Image source: VK Yuri Lyamin
On social media, several types of Iranian missiles were mentioned that could damage the fifth-generation American F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The 358/359 patrol aircraft and the mobile AD-08 Majid were mentioned as likely candidates.
Yuri Lyamin, a senior researcher at the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST), recalls that the Iranian 3rd Khordad (Sevom Khordad) complex has small missiles, they are called 9th Dey.
Their range is twenty kilometers. Different types of homing heads are installed on the demonstrated samples - infrared, more advanced - thermal imaging.
Image source: VK Yuri Lyamin
At the same time, passive optoelectronic systems can be used to detect and track targets, allowing combat operations without turning on the main radar station, which unmasks positions.
Indeed, if we carefully consider the rocket approaching the "thirty-fifth", we can find that it is closer in shape to the 9th Dey.
Image source: VK Yuri Lyamin
This missile defense system, although it did not destroy the Lightning II, damaged it and it made a hard landing, after which, in all likelihood, it will be written off, and its pilot, who received shrapnel wounds, is in the hospital and it is unknown when he will return to service.
Alexey Brusilov
