WASHINGTON, — March 2, 2026 : U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Monday released official video footage documenting a precision airstrike that destroyed an Iranian-operated Tor-M1 short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. The strike forms part of “Operation Epic Fury,” a U.S.-directed campaign launched on February 28, 2026, targeting Iranian command-and-control nodes, missile and drone infrastructure, military airfields, and air-defense assets following Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks across the region.
The footage, published on CENTCOM’s official X account, shows a tracked, radar-equipped air-defense vehicle firing a missile moments before it is struck by a precision-guided munition. U.S. officials did not disclose the aircraft, platform, or specific weapon used in the engagement, nor did they identify the exact location within Iran where the strike occurred. Independent defense analysts at Army Recognition assessed the destroyed system as a Russian-supplied Tor-M1 operated by Iranian forces, though U.S. military authorities have not formally confirmed the specific variant or operating unit.
In a statement accompanying the video release, CENTCOM accused Iran of continuing to launch ballistic missiles at military and civilian locations and stated that U.S. forces would persist in targeting launch infrastructure and supporting systems. The command provided no additional operational details regarding follow-on strikes.
Operation Epic Fury involves U.S. and partner forces and represents a significant concentration of American military capabilities in the region. According to U.S. officials, the campaign focuses on dismantling elements of Iran’s security apparatus, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command facilities, air-defense networks, missile and drone launch sites, and associated logistical infrastructure. As of March 2, four U.S. service members have been killed in action, with several others wounded during operations linked to the campaign.
Tor-M1 System Overview
The Tor-M1 is a mobile, short-range air-defense system designed to counter low-altitude aerial threats. Mounted on a tracked chassis weighing approximately 34 tonnes, the vehicle measures 7.5 meters in length, 3.3 meters in width, and 5.1 meters in height with its radar mast unstowed. It is operated by a three-person crew and powered by a V-12 diesel engine producing roughly 618 kilowatts.
Each launcher carries eight vertically launched 9M330 or 9M331 missiles housed within the turret. The system integrates target-acquisition radar and fire-control radar on a single chassis, allowing autonomous operation. The surveillance radar can detect targets at ranges of 25 kilometers or more, while engagement range is typically between 12 and 15 kilometers, with an effective altitude envelope from approximately 10 meters to 6,000 meters.
The missiles weigh about 167 kilograms, measure 3.5 meters in length, and carry a 15-kilogram warhead. They are cold-launched vertically to an altitude of 15–20 meters before the main motor ignites, using gas-dynamic controls to orient toward the target. The interceptors reach speeds exceeding Mach 2.8, maneuver at up to 30g, and employ command guidance with radar-controlled proximity fuzes. Reaction time from detection to launch is estimated at five to ten seconds.
The system can track up to 48 targets simultaneously, according to Iranian claims, and engage multiple targets concurrently using radar and electro-optical guidance. The electro-optical tracking system has a range of approximately 20 kilometers and is intended to provide resilience against electronic countermeasures and adverse weather conditions. In addition to aircraft and helicopters, the Tor-M1 is designed to intercept cruise missiles, guided munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles, and certain short-range ballistic threats. The system is capable of operating while moving or from short halts and can also engage selected surface targets.
Iran’s Tor Inventory
Iran procured the Tor-M1 from Russia under a contract signed in late 2005, with deliveries completed between 2006 and 2007. Moscow supplied 29 launch vehicles and more than 700 missiles. Iranian crews underwent training in Russia prior to fielding the system domestically.
Public defense assessments through 2025 indicated that all 29 Tor-M1 systems remained operational. There is no verified evidence that Iran has acquired the more modernized Tor-M2 variant. The Tor-M1 units provide mobile, short-range protection for strategic facilities, including nuclear installations, command centers, and missile sites. Within Iran’s layered air-defense architecture, the Tor-M1 functions as an inner defensive layer beneath longer-range systems such as the S-200, S-300, and the domestically developed Bavar-373.
The system has previously drawn international attention. In January 2020, an IRGC-operated Tor-M1 battery fired two missiles that downed Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 near Tehran, resulting in the deaths of all 176 people on board.
Operational Significance
Targeting short-range point-defense systems such as the Tor-M1 is consistent with efforts to reduce the protective coverage surrounding missile launchers, command nodes, and high-value military infrastructure. The removal of such assets can diminish the ability of defended sites to counter low-altitude aircraft, standoff munitions, and unmanned systems.
With Iran’s inventory limited to 29 launchers acquired nearly two decades ago, each confirmed loss reduces available short-range air-defense capacity. Replacement options remain constrained by international sanctions and defense trade restrictions.
CENTCOM has not released additional strike assessments or confirmed whether further Tor-M1 systems have been targeted. Operations under Epic Fury continue as U.S. and partner forces conduct strikes against Iranian military infrastructure across multiple domains.
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