On October 26, after meticulous planning, the Israeli military successfully penetrated Syria and Iraq’s air defense systems and launched an unprecedented attack on Iran. This operation once again showcased Israel’s military strength, as they not only significantly damaged Iran’s missile manufacturing capabilities but also crippled Iran’s valuable S-300 air defense system.
According to the American military news website “The War Zone,” the remaining three sets of S-300 systems in Iran were destroyed, opening the door for future Israeli airstrikes on Iran. This move serves as a deterrent to Iran and showcases Israel’s resolve.
US and Israeli officials told The Wall Street Journal that Iran’s military assets lost in the Israeli attacks included three sets of Russian-made S-300 air defense systems. Another Iranian S-300 system had been previously targeted by Israel.
The statements from these officials align with assessments from the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW), including descriptions of Israel “severely degrading Iran’s integrated air defense network.”
ISW added that the Israeli Defense Forces attacked three to four S-300 missile defense bases, with one located near the Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran.
The targeted air defense systems are believed to protect critical energy infrastructure in western and southwestern Iran, including the Abadan oil refinery, the Bandar Imam Khomeini energy complex, and facilities near the Tang-eh Bijar gas plant.
These targeted sites demonstrate Israel’s capability to strike high-value targets in Iran if the situation escalates further.
ISW stated that weakening the air defense capabilities around these vital energy infrastructures would make them more vulnerable to future airstrikes.
According to Axios, Israeli sources revealed that the S-300 systems were deployed at strategic locations in Iran to protect Tehran, as well as the country’s nuclear and energy facilities.
The replacement of Iran’s S-300 air defense systems in the short term appears challenging. Russia currently requires a significant amount of air defense equipment for the Ukraine conflict, making it unlikely to transfer systems to Iran. Russia might also take a long time to produce newer systems like the more powerful S-400.
Israeli officials informed The Wall Street Journal that destroying Iran’s S-300 air defense systems makes Iran more vulnerable to future Israeli airstrikes.
“We want to convey that we do not wish for escalation, but if Iran chooses to escalate and strike Israel again, this means we have expanded our operational freedom in Iranian airspace,” an Israeli official said.
Retired Israeli General Assaf Orion stated that Iran “knew Israeli retaliation was coming, but they still couldn’t stop it.”
Reports indicate that Israel’s attack on Saturday targeted approximately 20 military bases and facilities across Iran, including missile and drone manufacturing facilities. Satellite imagery analysis suggests that the strike significantly impacted Iran’s mass production capability for missiles, potentially affecting Iran’s missile supply to Hamas and Hezbollah.
Before sunrise on Saturday, the Israeli military completed its operation against Iran without incurring any losses.
According to The Wall Street Journal, shortly after the attack, Iranian officials privately informed Arab countries that Israel’s strikes hit their targets accurately. Publicly, however, the regime only acknowledged “limited damage” from the Israeli attacks.
Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi stated that in the operations against Iran, Israel only utilized a portion of its capabilities.
“We used only part of our capabilities. We have the ability to do more. We struck Iran’s strategic systems… now we will see how things develop. We are prepared for all scenarios on all fronts,” he said.
Although the Israeli operation was limited, Al Jazeera reported that it showcased Israel’s intelligence capabilities within Iran and its ability to pinpoint military installations accurately. It highlighted the proximity of the strike to critical nuclear facilities and demonstrated Israel’s capability to reach these sites.
Experts noted that while the losses from the attack are still being assessed, Israel’s ability to hit Iran’s most advanced air defense systems and sensitive military facilities holds significant implications.
Citing Afshon Ostovar, an Iran military expert at the Naval Postgraduate School in California, The Wall Street Journal pointed out: “Iran’s air defense systems are no match for advanced strike technology. They are insufficient to protect Iran’s airspace from better-equipped adversaries, especially Israel’s attacks.”
Israel’s military strength largely relies on US assistance, while Iran primarily relies on domestic technological development and support from Russia and China. Iran’s recent vulnerabilities raise questions about the limitations and benefits of its alliance with Moscow and Beijing.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that Israel’s airstrikes significantly damaged Iran’s defense capabilities and missile production ability. He praised the precision and effectiveness of the strikes, emphasizing that all objectives were successfully achieved.