Iran Strengthens Air Defences at Northern Border Amid Armenian-Azeri Conflict

Amid ongoing clashes between Armenian and Azeri forces in the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region, Iran has strengthened air defences along its northern border to prevent the conflict from spilling over onto its territory. Iran maintains positive relations with both countries, although the deployment of jihadist militants from Al Qaeda linked groups to Azerbaijan by its close defence partner Turkey has been perceived with much concern in Tehran due to their potential to destabilise the region if not held in check. Iranian Army Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi has warned that the country could deploy more forces to the border regions if necessary. Iran currently deploys four major long range air defence systems, including the Soviet S-200 system, which has the longest range in its inventory at 250-300km, as well as the Russian S-300PMU-2 and the indigenous Bavar-373 and newer Khordad 15 systems. The S-300PMU-2 is the most advanced platform in service, and a customised variant of the missile system was acquired in 2017. Iran is considered a leading potential client for newer Russian air defence systems including the S-400 and S-500 platforms, with Russia showing a willingness to export both and officials highlighting the possible sale of the former to Iran specifically.