Ya Zahra (Persian: یا زهراء, O Zahra) is an Iranian unlicensed copy of the Chinese HQ-7 missile,[1] itself an unlicensed copy of the French Crotale missile short-range air defense system.[2] The system entered production in 2013.
The Ya Zahra differs from Iran's Raad in being a short-range air defense system. Iranian sources say it is able to form a missile defense network. This system was successfully tested in "Defenders of Velayat Skies 4" air defense drills.[3] Iranian sources claim the Ya Zahra is more advanced than the French Crotale.[2]
Mass production of the Ya Zahra air defense system officially began on January 27, 2013.[4]
The 3rd generation of the Ya Zahra system, Ya Zahra-3, has electo-optical equipment that reportedly helps to detect and track targets when the battlefield is affected by heavy jamming.[2] Also Ya Zahra has a full mobile version named Herz-9.[5]
The missile used by the system is the Shahab Thaqeb.[6] It has been under development since at least 2011.[6]
Comparable SAMs
- Crotale
- HQ-7
See also
References
- ^ "YA Zahra3: Iran; from weapons to concepts". theiranproject.com. February 2013.
- ^ a b c "موشکهای کروز باسامانه "یا زهرا" نابود میشوند+عکس". 29 January 2013.
- ^ "Iran unveils new missile systems on second day of drills". Reuters. 13 November 2012.
- ^ http://www.armyrecognition.com/january_2013_army_military_defense_industry_news/iran_starts_mass_production_of_new_home-made_air_defense_missile_system_ya_zahra_2701134.html Iran starts mass production of Ya Zahra
- ^ "حرز نهم؛ تحفه 2013 ایران برای رزمندگان مقاومت+عکس". مشرق نیوز. 17 June 2013.
- ^ a b Iranian Military Capability 2011: 3. SHORAD – Short Range Air Defense. (January 2011)
