Iran conducts first live test of Russian S-400 missile system

Iran has carried out its inaugural live-fire test of the Russian-made S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system, marking a significant milestone in its air defence capabilities.

According to defence news outlet SavunmaSanayiST.com, the tests took place near the city of Isfahan, roughly 440 kilometres south of Tehran, Caliber.Az reports.

🚀 İran, Rus S-400 sistemini ilk kez sahada test etti!

İran, Rusya’dan tedarik ettiği S-400 Triumf hava savunma sistemini ilk kez operasyonel şartlarda test etti.

Testte S-400’ün tüm bileşenleri kullanıldı: 91N6E “Big Bird” radarı, 92N6E “Grave Stone” hedefleme radarı, komuta… pic.twitter.com/BB7KtV3tTK

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) July 28, 2025

Regional sources reported increased radar signals and missile carrier activity in recent weeks, suggesting that the test was part of wider military exercises.

Although Iranian officials have yet to comment publicly, military analysts have described the event as a strategic “first operational use” of the system.

The trial involved a full S-400 battery, including the 91N6E Big Bird surveillance radar, 92N6E Grave Stone target acquisition radar, command and control units, and multiple 5P85TE2 missile launchers.

The system is reported to be equipped with long-range 48N6E3 surface-to-air missiles, and possibly 40N6 missiles, offering comprehensive protection against a range of aerial threats.

By Aghakazim Guliyev