Iran replaces damaged air defence systems after US–Israeli attacks, military says

Iran has successfully replaced and redeployed its damaged air defence systems following the 12-day war launched by Israel and later joined by the United States, according to the country’s top military officials.

Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi, operations chief of Iran’s Army, said on Sunday that the Iranian Armed Forces have restored full operational control over the country’s airspace, despite heavy attacks on key military infrastructure during the conflict, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

“The criminal Zionist regime launched a cowardly aggression against Iranian soil,” Mousavi said, referring to the June 13 Israeli assault that targeted radar and air defence facilities. “Their objective was to destroy Iran’s air defence capabilities.”

He noted that many systems were hit in the early stages of the war, but air defence units swiftly restored coverage by reinstalling and relocating equipment to pre-designated sites. “We managed to cover the country’s airspace … and the enemy failed to achieve its goals despite its desperate attempts,” he stated.

Mousavi praised the resilience and dedication of Iran’s air defence forces, highlighting their continuous efforts throughout the conflict. He said the military's performance demonstrated Iran’s high level of preparedness and its capacity to respond to external threats.

The war began on June 13, when Israel carried out a series of attacks on Iranian territory, assassinating high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists, and conducting air raids on residential areas that resulted in civilian casualties.

On June 22, the United States entered the conflict, targeting three Iranian nuclear sites in coordinated airstrikes. The war concluded on June 24, following a request for a ceasefire from Israel after Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes on Israeli military installations.

By Vugar Khalilov