Iran Unveils 'Arman' Anti-Ballistic Missile and 'Azarakhsh' Air Defense, Amid Regional Tensions

Defense News ,Iran :- Iran showcased its latest military capabilities on Saturday, introducing the locally developed Arman anti-ballistic missile system and the Azarakhsh low-altitude air defense system, as reported by the official IRNA news agency.

The unveiling ceremony occurred against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the region. Iran-backed Houthi militants from Yemen carried out a series of attacks on vessels associated with the U.S., UK, and Israel in the Red Sea, expressing solidarity with the Gaza Strip.

Gaza has faced continuous military assaults from Israel since Hamas initiated attacks on Israel's southern regions on Oct. 7.

Responding to the Houthi assaults, the U.S. targeted sites within Yemen and facilities of Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria. Consequently, U.S. military bases in Syria and Iraq were attacked, and Israel also conducted strikes on Iranian targets in Syria.

The presentation of the two newly unveiled vehicle-mounted systems occurred in the presence of Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani.

"With the introduction of these new systems into the country's defense network, the air defense capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran will see a significant enhancement," noted IRNA.

The Arman missile system is reported to "simultaneously confront six targets at a distance of 120 to 180 km," while the Azarakhsh missile system "can identify and destroy targets up to a range of 50 km with four ready-to-fire missiles."

In June, Iran previously showcased its first domestically produced hypersonic ballistic missile, named Fattah, boasting a range of 1,400 km.