How the Air Force Cracked Iran’s Air Defenses: Operation Roaring Lion vs. Operation Rising Lion

Overview of Iran’s Air Defense Challenges

During the ongoing conflict and the 12-Day War in June 2025, Iran’s air defense systems have faced significant challenges. Following the destruction of Tehran’s top-tier air defense system, which was composed of Russian-made S-300 missile systems in October 2024, several critical categories of Iran’s remaining air defenses have come under scrutiny.

Advanced Mobile Anti-Aircraft Missile Systems

One of the most significant categories involves Iran’s most advanced mobile anti-aircraft missile systems. These systems consist of a dozen or more missiles clustered together on a single vehicle, making them highly mobile and difficult to target. In June 2025, the air force managed to destroy approximately 50% of these systems. By now, it is reported that around 92% have been destroyed.

Iranian Version of the RIM-66 Standard

Another category includes an Iranian version of the RIM-66 Standard, a medium-range surface-to-air missile that Iran originally purchased from the United States before 1979. Although relatively old, these anti-aircraft missiles can still strike aircraft at a reported distance of 60 to 75 kilometers. These systems are more spread out, making them harder to target effectively. In June 2025 and during the current conflict, Israel destroyed about 75% of these systems combined.

Older and Less Threatening Anti-Aircraft Systems

There are also older and less threatening anti-aircraft systems in Iran’s arsenal. These systems have been targeted by the Israel Air Force, with approximately 75% destroyed in June 2025 and up to 80% in the current conflict. While these systems pose a lower threat compared to the more advanced ones, they still contribute to the overall defensive posture of Iran.

Long-Range Radar Systems

Iran’s long-range radar systems represent another critical category. Approximately 70% of these systems were destroyed during the June 2025 conflict, while around 80% have been destroyed in the current round of hostilities. These radar systems play a crucial role in detecting and tracking incoming threats, making their destruction a key objective for Israeli forces.

Potential Threats to Israeli Aircraft

All of the above mechanisms present a long-range threat to Israeli aircraft. During the current conflict, these systems have been used to fire dozens of missiles at Israeli aircraft, with at least one very close call that received widespread attention. The effectiveness of these systems has been a major concern for Israeli military planners.

Short-Range Anti-Aircraft Systems

The final category involves Iran’s last line of defense: its short-range anti-aircraft systems. These systems are likely only capable of engaging Israeli drones. To date, between 10 and 20 Israeli drones have been shot down, but not a single Israeli aircraft. Even the drones that have been shot down were considered expendable, and some were one-way or kamikaze drones anyway.