On May 28, Yerevan turned into a showcase of new military power. During the parade celebrating the Republic Day of Armenia, Iranian Majid AD-08 surface-to-air missile systems were publicly displayed on the streets for the first time. This event was not just a military procession but confirmation of the first-ever export of this system beyond Iran's borders.
Italian Chassis Instead of an Iranian Pickup
Attentive analysts immediately noticed the details. While Iran traditionally uses domestic Aras 2 pickups to mount the 'Majid' in its own forces, the Armenian variant looks different. The four systems participating in the parade were mounted on the chassis of the Italian commercial truck, the Iveco Daily. This substitution indicates an effort to adapt the equipment to the logistical and operational specifics of the customer.
How the 'Invisible' System Works for Radars
The main feature of the Majid AD-08 is its passivity. Unlike classic anti-aircraft guns, this system does not use radar for either search or guidance. It 'sees' targets exclusively thanks to electro-optical and thermal imaging sensors. This makes the complex practically invisible to the enemy's electronic warfare (EW) systems.
The system operates by intercepting the thermal signature of the target—whether it is an aircraft engine or a helicopter fuselage. The missile is guided to the hot contour of the object, not a radio signal. This means that conventional jamming methods are ineffective here. The missile is equipped with a non-contact fuze: it does not need to hit the target 'head-on'; it is sufficient to fly close enough to form a cloud of shrapnel.
Technical Specifications and Combat History
Each launcher carries four AD-08 missiles. The system is capable of detecting aerial targets at a distance of up to 15 kilometers, while the maximum engagement range is 8 km, and the ceiling is 6 km. Initially, the complex was positioned as an economical solution for protecting bases and infrastructure from drones and low-flying helicopters.
However, the reputation of the 'Majid' goes far beyond warehouse protection. Iranian military officials have repeatedly stated that it was these complexes that damaged an American F-35 fighter during recent operations. According to their version, the missile captured the thermal radiation of the stealth fighter's engine, ignoring its radio transparency. Western sources, in turn, confirmed the fact of F-35 damage from ground fire, although details remain undisclosed.
Context of US Losses
The appearance of this system in Armenia comes against the backdrop of loud statements regarding US aviation losses in the region. According to data, during operations in Iran, the United States lost or suffered serious damage to at least 42 pieces of equipment. The list of confirmed losses includes F-15E and F-35A fighters, A-10 attack aircraft, as well as strategic tankers and AWACS aircraft. For Armenia, the demonstration of the Majid AD-08 is a signal of readiness to use battle-proven solutions to protect its skies.
