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Armenia has acquired a number of Majid short-range air defense systems from Iran, according to photos that surfaced online on May 26.
The photos were taken during the rehearsals in the capital, Yerevan, for the upcoming May 28 First Republic Day parade. Around four systems are seen in the photos.
The Majid, first introduced by Iran in 2021, was designed to engage drones, cruise missiles, helicopters and other low-maneuvering targets in all weather conditions.
The Iranian version of the system is based on the Aras 2 pickup truck, while the version delivered to Armenia appears to be based on the commercially-available Iveco Daily.
The system includes an electro-optical targeting system with a detection range of up to 15 kilometers, in addition to four launchers armed with AD-08 missiles. The AD-08 utilizes an imaging infrared seeker with a proximity fuse. It is capable of engaging targets at a maximum range of 8 kilometers and an altitude of up to 6 kilometers.
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The main advantage of the system is that it is completely passive, meaning it can’t be detected by electronic intelligence means, unlike air defenses that utilize radars for detection or guidance.
The Majid performed very well during the recent American-Israeli war on Iran, according to multiple reports. The system was credited with downing dozens of American and Israeli combat drones, in addition to cruise missiles and other types of munitions.
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The last few years saw Armenia purchasing loads of weapons, including a number of air defense systems from both India and France.
Yerevan’s recent weapon deals are likely meant to restore military balance with Azerbaijan. However, with its much larger financial resources, Baku is more likely to maintain a qualitative military edge.
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