Flight activities of the MiG-29A multi-role fighter and Yak-130 combat trainer were detected in Iranian airspace over Tehran.
It is speculated that these aircraft may be used for intermittent interception of the LUCAS suicide drones (previously reported to have been deployed in the region) and Israeli heavy reconnaissance and strike UAVs, and can also intercept "Tomahawk" cruise missiles when conditions permit. For this purpose, pilots can use the R-73RMD-2 air-to-air missiles equipped with MK-80 "Lighthouse" dual-band infrared guidance heads.
As early as 2022, the Iranian Air Force demonstrated the capability to intercept TDU-11B cruise missile simulators/air targets using R-73 missiles. The Yak-130 also has similar potential.
Notably, the Yak-130 and MiG-29A equipped with old onboard radar N019EA and R-27R missiles are unable to compete with the U.S. F-22A and carrier-based F/A-18E/F, which are equipped with powerful AN/APG-77 and AN/APG-79 radars and AIM-120D missiles with a range of up to 160 kilometers.
Nevertheless, they are sufficient to hunt low-altitude subsonic targets in the rear areas. In addition, the MiG-29A also has the OEPrNK-29E electro-optical system as an auxiliary tool for detecting "Tomahawk" cruise missiles with thermal contrast characteristics from the rear hemisphere.
The fact that the Iranian air force appears over the rear areas indicates that the tactical aviation of the United States and Israel has not yet been able to act recklessly over the Iranian mountain ranges, as there is still a high risk of successful operations by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' "mobile" military surface-to-air missile units here. Therefore, the Iranian air force still has a mobile "window."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858553126351884/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.