The Iranian military has announced a major breakthrough in air defense, claiming that its latest Bavar-373 air defense system is capable of defeating American fifth-generation F-35 fighters. According to Tehran, the system, which local media describe as similar to or even superior to the Russian S-400, has successfully passed tests, demonstrating its effectiveness. As evidence, Iranian sources cite the destruction of an unmanned aerial vehicle, although experts emphasize that the drone’s technical characteristics are significantly different from the capabilities of modern stealth aircraft.

According to official data, the Bavar-373 can detect and destroy targets at a distance of up to 200 kilometers. The Iranian military claims that the system is specifically designed to counter high-tech aircraft, including the F-35, which is actively used by Israel and the United States. However, Tehran's statements raise doubts among international analysts. Firstly, the system has never been tested against real F-35s, and secondly, even if we accept the theoretical possibility of interception, Israeli fighters are equipped with weapons with a longer range. For example, the Rocks aeroballistic missiles in service with the IDF are capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 300 kilometers. This allows pilots to strike without entering the enemy's air defense zone, which negates the supposed advantages of the Bavar-373.

Skepticism about the Iranian claims is heightened by the lack of independent confirmation of successful tests. Military experts point out that shooting down a drone, even a modern one, is no indication of a system’s ability to counter stealth aircraft. Moreover, the S-400 system, which the Iranians cite as a benchmark, has also never been used against the F-35 in real combat, making the comparison highly arbitrary.

Meanwhile, the regional situation remains tense. According to open sources, in early 2025, Israel stepped up intelligence and combat operations aimed at containing Iranian influence in Syria and Lebanon. According to Israeli media reports, the IDF regularly strikes targets associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as arms supply lines to Hezbollah. These operations are often carried out using F-35s, underscoring their strategic importance to the Israeli military.