led to significant military deals, such as a €6 billion agreement for 48 Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2028. Additionally, recent reports indicated the arrival of Russian MiG-29 fighter jets in Iran. These acquisitions are a response to the aging fleet largely based on US-made jets before the 1979 revolution, alongside a handful of Russian and modified aircraft.
Nonetheless, the pace of these deliveries has faced hurdles, exacerbated by Russia’s own military commitments. Western analysts have pointed out that while Iran’s request for new aircraft is partly fulfilled, the timeline and reliability of these acquisitions remain uncertain.
Iranian Air Defense Vulnerabilities
The narrative of military self-reliance is complicated by vulnerabilities in Iran’s air defense systems. Earlier this year, significant Israeli airstrikes reportedly destroyed Iran’s last remaining Russian-supplied S-300 systems. Acquired in 2016, these systems were crucial for protecting Iranian airspace, and their loss highlights ongoing strategic challenges and the urgent need for Iran to address gaps in its air defense capabilities.
With a historical lens and current context, it is evident that Iran’s military evolution has moved through various phases, heavily influenced by external alliances and internal ambitions. Each decision made reflects a broader strategy aimed at enhancing its regional power status while seeking to navigate a complex web of international relations.