Iran Flexes Missile Shield Near Nuclear Hub in First-Ever Russian S-400 Test

On July 26, 2025, Iran reportedly conducted its first operational test of the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defense missile system near the city of Isfahan, located approximately 440 kilometers south of Tehran.

According to Army Recognition on July 27, the test involved what appears to be a full S-400 battery, including the 91N6E Big Bird acquisition radar, 92N6E Grave Stone engagement radar, command and control systems, and multiple 5P85TE2 transporter erector launchers.

Observers reported heightened radar emissions and transporter activity in recent weeks, suggesting the test was part of a broader military exercise. While Iranian authorities have issued no official statements, regional defense analysts consider this the first field activation of the system in Iran.

Initial reports regarding Iran’s acquisition of the S-400 system surfaced in August 2024, when a Russian Il-76 military transport aircraft was spotted in Tehran, reportedly delivering key components of the system.

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Though the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps denied the need for the S-400 at the time, citing confidence in domestically developed systems such as the Bavar-373 and Khordad 15, the latest test points to a limited but operational deployment, according to Army Recognition.

The S-400 Triumf, developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey, is among the most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile systems available for export. It can engage aircraft, cruise missiles, UAVs, and ballistic targets at ranges up to 400 kilometers and altitudes of up to 30 kilometers.

The system integrates multi-function phased array radar, enabling it to track up to 80 targets simultaneously and engage 36 at once using its 48N6E3 and 40N6 missile variants.

This reported deployment follows a broader trend of intensified military cooperation between Iran and Russia since 2022. In addition to air defense systems, Moscow has supplied Iran with surveillance equipment and training aircraft, while Tehran has transferred drone and loitering munition technologies used by Russian forces in Ukraine.

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Joint drills and high-level defense consultations have expanded, reinforcing a strategic partnership that increasingly influences security dynamics in the Middle East.

If fully operational, the S-400 system would place Iran among a limited group of nations operating Russia’s most sophisticated export air defense technology.

Earlier, on July 24, Ukrainian drones struck an oil depot in Sochi’s Adler district, igniting a massive fire despite the presence of Russian S-300 and S-400 air defense systems.

The attack disrupted airport operations, caused civilian casualties, and highlighted vulnerabilities in Russia’s high-end air defenses.