Iran unveiled an air defence system and a new medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to an exhibition of the Defence Ministry’s Aerospace Organisation on February 2, Tasnim reported.

The Bavar 2-373 air defence system is an upgraded version of its predecessor, featuring launchers equipped with integrated interception and fire control radars.

This enhancement allows each launcher to operate independently, unlike the initial version, which relied solely on a central radar for target acquisition and engagement.

Each Bavar-373 comprises a reconnaissance radar and six Transporter Erector Launcher and Radar (TELAR) vehicles, significantly enhancing the system's combat effectiveness by enabling independent target engagement.

The Bavar 373 air defence system was first unveiled in 2019. The initial version boasted a detection range of 320km, a tracking range of 260km, and a missile range of 200km. The integration of the Sayyad 4B missile extended the system's engagement range to 300km, enabling it to intercept 60 targets and engage six simultaneously simultaneously.

At the same exhibition, the Iranian Defence Ministry showcased a new MRBM named "Etemad" (trust). This 16-meter-long missile possesses a range of 1,700km and is equipped with a precision-guided warhead.

The exhibition is part of Iran’s intensified display of its military capabilities in recent months amid tensions with Israel and risks of attack on its nuclear sites.

Iran has accelerated its aerospace rocket developments, showcasing advancements with the successful launch of satellite carriers such as the "Qaem-100" and "Simorgh," capable of placing payloads into low Earth orbit. 

The launch Simorgh vehicle, powered by liquid fuel in a two-stage configuration, reportedly carried a combined payload of 300 kilogrammes, which Iranian officials described as their heaviest successful orbital insertion.

The military industry in Iran, valued at an estimated $25bn annually, plays a pivotal role in supporting these aerospace projects, reflecting the country’s broader ambition to achieve technological self-sufficiency despite international sanctions. 

Iran's dual-use approach has drawn scrutiny from Western powers concerned about potential applications for ballistic missile technology and its potential to connect with the country's growing nuclear programme.