Iran has replaced much of its air defense network that was damaged during last month’s 12-day conflict with Israel, according to statements from officials reported by Iranian outlets.
“Some of our air defenses were damaged, this is not something we can hide, but our colleagues have used domestic resources and replaced them with pre-arranged systems that were stored in suitable locations in order to keep the airspace secure,” Mahmoud Mousavi, the army’s deputy for operations said.
Mousavi added that the systems have been deployed at predetermined locations.
Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, echoed the remarks, saying Iran’s air defense forces had proven “they will stand firm against any level of threat.”
He added that the downing of numerous enemy aircraft reflected “the courage and determination of our defenders.”
During the conflict in June, Israel launched targeted strikes against Iran’s air defense infrastructure.
The Israeli Air Force quickly claimed “full aerial superiority” over Tehran and said it had destroyed or disabled about 120 air defense systems, including Russian-made S-300 batteries and Iran’s locally produced Bavar-373 systems.
Iran, for its part, claimed to have shot down several Israeli aircraft during the fighting but has provided no evidence.
The Israeli military declined to comment on Iran’s recent statement.
