Afghan Voice Agency (AVA): The integrated air defense network of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including modern systems of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the army, achieved unprecedented achievements in targeting enemy fighters and aircraft. These successes were recorded while the US President claimed the complete destruction of Iran’s air, defense and naval forces, but the battlefield showed something else: not only was Iran not destroyed, but the most advanced US and Zionist aircraft were shot down in the skies of Iran, and the enemy’s propaganda hegemony was broken forever.
Publish dateSunday 5 April 2026 - 08:28
Story Code : 349896
The commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Joint Air Defense Headquarters, Brigadier General Alireza Elhami, attributed these successes to “the tactics, new equipment, and innovations of the army and IRGC defense systems,” and emphasized that the operation had “confused the enemy.” The IRGC’s public relations department also announced in a statement on Friday, April 15, that “the defenders of the Iranian sky marked a dark day for the US and Zionist air forces in the skies of Iran in a lasting battle by downing one fighter jet and five aircraft.”
Operational details – what targets were shot down?
According to the latest reports and official announcements from the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Air Defense Command, during the recent clashes known as the “Ramadan War,” the country’s integrated defense network succeeded in destroying the following targets:
In the category of fighter jets and manned aircraft:
- An F-14 fighter jet on Thursday, April 14.
- A high-tech F-35 fighter jet was shot down on Friday, April 5. US sources claimed the jet was an F-15 Eagle, but if the F-35 is accurate, it would be the second time the stealth fighter has been shot down by Iran’s air defenses.
- Two Black Hawk helicopters, which were flying to rescue pilots from downed F-35s, entered central Iran. The helicopters were targeted and crashed on Friday.
- Two A-10 fighter jets, which were in the area to support the rescue of pilots, crashed on Friday and Saturday.
- An F-16 fighter jet crashed in the Iranian city of Saveh on Friday night, indicating the country’s deep defense coverage.
In the category of drones and cruise missiles:
- A total of more than 160 enemy aircraft, including fighters, drones and cruise missiles, have been destroyed. The most successful targets have included MQ-9, Hermes, Raptor and Lucas drones.
- Dozens of cruise missiles have also been targeted and destroyed by Iran’s integrated defense network, especially the IRGC’s modern systems.
- According to the IRGC’s official public relations statement on Friday: 2 cruise missiles were hunted and destroyed in the skies of Khomein and Zanjan, 2 MQ-9 attack drones in the skies of Isfahan, and a Hermes drone in the skies of Bushehr. An advanced enemy fighter jet was also successfully destroyed in central Iran.
- The geographical diversity of these targets (Khomein, Zanjan, Isfahan, Bushehr, central Iran, Saveh) indicates the nationwide coverage and complete integration of Iran’s defense network.
Technical Compatibility Analysis - How Did Iran's Defense Succeed?
The key point emphasized in all reports and statements by Iranian commanders is the country's "integrated air defense network." This means that the army and IRGC radars, indigenous systems (such as Bavar-373, Som Khordad, Majid, Herz-9), and upgraded foreign systems (such as S-300) are connected in a single command and control network. Any radar that detects a threat immediately selects the best fire system for the engagement. This integration meant that two Black Hawks, two A-10s, and an F-16 were also targeted at the same time as the F-35 fighter.
The F-35 Challenge and Iran's Smart Response
The F-35 is the world's most advanced stealth fighter, which, with its extremely low radar cross-section (the size of a golf ball) and integrated electronic warfare system, is considered the most difficult aerial target. But Iran’s defense overcame this challenge with three clever mechanisms:
First, the use of indigenous VHF band radars (such as the “Mordad” system) that neutralize stealth with long wavelengths. Although these radars have low angular accuracy, in an integrated network, their data is integrated with more accurate radars to create a fire lock.
Second, the use of passive signal recognition (ELINT/ESM) systems such as “Fater” and “Yaser”. Each fighter has to emit a signal for communication or navigation. The rescue operation of the F-35 pilots required extensive communications, which these systems triangulated the position.
Third, the use of ground-based infrared search and rescue (IRST) that track the thermal footprint of the F-35 engine even with heat-reducing systems.
The strategic point is that even if the fighter in question is an F-15 (as the US claims), shooting down an F-15 Eagle, a superior 4th generation fighter with strong electronic warfare, deep in Iranian skies is still considered a major achievement.
Black Hawk and A-10 Destroyed; Rescue Operation Complete Failure
The helicopter rescue operation with two Black Hawks to rescue the downed F-35 pilots was a very sensitive and risky operation. The success of the Iranian defense in shooting down these helicopters shows that there is complete radar coverage over central Iran, the defense response time is under a minute, and short-range systems such as the "Majid" and 35 mm automatic cannons are capable of engaging low-altitude targets. The downing of two A-10s that came for close support also shows that the Iranian defense has penetrated the enemy's support layers.
.
Electronic Warfare; The Secret of “Enemy Confusion”
The Iranian Defense Commander has spoken openly about “enemy confusion.” This confusion is the result of the advanced performance of Iran’s electronic warfare systems. By cutting the Link 16 data link (communication between fighters, AWACS, and Aegis), radar deception with the DRFM technique (recording and rebroadcasting enemy radar signals with a fake position), and disruption of the GPS navigation system, these systems caused American and Israeli pilots to receive contradictory data and enter defensive traps. Simply put, the enemy thought he was flying in a safe place, but Iran sent a fake map and trapped him.
Strategic Analysis - Shifting Balance of Power
Despite claiming the complete destruction of Iran’s air, defense, and naval forces, the US President is now facing a different reality: not only has Iran not been destroyed, but the most advanced US aircraft have been shot down in Iranian skies. This is the biggest intelligence and operational failure of the US in recent years and has shattered the enemy’s propaganda hegemony forever.
Previously, Iran mainly provided deterrence with its ballistic missiles. But now Iranian skies have become a no-go zone for enemy fighters. Even the F-35, the world’s most advanced fighter, cannot enter safely. Any air operation against Iran will now have huge financial costs (tens of millions of dollars per fighter) and prestige costs. The enemy no longer knows where in Iranian skies is safe, and this “I don’t know” is the biggest shift in the balance.
These successes have two clear messages;
To the US: Military threat is no longer a cheap option. Losing a few F-35s or F-15s could turn US public opinion against any war.
To the Zionist regime: The strategy of a “surgical strike” on Iran’s nuclear facilities with a few fighters has become practically impossible. Israel must either pay an unbearable price or give up this option.
“Ramadan War”; A New Model for Air Combat
The Islamic Republic of Iran has called this conflict the “Ramadan War.” This designation reflects Iran’s determination to register this operation as a new model in air-defense combat: a victory of tactics and innovation over mere technology. Iran has proven that, relying on indigenous knowledge, innovation, and tactical intelligence, it can stand up to and defeat the world’s most advanced technologies.
Conclusion: Iranian skies are safer than ever
What happened in Iranian skies over the past three days was not a random event. This victory was the result of years of relentless effort by Iranian specialists, transforming the threat of sanctions into an opportunity for innovation, and faith in indigenous capabilities. Operational achievements include the destruction of more than 160 drones, dozens of cruise missiles, several 4th and 5th generation fighters (F-14, F-35/F-15, F-16), two Black Hawks, and two A-10s. Technically, the effectiveness of the integrated defense network, VHF band radars, passive systems, advanced electronic warfare and indigenous missiles has been proven. Strategically, the balance of power has changed from “enemy air superiority” to “no-go zone for the enemy”. And psychologically, the US propaganda hegemony has been shattered forever.
Emphasizing that “we are in ambush for enemy fighters and drones”, the commander of the Joint Headquarters of Iran’s Air Defense announced that with the continuation of innovative, sustained and precise monitoring, Iran’s skies will become increasingly unsafe for aggressive enemy fighters.
Operational details – what targets were shot down?
According to the latest reports and official announcements from the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Air Defense Command, during the recent clashes known as the “Ramadan War,” the country’s integrated defense network succeeded in destroying the following targets:
In the category of fighter jets and manned aircraft:
- An F-14 fighter jet on Thursday, April 14.
- A high-tech F-35 fighter jet was shot down on Friday, April 5. US sources claimed the jet was an F-15 Eagle, but if the F-35 is accurate, it would be the second time the stealth fighter has been shot down by Iran’s air defenses.
- Two Black Hawk helicopters, which were flying to rescue pilots from downed F-35s, entered central Iran. The helicopters were targeted and crashed on Friday.
- Two A-10 fighter jets, which were in the area to support the rescue of pilots, crashed on Friday and Saturday.
- An F-16 fighter jet crashed in the Iranian city of Saveh on Friday night, indicating the country’s deep defense coverage.
In the category of drones and cruise missiles:
- A total of more than 160 enemy aircraft, including fighters, drones and cruise missiles, have been destroyed. The most successful targets have included MQ-9, Hermes, Raptor and Lucas drones.
- Dozens of cruise missiles have also been targeted and destroyed by Iran’s integrated defense network, especially the IRGC’s modern systems.
- According to the IRGC’s official public relations statement on Friday: 2 cruise missiles were hunted and destroyed in the skies of Khomein and Zanjan, 2 MQ-9 attack drones in the skies of Isfahan, and a Hermes drone in the skies of Bushehr. An advanced enemy fighter jet was also successfully destroyed in central Iran.
- The geographical diversity of these targets (Khomein, Zanjan, Isfahan, Bushehr, central Iran, Saveh) indicates the nationwide coverage and complete integration of Iran’s defense network.
Technical Compatibility Analysis - How Did Iran's Defense Succeed?
The key point emphasized in all reports and statements by Iranian commanders is the country's "integrated air defense network." This means that the army and IRGC radars, indigenous systems (such as Bavar-373, Som Khordad, Majid, Herz-9), and upgraded foreign systems (such as S-300) are connected in a single command and control network. Any radar that detects a threat immediately selects the best fire system for the engagement. This integration meant that two Black Hawks, two A-10s, and an F-16 were also targeted at the same time as the F-35 fighter.
The F-35 Challenge and Iran's Smart Response
The F-35 is the world's most advanced stealth fighter, which, with its extremely low radar cross-section (the size of a golf ball) and integrated electronic warfare system, is considered the most difficult aerial target. But Iran’s defense overcame this challenge with three clever mechanisms:
First, the use of indigenous VHF band radars (such as the “Mordad” system) that neutralize stealth with long wavelengths. Although these radars have low angular accuracy, in an integrated network, their data is integrated with more accurate radars to create a fire lock.
Second, the use of passive signal recognition (ELINT/ESM) systems such as “Fater” and “Yaser”. Each fighter has to emit a signal for communication or navigation. The rescue operation of the F-35 pilots required extensive communications, which these systems triangulated the position.
Third, the use of ground-based infrared search and rescue (IRST) that track the thermal footprint of the F-35 engine even with heat-reducing systems.
The strategic point is that even if the fighter in question is an F-15 (as the US claims), shooting down an F-15 Eagle, a superior 4th generation fighter with strong electronic warfare, deep in Iranian skies is still considered a major achievement.
Black Hawk and A-10 Destroyed; Rescue Operation Complete Failure
The helicopter rescue operation with two Black Hawks to rescue the downed F-35 pilots was a very sensitive and risky operation. The success of the Iranian defense in shooting down these helicopters shows that there is complete radar coverage over central Iran, the defense response time is under a minute, and short-range systems such as the "Majid" and 35 mm automatic cannons are capable of engaging low-altitude targets. The downing of two A-10s that came for close support also shows that the Iranian defense has penetrated the enemy's support layers.
.
Electronic Warfare; The Secret of “Enemy Confusion”
The Iranian Defense Commander has spoken openly about “enemy confusion.” This confusion is the result of the advanced performance of Iran’s electronic warfare systems. By cutting the Link 16 data link (communication between fighters, AWACS, and Aegis), radar deception with the DRFM technique (recording and rebroadcasting enemy radar signals with a fake position), and disruption of the GPS navigation system, these systems caused American and Israeli pilots to receive contradictory data and enter defensive traps. Simply put, the enemy thought he was flying in a safe place, but Iran sent a fake map and trapped him.
Strategic Analysis - Shifting Balance of Power
Despite claiming the complete destruction of Iran’s air, defense, and naval forces, the US President is now facing a different reality: not only has Iran not been destroyed, but the most advanced US aircraft have been shot down in Iranian skies. This is the biggest intelligence and operational failure of the US in recent years and has shattered the enemy’s propaganda hegemony forever.
Previously, Iran mainly provided deterrence with its ballistic missiles. But now Iranian skies have become a no-go zone for enemy fighters. Even the F-35, the world’s most advanced fighter, cannot enter safely. Any air operation against Iran will now have huge financial costs (tens of millions of dollars per fighter) and prestige costs. The enemy no longer knows where in Iranian skies is safe, and this “I don’t know” is the biggest shift in the balance.
These successes have two clear messages;
To the US: Military threat is no longer a cheap option. Losing a few F-35s or F-15s could turn US public opinion against any war.
To the Zionist regime: The strategy of a “surgical strike” on Iran’s nuclear facilities with a few fighters has become practically impossible. Israel must either pay an unbearable price or give up this option.
“Ramadan War”; A New Model for Air Combat
The Islamic Republic of Iran has called this conflict the “Ramadan War.” This designation reflects Iran’s determination to register this operation as a new model in air-defense combat: a victory of tactics and innovation over mere technology. Iran has proven that, relying on indigenous knowledge, innovation, and tactical intelligence, it can stand up to and defeat the world’s most advanced technologies.
Conclusion: Iranian skies are safer than ever
What happened in Iranian skies over the past three days was not a random event. This victory was the result of years of relentless effort by Iranian specialists, transforming the threat of sanctions into an opportunity for innovation, and faith in indigenous capabilities. Operational achievements include the destruction of more than 160 drones, dozens of cruise missiles, several 4th and 5th generation fighters (F-14, F-35/F-15, F-16), two Black Hawks, and two A-10s. Technically, the effectiveness of the integrated defense network, VHF band radars, passive systems, advanced electronic warfare and indigenous missiles has been proven. Strategically, the balance of power has changed from “enemy air superiority” to “no-go zone for the enemy”. And psychologically, the US propaganda hegemony has been shattered forever.
Emphasizing that “we are in ambush for enemy fighters and drones”, the commander of the Joint Headquarters of Iran’s Air Defense announced that with the continuation of innovative, sustained and precise monitoring, Iran’s skies will become increasingly unsafe for aggressive enemy fighters.
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