Tensions in the Gulf have reignited after Iran claimed to shoot down\na sophisticated US MQ-9 Reaper drone near the Strait of Hormuz earlier\nthis week. The incident drew attention as Tehran stated it used a new\nlocally developed air defence system called Arash-e Kamangir.<\/p>\n
Iranian state media reported the surveillance drone was downed near\nQeshm Island. This marked the system\u2019s combat debut. The name derives\nfrom Arash the Archer, a figure in Persian mythology symbolising\nsteadfastness in defending the nation\u2019s borders.<\/p>\n
analysts view the claim as Tehran\u2019s effort to showcase its air\ndefence capabilities despite sustained attacks on military sites by the\nUS and Israel. Although independent verification of the new system\u2019s\neffectiveness is lacking, the downing of the MQ-9 Reaper in one of the\nworld\u2019s most sensitive shipping lanes sends a strong message.<\/p>\n
Fars News Agency cited an official stating Arash-e Kamangir has\nstealth detection capabilities, adding: \u201d This operation sends a clear\nand firm message from Iran.\u201d The move is also seen as Iran\u2019s attempt to\nstrengthen its bargaining position in ongoing ceasefire\nnegotiations.<\/p>\n
The Arash-e Kamang system is believed to be part of Iran\u2019s shift\ntowards more mobile and cost-effective air defence. Unlike fixed radar\nsystems vulnerable to detection and destruction, the new system likely\nuses electro-optical or infrared-guided components that can be rapidly\ndeployed.<\/p>\n
Alex Almeida, a security analyst from Horizon Engage, explained the\nsystem may be an evolution of short-range surface-to-air missiles (\nSAMs). \u201d It\u2019s a pop-up system that\u2019s easy to set up and launch, making\nit very difficult to permanently neutralise with conventional air\nstrikes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
losing the Reaper drone could force the US to rely more on costly\nstandoff missiles instead of slower, vulnerable surveillance drones.\nMeanwhile, Iran continues producing cheaper Shahed drones, giving them\neconomic advantages in protracted conflicts.<\/p>\n
Nicole Grajewski, an associate professor at Sciences Po, added that\nIran\u2019s military strategy focuses more on endurance and mobility than\ntechnological sophistication. \u201d Iran has a substantial defence industry\ncapable of ramping up ballistic missile production to high levels\ninternationally,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
the incident highlights the risk of escalation in the Strait of\nHormuz, which could disrupt global energy markets. If the US and Israel\ncannot permanently neutralise Iran\u2019s retaliatory capabilities, any new\nstrikes may trigger a wider cycle of violence in the region.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/iran-claims-new-air-defence-system-downed-us-mq-9-reaper-drone-1779981521", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }