Islamic Republic of Iran Air Defense Force

Islamic Republic of Iran Air Defense Force
نیروی پدافند هوایی ارتش جمهوری اسلامی ایران
official seal
Founded1933–1954 (Part of Ground Forces)
1954–2008 (Part of Air Force)
2008–present (As separate branch)
Country Iran
TypeAir defence
Size15,000
Part of Artesh
HeadquartersTehran
MottosArabic: وَمَا رَمَيْتَ إِذْ رَمَيْتَ وَلَـكِنَّ اللّهَ رَمَى
"And You Did Not Throw When You Threw, But God Did Throw" [Quran 8:17]
MarchApril 18th
AnniversariesSeptember 1st
Engagements
Commanders
CommanderBrigadier General Alireza Elhami
Insignia
Official flag

The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Defense Force (Persian: نیروی پدافند هوایی ارتش جمهوری اسلامی ایران, romanizedNiruye Pədâfənde Həvâyiye Ərteše Jomhuriye Eslâmiye Irân) is the anti-aircraft warfare branch of Iran's regular military, the Islamic Republic of Iran Army (Artesh). It split from the air force (IRIAF) in 2008 and controls the country's military radar network.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Defense Force plays a crucial role in the nation's military framework, tasked with safeguarding Iran's airspace and essential infrastructure from aerial threats. the IRIADF utilizes various air defense systems and technologies, such as surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft artillery, and radar systems. The main objective of the Iranian Air Defense Force is to detect, identify, and neutralize hostile aircraft, drones, and missiles operating within the airspace of Iran.