The Economist analyzes satellite images… “Pretending to be operating normally… for internal propaganda purposes”
Analysis suggests that the circumstances show that the two countries attempted to conceal the damage and quietly manage the situation in order to avoid falling into a vicious cycle of retaliation between the two countries.
In response to the attack on its consulate in Syria on the 1st, Iran poured a large number of drones and missiles into Israeli territory on the 13th, and Israel retaliated by targeting central Iran on the 19th, leading to an unprecedented head-on clash between the two countries. Concerns were growing rapidly.
The Economist replaced the 30N6E2 ‘Tombstone’ anti-aircraft radar, which was destroyed in an airstrike the day after Iran was attacked by Israel, with the 96L6E ‘Cheeseboard’ radar, based on satellite images obtained and analyzed by Chris Biggar, a former member of the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGIA). They said they were placed in the same location.
Iran also placed the interceptor launcher’s canister (cylindrical tube) vertically as if ready for launch.
In relation to this, Biggar said, “This is a case of fraud and deception aimed at showing that the base is still operating (without problems).”
The two radars are not interchangeable, and the battery would not operate with a damaged Tombstone radar, the Economist noted.
Previously, Iran announced that it had shot down a number of drones attempting to attack military bases in Isfahan Province in the early morning of the 19th.
Israel did not directly claim responsibility for the attack, but U.S. officials confirmed that the attack was carried out by Israeli forces.
Western media, including the New York Times (NYT), reported that Israel neutralized Iran’s air defense network with advanced weapons such as fighter jets.
The weapon used in the attack and the extent of the damage are not exactly known.
Iran claims there was no damage or casualties.
The Economist pointed out that the United States and Israel, which possess advanced satellites, would be aware of Iran’s damage, and that it does not appear that Iran hid the damage to deceive the two countries.
However, thanks to the secret replacement of the damaged radar, Iran was able to claim through its propaganda agencies that everything was fine even after the Israeli attack, thereby preventing an escalation crisis.
/yunhap news
Tags: Iran secretly replaces Israels destroyed air defense radar .. Block escalation
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