Explained: How Iran is downing advanced US aircraft
What's the story
In a shocking turn of events, Iran successfully shot down two United States military aircraft, and two Black Hawk helicopters were struck within a space of 24 hours. This development comes as a major setback for the US, which has long claimed air superiority over Iranian skies. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran credited a new, advanced defense system that remains undisclosed.
Tactical shift
Iran's asymmetric warfare tactics
The recent strikes on US aircraft highlight Iran's expertise in asymmetric warfare, employing unconventional tactics to catch the US off guard. According to India Today, analysts speculate that the Majid infrared air defense system or shoulder-fired missiles could have been used in these attacks. The Majid system, introduced by Iran in 2021, is designed for low-flying aircraft and uses passive infrared detection with a proximity fuse, making it difficult for enemy aircraft to detect before an attack.
Tactical evolution
Shift to mobile missile launchers
Iran has also reportedly shifted to mobile surface-to-air missile launchers, making it harder for the US and Israel to target them. These mobile systems can quickly change positions after firing, implementing a "shoot-and-scoot" tactic. Leaked Russian documents earlier this year revealed that Iran had signed a deal to procure 500 Verba man-portable short-range surface-to-air missile launchers, considered the best in their class for detecting targets amid background heat sources.
Strategic concealment
Concealment of air defense systems
Moreover, most of Iran's air defense systems are believed to be hidden in underground "missile cities," tunnels, and rugged coastal terrain. This strategic concealment has made it difficult for the US and Israel to destroy these assets despite daily strikes on Iranian military targets. The combination of advanced defense systems like the Majid and mobile launchers has ensured that central Iran's airspace can no longer afford air superiority to US aircraft.