Satellite images show that the precision attack on the 8th Shekari Air Base damaged or destroyed the ‘flap-lid’ radar, used in S-300 air defence systems to track the movements of targetsPrecision attack on the 8th Shekari Air Base damaged or destroyed the 'flap-lid' radar, used in S-300 air defence systems.
Image credit: MAXAR TECHNOLOGIESWhile Iran continues to downplay a suspected Israeli attack on one of its air bases in Isfahan, an analysis carried out by the New York Times has revealed that Friday’s strikes hit a crucial part of Tehran’s air defence system.
Satellite images show that the precision attack on the 8th Shekari Air Base damaged or destroyed the “flap-lid” radar, used in S-300 air defence systems to track the movements of targets.
Before the attack, the missiles were positioned next to the radar following which they were moved after the strike.
This shows that Israel intended to strike deep within Iran and chose a specific and narrow target, its air defence system.
Satellite images show that the precision attack on the 8th Shekari Air Base damaged or destroyed the ‘flap-lid’ radar, used in S-300 air defence systems to track the movements of targets
Precision attack on the 8th Shekari Air Base damaged or destroyed the 'flap-lid' radar, used in S-300 air defence systems. Image credit: MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES
While Iran continues to downplay a suspected Israeli attack on one of its air bases in Isfahan, an analysis carried out by the New York Times has revealed that Friday’s strikes hit a crucial part of Tehran’s air defence system.
Satellite images show that the precision attack on the 8th Shekari Air Base damaged or destroyed the “flap-lid” radar, used in S-300 air defence systems to track the movements of targets.
Following the attacks, which were reportedly Israel’s response to Tehran’s last week strikes, Iran’s foreign minister said the drones, which the sources said Israel launched against the city of Isfahan, were “mini-drones” and that they had caused no damage or casualties.
Advertisement
What did the analysis reveal?
The exact location of the affected region was first pointed out by Aurora Intel on X, the findings of which were later confirmed by a former US government imagery analyst Chris Biggers. The NYT report made use of several satellite images to draw up its conclusion.
The now-damaged/destroyed radar is usually surrounded by four trucks carrying missiles. Before the attack, the missiles were positioned next to the radar following which they were moved after the strike.
While it is unclear why the missiles were re-positioned, the fact that they were left undamaged indicates that the attack had a very precise target, Biggers said.
Other instances that prove Israel carried out a precision attack and hit where it hurt include the air base and the adjacent airport that did not withstand any damage from the attack. This shows that Israel intended to strike deep within Iran and chose a specific and narrow target, its air defence system.
Tehran downplays attack
Explosions echoed over an Iranian city on Friday in what sources said was an Israeli attack, but Tehran played down the incident and indicated it had no plans for retaliation - a response that appeared gauged towards averting region-wide war.
The limited scale of the attack and Iran’s muted response appeared to signal a successful effort by diplomats who have been working to avert all-out war since an Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel on Saturday.
Advertisement
Iranian media and officials described a small number of explosions, which they said resulted from air defences hitting three drones over Isfahan in central Iran. They referred to the incident as an attack by “infiltrators”, rather than by Israel, obviating the need for retaliation.
With inputs from agencies
)
