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Iranian Grounds Force Tech Tree
The Karrar MBT during Great Prophet 17 training exercise, 2022.
Disclaimer:
This tech tree proposal is about the introduction of Iranian produced and modified vehicles under the service of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ground Forces (NEJAZA) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with some export vehicles produced by Iran. The article is only about the vehicles and its usage, and thus is not related to the geopolitical position of Iran in any way.
Historical background:
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Contary to popular beliefs that Iran were still mainly using a leftover US-supplied military hardwares from the Shahist era and Soviet/Chinese supplied armaments, Iran have developed their own self-sufficient armed force industries and are capable of designed their own vehicle. Thought it’s not until the last few decades that Iran managed to combine the best of the eastern and western bloc’s armaments to create their own vehicle derivated from them.
To understand how did Iran managed to get their hands on the western technology, we need to get back to the Shahist Persian era (prior the 1979 revolution). Back then, the Imperial State of Persia ruled was by the Pahlavi dynasty, who aligned themselves with the western democratic bloc to counter the neighboring Soviet influrences. As such, the United States and the United Kingdom began selling a huge quantities of weapons and armaments to Persia in exchange with the country’s rich gas and petroleum resources. Sometimes even selling the latest equipment to Persia before these countries adopted it for their own use (such as the F-14 and Chieftain tank). However, due to increasingly high unrest among the population due to failing economy, as well as several suppressive attempt by the pro-western Shahist regime. The Iranian Revolution occured in 1979, replacing the 2,500 years imperial dynastic history of Iran with the Islamic Republic. As the new Islamic Republic later revealed itself to be an anti-western government, the US and UK decided to cancel all of the military supply to Iran amidst increasing military tensions and placed an arms embargo on the government, which only ended recently. During the same year, Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini estrablished the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a separate branch of military under the armed forces of Iran. The IRGC effectively serves as the “second army” of Iran, separate from the Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces (NEZAJA) and were tasked with domestic defense and clandestine operations.
As Iran were still recovering from the aftermath of the revolution and the embargo, the neighboring Baath’ist Iraq has invaded Iran in 1981. With Iran suffered from the lack of spare parts for western-supplied equipment from Shahist era, Iran turns themselves to the former communist enemies and bought a large amounts of surplus equipment from the USSR, China, and North Korea to fulfil their short-term needs.
Even before Iran managed to repel the Iraqi invasion in 1988, the Iranian leadership finds it neccessary for the country to develop their own independent military industry to relinquish the need to purchase the weapons from other countries, as Iran were under constrains of sanctions by the western blocs after the revolution. And thus, in 1981, Iran’s Ministry of Defence founded the Defense Industries Organization (DIO), a government-owned arms development company to fulfil this purposes.
To gain the experience neccesary for arms development, in 1991, Iran contracted the USSR for a license to built the T-72 MBT under designation T-72S. After gathering enough engineering knownledge, Iran then decided to reverse-engineered the western-supplied equipment and try to apply the advantages of the western tanks with the Soviet armaments.
Some time later in 1993, the IRGC estrablished the Self-Sufficientcy Jihad Organization, a weapon research and development institute tasked with developments of self-sufficient armed forces on their own. This would mark a split in preferences of the Iranian weapons developments, as NEZAJA prefers western-based weaponry while IRGC prefers Soviet and Chinese-based systems. The two branch of Iranian army were cordial to each other, however, and technology transfer between the branch regularly occurs from time to time.
After years of trial-and-error, in early 1990s, Iran managed to develop their first domestically-designed MBT, the Zulfiqar. The tank is essentially a heavily modified M60 hull with a newly-designed turret to fit the Soviet armaments. Since then, the Iranian arms industry has grew increasingly independent from foreign suppliers, with only the reproduced/upgraded parts of various foreign design as a hint of what the tank was based on.
Due to how the NEZAJA and IRGC usually subcontracted several smaller arm producer firms within Iran to produce a new vehicle based on a certain specifications, this often results into a wide discrepantcy of the built of the vehicle. Ranking from a cheap conversion from existing and readily available platforms into a delicated purpose-built combat vehicle. In spite of this, Iran has effectively spending 30 years arms development industry to eventually catch up with other powers though a combination of technology transfer, domestic reverse engineering, and creativity of the Iranian industry.
Description:
Spoiler
- This suggestion is for the implementation of Iran as the new playable nation in War Thunder. As Iran is one of the major powers in the Middle East region and one of the only two with high weapons development capabilities (the other being Israel, which is already implemented in-game), I think Iran can be implemented as a standalone nation in a similar “late game tech tree” concept with Israel.
- While Iran has diverse arsenal of ground equipments, their air forces is somewhat lacking in variety, though they are nontheless capable. The Iranian air forces, while using mostly the same plane model, would features a mix of western and eastern weaponry that Iran managed to convert the plane to be compartible with either of them. This, along with a sizable domestic helicopter and drone industry, would make the Iranian a capable nation in War Thunder not only on the ground, but in the air as well.
- To avoid most of the “copy-paste” vehicle, and due to Iran does not have sufficient “low tier” vehicles to fill the tree, the Iranian ground tree will start at Rank IV. The requirements to unlock the Iranian tree will be similar to that of the recently implemented Israeli tech tree: Players have to get at least one Rank V ground vehicle from one of the existing ground trees, whose are the main arm suppliers to Iran prior the establishments of self-sufficient armed industry.
- The vehicles in this tech tree will mostly consists of an Iranian domestically-produced vehicles as well as modernizations, thought a fair share of the “copy-paste” vehicles and some slight modifications will be present at early ranks to represent Iran’s earlier history as a major western bloc allies as well as vehicles used in the Iraq-Iran war. Vehicles with small performance differences or minor upgrades will be foldered to reduce the grinding time.
Notes:
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- The proposal includes a few of exported Iranian vehicles to other countries, or captured vehicle used by Iran (such as those from Iraq and Sudan). Though I will not include vehicles supplied to the non-state actors for varying degree of reasons.
- Due to the lack of information in most vehicles, most of the vehicle’s specifications is mostly a speculations unless stated by the Iranian military or military experts.
- This proposal is mostly exported from the Old WT forums with some tweaks, as such some vehicles were removed and/or replaced as it was no longer able to fit the in-game balance.
The Tech Tree visual:
Vehicle lists:
Light tank/IFV line
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FV101 Scorpion
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA.
The Iranian FV101 Scorpion is essentially an import from the United Kingdom back in the Imperial era. As such it is virtually the same in performances. The tank would later served as a basis for Tosan light tank and Sayyad ultra-light vehicle.
Heidah 6
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Status: Prototype developed by IRGC.
The Heidah 6 is a modification of BTR-60 to be equipped with Grom-1 turret from the BMP-1. As such, it shares the same 73 mm cannon and missile choice as the original BMP-1 variant.
BMP-1
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA and IRGC.
Essentially the Iranian BMP-1 imported from the USSR mostly after the Iran-Iraq war, and such were virtually the same in performances.
Tosan Light Tank
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA.
The Tosan Light Tank is an upgraded version on the Tosan, equipped with new fire control system and improved engines. The tank is also (reportedly) being able to equip various ATGMs.
Tosan 30 Light Tank
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Status: Prototype developed by NEZAJA.
This specific Tosan LT, only simply known as “Tosan 30” in some sources, is armed with 30 mm 2A42 autocannon instead of the usual 76 mm cannon. Not much is known about the vehicle, but it pursumably never entered mass production.
Boragh AICV
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Status: Not in service with Iran, exported to Sudan as Khatim 2.
The Boragh APC is a peculiar derivative of the BMP-1, apparently utilizing more rounded roadwheels derived from the M113 APC and a supposed improved protection over the original BMP-1. One particular example is converted into BMP-2 standard. While this conversion did not enter service with Iran, it was exported to Sudan where it was named as the “Khatim 2”.
BMP-2
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA and IRGC.
A standard, run-off-the-mill BMP-2 that Iran bought from Russia during 1990s and later produced under the license themselves. This standard version of BMP-2 lacks any modification and thus performs the same.
Tosan IFV
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Status: Pursumably in testing phase with IRGC.
The Tosan IFV is a relatively obscure IFV based on an extended BTR-60 chassis. It is esentially a “wheeled” version of the BMP-2, featuring the same weapon system on a much more mobile platform.
The 18-ton vehicle is powered by a 430 hp engine with a power ratio of 23.9 hp/ton, capable to reach the top speed of 100 km/h. Armaments consists of a 30 mm 2A42 autocannons with 500 rounds of capacity, and an ability to carry an ATGM (pursumably the Tosan ATGM mounted on the Iranian BMP-2s) with 4 extra missile stored inside the vehicle.
Zoljanah
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA and IRGC.
The Zoljanah is a modernization of the BMP-2. While retaining most of its key components, the vehicle received new-generation themal imaging and rangefinding system, along with an ability to carry a single Dehlavieh ATGM launchers (a licensed production of the 9M133 Kornet ATGM). In 2022, Iran has successfully tested the Sadid 365, a top-attack ATGM with a range of 8 km, from the Zoljanah.
Zoljanah IRGC
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Status: Under development by the IRGC.
In 2023, the IRGC revealed a new turret for the BMP-2/Zoljanah IFV. The turret is an unmanned turret equipped with generally the same electronics as a conventional Zoljanah turret. In addition to the 30 mm 2A42 autocannons, a 12.7 mm NSVT and 7.62 mm PKT machine guns were added at the side of the turret. The guns’ magazine were stored separately from the crew compartments and thus offering more survivability to the crew in case of ammunition explosion.
Makran
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Status: Currently in service with IRGC.
The Makran IFV is a major overhaul of the BTR-50 APC. The vehicle is armed with an unmanned turret with 30 mm 2A42 autocannons and modern electronical system. The vehicle’s protection is also improved, with all-around reinforced armor and an external frontal armor plate.
Western/NEZAJA MBT line
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M18 GMC aka Hellcat
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Status: Retired, previously in service with Imperial Iran.
Not much is known about the Iranian Hellcats other than it was bought from American surplus at the end of World War II. It was one of the vehicles involved during the US-backed coup in 1953. It was pursumably retired after Imperial Iran received the M48/60 from the US duing 1960s.
M47M Patton
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Status: In reserve of NEZAJA, currently underwent modernization to Tiam standard.
The M47M Patton is an export version of the M47 tank specifically built for Imperial Iran and Pakistan. The key difference being the reduction of the crew to 4 and improved engines to give the tank better mobility.
The tank was one of the backbone of the early NEZAJA during the Iran-Iraq war after the revolution and has since underwent modernizations, such as some vehicles that received ERA and later converted into Tiam tanks.
M48A5 Patton
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Status: Retired.
In the addition of the M47M, Imperial Iran has also received M48A5 Patton tanks from the US. Not much is known about the vehicle other than it was used during the Iran-Iraq war and has not been observed since.
M60A1
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Status: In limited service with NEZAJA, some were upgraded to Samsam standard.
Some time before the 1979 revolution, Imperial Iran has purchased the M60A1 tanks from the US. These tanks were later used during the Iran-Iraq war. The tank would later served as a basis for Iran’s indiginous weapons development program and having its part reverse-engineered and used as a basis of some vehicles, including the Zulfiqar tanks.
Sabalan
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Status: Prototype developed by NEZAJA.
The Sabalan was an early modernization attempt of the M47M by NEZAJA, unveiled in 2014. The tank features an enlarged turret to fit the 105 mm cannon derived from the M60 tanks, along with some electronical improvements, though it seemed to lacks any composite armor. The project was pursumably cancelled in favor of the cheaper and more promising Tiam project.
Tiam (Prototype)
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Status: Prototype developed by NEZAJA.
When the NEZAJA first unveiled the prototype version of the Tiam project in 2016, it has not only earned ridicure from foreign observer, but from amongst the Iranians themselves. This is because it is essentially an M47M with the turret derived from the Safir 74 project. While the tank is stated to have a “composite armor”, it seemed that only its turret side received such armor. It would took 2 years for NEZAJA to finalize the Tiam tank into a competent, second-line alternative to the Zulfiqar tanks.
Chieftain Mk. 5
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Status: In reserve of NEZAJA, underwent upgrades to Mobarez standard.
During the Shahist regime, Iran purchased a large number of Chieftain tanks from the UK. These tanks would later be used during the war against Iraq in 1985 before being upgraded to Mobarez standard thereafter. This tank represents an unmodified version of the Chieftain Mk.5 in Iranian services.
Mobarez
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA.
The Mobarez is an modernization of the British FV4201 Chieftain tanks that were sold during the Shahist era. The Chieftain is one of the tanks served during the Iran-Iraq war.
The Mobarez is largely the same as the original Chieftain, but received an improved FCS and modern themal imaging.
Samsam
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA.
The Samsam is an modernized version of the M60A1. The main key difference being the presence of a soft-kill APS on both sides of turret cheeks. Some were equipped with ERA and some has its 12.7 mm turret modified to accomodate commander’s observation device.
Tiam
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA
In 2018, the NEZAJA has unveiled the finalized version of the Tiam project. Compared to its prototype version, the Tiam’s applique composite armor are now covering the entire frontal surface of the turret. The tank also feature an additional external composite armor on the upper plate and an improved electrical system over the prototype.
Zulfiqar 1A
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Status: Pursumably in reserve of NEZAJA.
The Zulfiqar 1 is the first fully-domestic main battle tank project of Iran. Its first six prototypes were revealed in 1993 and entered production in 1996.
The tank is based on a lenghtened chassis of the M60 tanks, with a distinctive box-shaped turret and a similar angled turret front with the M1 Abrams. The tank is protected by some composite armor inside the turret and hull. The main armament is the 125 mm 2A26 smoothbore cannon derived from the T-72 series, while the tank is reportedly powered by a 780 hp engine. The exact numbers of Zulfiqar 1 produced is unknown, though around 100-150 is believed to be produced.
Zulfiqar 1B
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Status: Unknown, pursumably in reserve of NEZAJA.
In 2013, a modernization of the Zulfiqar 1 tank was unveiled. Not much is known about the tank other than it features new turret that is similar in shape with the later Zulfiqar 2 and seems to be equipped with an improved engine.
Zulfiqar 2C
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Status: In limited service with NEZAJA.
The Zulfiqar 2 is a further development from the Zulfiqar 1, initially as a stopgap during the development of what is later known as the Zulfiqar 3.
Compared to the Zulfiqar 1, the tank now has 7 roadwheels instead of 6. The hull is further lenghtened to accomodate larger turret and composite armor. The tank is also powered by a more powerful engines.
The 2C model can be distinguished from the later 2D model by the more angled-down frontal plate and lack of a center exhaust port.
Zulfiqar 2D
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Status: Prototype designed by NEZAJA.
The Zulfiqar 2D is a test bed protype of the Zulfiqar 3 project. It sports the similar blunt hull with the Zulfiqar 3 to accomodate composite armor while still retains the turret of the earlier 2C.
It can also be distinguished from the 2C model by the presence of central exhaust port.
Zulfiqar 3E (pre-series)
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Status: Pre-production series vehicle.
The early production of the Zulfiqar 3E tanks, first revealed in 2013, is equipped with a similar turret of the earlier 2C/D variants, but with the presence of a gun mantlet. This turret were later replaced in 2014.
Zulfiqar 3E
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA.
The Zulfiqar 3E is the most recent iteration of the Zulfiqar main battle tank series. The tank features a substantial improvements over its predecessor, including improved themal and night vision equipment as well as substantial protection increase from its predecessor. An APS is also reportedly tested on the vehicle in 2016.
Eastern/IRGC MBT line
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Aghareb
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Status: Prototype designed by NEZAJA.
The Aghareb, dubbed the “Wheeled tank”, is a prototype light tank based on the BTR-60 chassis, revealed in 2014. The “tank” is equipped with a 90 mm cannon derived from the M47/48 Patton tanks and was intended to provide fire support rather than direct confrontaltion roles. The vehicle has since not been seen after, pursumably being rejected from entering service.
“Type 85 (90 mm)”
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Status: Unknown, pursumably in limited service with IRGC.
Note: The actual name of this vehicle is unknown, the name of this vehicle is simply what I have come up with to describe it.
This peculiar vehicle, not mentioned or described by any Iranian sources, seems to be a Chinese Type 85 APC with the turret of the EE-9 Cascavel, armed with 90 mm Cockerill cannon. Not much is known about the vehicle’s performance or status, though it can be assumed that this is an attempt to make use of leftover EE-9 turrets they got at the end of the Iran-Iraq war, as they do not have an access to the spare parts for the EE-9 chassis itself.
T-54A
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Status: Pursumably in reserve with IRGC, some were modernized to Safir 74 standard.
Essentially the T-54A that Iran bought during the Iran-Iraq war to fulfil their armored needs, thus shared the same performances.
T-55A
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Status: Pursumably in reserve with IRGC, some were modernized to Safir 74 standard.
Essentially the T-55A that Iran bought during the Iran-Iraq war to fulfil their armored needs, thus shared the same performances.
Type 69
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Status: Pursumably in reserve with IRGC, some were modernized to Safir 74 standard.
Iran got their hands on the Chinese Type 69 both though purchase during the Iran-Iraq war and a sizeable numbers captured from Iraq.
Safir 74 Early
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Status: Formerly in service with the IRGC, later converted into late Safir 74 standard.
The Safir 74 (or “T-72Z” depending on the source) is one of the first modernization project of the IRGC, first revealed in 1996. To make use of the more readily available 105 mm US ammunition of the M60 tanks in which Iran were able to produce, Iran converted several T-54/55 and Type 69 to fit them with a 105 mm M68 gun of the M60 tank.
Safir 74 Late
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Status: Currently in service with IRGC.
The later variant of the Safir 74 features a substantial improvements over the base T-54/55 platforms. The late Safir 74is equipped with a 780 hp engine, automatic gun stablizers, and improved thermal/night vision systems.
T-72M
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA and IRGC.
Iran captured a large number of T-72M and T-72M1 tanks during the Iran-Iraq war as well as some that were evacuated during the Gulf War. While they were largely similar with the existing T-72M in-game, the Iranian T-72M is equipped with an improved Slovenian EFCS that were commonly used on several tanks.
T-72S
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA and IRGC.
The T-72S was the first tank to be domestically produced by Iran. After gaining production license from the USSR a few months before its collapse in 1991, Iran would produce hundreds of these MBTs which later formed the backbone of the IRGC armed corps and being the basis of further Iranian tank development projects.
T-72S APS
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Status: In limited service with IRGC.
In addition, a handful number of T-72S were equipped with an electro-optical APS, albeit these seems to not in widespread uses.
T-72M (2020)
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Status: Currently in service with IRGC.
As the Karrar MBT project entering its finalizing phase, the IRGC has introduced an upgrade kit for existing T-72M/M1 MBTs as a more budget-friendly alternative to the Karrar. The package features extensive modifications, such as reinforced turret, an addition of soft-kill APS, and new electronical systems in use with the Karrar.
T-72 Rakhsh PMF
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Status: Not in service with Iran, exported to Iraq.
The T-72 Rakhsh is an extensive upgrade kit for the T-72S/M MBT introduced in 2020. Utilizing some of the features from the Karrar project. The package’s downgraded form, which comes with less ERA and lacks soft-kill APS, were exported to Iraq and is used by the Popular Mobilisation Forces, a paramilitary branch of the Iraqi army.
T-72 Rakhsh IRGC
Status: Currently in service with IRGC.
For the IRGC uses, the T-72 Rakhsh comes with a full package of applique external armor with an Iranian version of the Kontakt-5 ERA bricks (especially around the turret), and modern electonic system.
Karrar (Prototype)
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Status: Prototype developed by IRGC.
After failed negotiations with Russia to obtain a license to produce the T-90MS MBT, Iran has announced the development of the Karrar MBT project.
At the first glance, the Karrar appears similar in appearance with the T-90MS yet has several differences. The tank is heavier than the T-90MS at 51 tons (vs 48 tons) due to reinforced composite armor on the turret front. It also has different electronic and communication system than the Russian tank.
Karrar
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA and IRGC.
In 2020, a finalized version of the Karrar MBT were revealed. The tank ditches an aluminum framing around its gun breech, but is equipped with a 360 degrees observation devices on the turret top, a soft-kill electrical jammer and laser warning system, as well as an APS system
Tank Destroyer/Artillery line
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Raad 1 SPH
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Status: Prototype, pursumably developed by NEZAJA.
The Raad 1 is an obscure SPG conversion of the Boragh APC based on the 2S1. Not much is known about the vehicle other than it was developed during 1990s and never entered service.
Safir LUV (106 mm M40)
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA and IRGC.
The Fath Safir is one of, if not, the most produced vehicle of the Iranian armed forces. Over 36,000 vehicles were produced since 2008 with dozens of variants.
The origin of the Safir can be stemmed back during the Iran-Iraq war, where Iran utilized various techicals (such as Toyota Land Cruiser with TOW launcher) to great effect against Iraqi tank formations by exploiting their mobility and ruggedness to take an advantage o Iran’s moutainous terrain.
After the war, Iran has since developed a deterrence doctrine not to dissimilar with the Parthian tactics of old; utilizing terrain advantage with fast “light cavalry” vehicles to harrass the enemy before finish them off with armored “cataphract” forces. The Safir is one such example of “light cavalry” vehicles, with a top speed of 130 km/h, it is useful both as a combat, scout, and support vehicle, forming the backbone of Iran’s mobile forces.
This specific version of the Safir is armed with an Iranian copy of the M40 106 mm recoiless rifle. The vehicle can fold its windshield to allow the full traverse of the rifle. It is the most common “anti-tank” variant of the Safir used to knock out light vehicles and older tanks
Safir LUV (Tosan ATGM)
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA and IRGC.
A scout/anti-tank version of the Fath Safir, equipped with a Tosan ATGM launcher (a copy of 9M113 Konkurs). This vehicle is distinctive for featuring a steel plate to protect its occupants from small arms fire.
Falaq MLRS
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Status: Currently in service with the NEZAJA and IRGC.
The Falaq (also spelled Faragh or Fallagh) is a light MLRS system based on the Kaviran utility vehicle chassis. The main features of the Falaq are its high top speed of over 130 km/h and its modular, fully traversable launcher.
The Falaq can be equipped with either 240 mm Falaq 1 rockets with 50 kg warhead or 333 mm Falaq 2 rockets with 120 kg warhead and substantially longer range. The vehicle can also be equipped with a Type 63 107 mm rocket launcher and is capable of carry the launch tubes in mixed configuration.
Hoveizeh
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA.
The Hoveizeh (also spelled Hoveyzeh) is an Iranian upgrade of the M109A1 SPH based on the Raad 2 project of the IRGC.
The Hoveizeh features the 155 mm HM44 cannons (an improved version of the American M185 cannon) with improved fire control and autoloading mechanisms, along with direct-fire telescope.
Raad 2/2M
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Status: Currently in service with IRGC.
The Raad 2 is an self-propelled howitzer based on the T-72 chassis, being among one of the first indiginous design of Iran. The vehicle was first produced in 1997.
The Raad 2 is effectively an M109A1 on a T-72 chassis, equipped with an upgraded 155 mm HM44 cannons with autoloading mechanisms and are capable of direct firing. The vehicle features an emphasis on protection with frontally-mounted engine and durable hull. The Raad 2 has a top sped of 70 km/h.
The vehicle has two variants; the basic version with 700 hp engine and the Raad 2M with 840 hp engine (sources seems to be mixing the power output up).
Boragh AIFA
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Status: Prototype developed by NEZAJA.
Among the early attempt at arming the Boragh APC was an installment of the Toophan ATGM launchers in the hatch at the back of the vehicle. This peculiar Boragh, designated Boragh AIFA, made its first debut in 1997. The vehicle seems to not be successful as they disappeared from the Iranian inventory afterwards.
Due to being the earlier Toophan carriers, the Boragh AIFA would lack an access to an upgraded variant of the Toophan missile which the later missile carrier would have.
Banihashem 500 ATV
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA and IRGC.
Perhaps, in my opinion, the most controversial vehicle of this proposal, is the Banihashem 500 ATV (or the B.H.I 500A for short) This vehicle are on the borderline between an extremely cheap tactical vehicle and a military technical, though the only reason this is perhaps not considered a “technical” is that the ATV was produced by the Bani Hashem company, the same armed company that produces the Karrar MBT, specifically for military uses.
The B.H.A 500A is essentially a two-seater, 4 x 4 all-terrain ATV with modular options. In its normal configurations it can act as a quick transport and ad-hoc technical, with the passengers carrying any kinds of weapons on their shoulders, from RPG, sniper rifle, to MANPADS.
The key feature of the Banihashem 500, however, is its extreme modularity. The frontal and rear girdles were designed to accommodate various kinds of attachments to quickly adapt and change the role of the vehicle when needed. This includes the installments of a light and heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, medical strechers, communication equipments, and in this case, various ATGMs. The B.H.I 500A can be equipped with either a Tosan, Toophan, or Dehlavieh ATGM. The latter in particular allows the Banihashem to act as an extremely small and mobile SAM when needed.
Safir LUV (Toophan ATGM)
https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/278973642967351298/1132532865444368384/1-22-9.png?width=666&height=516
Spoiler
Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA and IRGC.
Among the dozen variants of the Fath Safir was the delicated anti-tank version with a single Toophan ATGM launcher. Compared to the earlier Tosan-armed variant, the Toophan Safir lacks any steel plates to protect its crew, pursumably to save weight.
While most Safir were armed with a single Toophan launcher, a variant with dual launchers were seen between 2011 - 2013, though it seemed to be quite unpopular with the crew and later converted back into single launcher version.
Being the more modern launcher, the Toophan launcher has an access to various improved warhead, including the Qaem anti-helicopter missile and SACLOS Toophan 5 ATGM.
**Sayyad AFV (Toophan ATGM)
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Status: Prototype developed by NEZAJA.
The Sayyad AFV is an ultra-light “quick reaction tank” developed by NEZAJA. The tankette is based on a lightened chassis of the Scorpin/Tosan light tank.
While the Sayyad were typically used as a quick and small IFV, a peculiar variant of the Sayyad with single or double Toophan ATGM were spotted in 2013. These, however, seems to never entered services due to the cost issues. As Iran prefers to mount the launchers on the more readily available Banihashem and Safir instead.
Pirooz
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Status: Currently in service with IRGC.
The Pirooz is the latest evolution of Iran’s mobile anti-tank forces, having only entered service with the IRGC in 2023.
The vehicle is based on the Aras tactical vehicle platform, and is equipped with either two or four Dehlavieh ATGM missiles (an Iranian version of the Kornets missile). The vehicle is mostly similar in function with the Russian Kornet-D system, with an ability to fire in tandem, anti-air capability, and utilizing fire-and-forgot tracking system.
SPAA line
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Rakhsh APC (ZU-23)
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA and IRGC.
The Rakhsh APC is an Iranian armored personnel carrier developed during 2000s. It was one of the earlist road-mobile APC developed by Iran.
Typically, the Rakhsh were armed with a single 14.5 mm KPV machine gun mounted on a turret derived from the BTR-60. Though some vehicles were also armed with a pair of 23 mm ZU-23 autocannons for short-range anti-air duty.
Sayyad (Moharram)
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Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA.
While in an infantry fighting roles, the Sayyad are typically armed with a single remote-controlled machine gun. In 2019, the Sayyad was successfully rearmed with the 12.7 mm 6-barreled Moharram gatling gun with rate of fire of 2,500 rounds per minute. Greatly increasing its anti-personnel performances while also allows it to perform short range anti-helicopter duties.
ZSU-57-2
Spoiler
Status: In limited service with the Iranian Air Defense Force.
During the Imperial era, Iran ordered 200 ZSU-57-2 from the USSR in total, which were later used during the Iran-Iraq war. After the war, a large number of the system were phased out, though around 80 still remains within the IRGC’s inventory. The vehicle is identical in performance with the existing ZSU-57-2.
Bahman
Spoiler
Status: Currently in service with the Iranian Air Defense Force.
In 2016, Iran revealed the Bahman, a refurbished, road mobile version of the ZSU-57-2. While it is essentially a truck with a lightweight ZSU-57-2 turret on it, the Bahman features an upgraded 57 mm cannon and improved communication system to allows it to fire with external radar guidance.
Sarir (M61)
Spoiler
Status: Prototype developed by the IRGC.
The Sarir (also known as Talaiyeh) is an Iranian APC developed by the IRGC to supplement the Rakhsh APC. The vehicle was first revealed in 2009. In 2012, a peculiar version of the Sarir with 20 mm M61 Vulcan rotary cannon was spotted. Not much is known other than it was an experimental CIWS vehicle developed by IRGC based on their Sarir, and it seems to never entered service.
Seraj Sadegh 10
Spoiler
Status: Currently in service with the Iranian Air Defense Force.
The Seraj Sadegh 10 (or Sadej 10) is an Iranian truck-based SPAAG based on the 35 mm Oerlikon GDF cannon mounts. Compared to the static version, the Sadegh 10 has a built-in radar guidance and are capable of engaging targets on its own.
Mesbah 1
Spoiler
Status: Currently in service with the Iranian Air Defense Force.
The Mesbah 1 is an anti-missile and anti-aircraft system first revealed in 2010. The Mesbah 1 is essentially eight 23 mm ZU-23 autocannons grafted together into a single mount. The rate of fire is limited to 4000 RPM to save an ammunition, though it is able to double its rate of fire with limiter removed.
The Mesbah 1 can be both controlled automatically and manually, and utilize IR/Optical radar tracking to engage its target. While Mesbah 1 usually comes in a static mount, a truck-mounted version is also used by the Iranian Air Defense Force.
Soheil
Spoiler
Status: Currently in service with the Iranian Air Defense Force.
The Soheil is essentially a ZSU-23-4 Shillka with four Soleil 2 MANPADs mounted on remote launchers. Not much is known about this specific modification other than the Soleil 2 has a maximium range of 5 km.
Majid AD-08
Spoiler
Status: Currently in service with NEZAJA.
The Majid AD-08 (or just Majid for short) is a mobile short-range anti-air missile system based on the Aras utility vehicle chassis. The missile launcher is a remote-controlled system utilizing IR/Optical guidance system with a maximum range of 8 km. A variant of the system is also tested on commercial trucks.
Herz 9
Spoiler
Status: Currently in service with the Iranian Air Defense Force.
The Herz 9 is a self-propelled, road mobile version of the Ya Zahra 3 system, itself a derivative of the Chinese HQ-7 system. The system utilizes the Shahap Thaqeb missile with radio-guided LOS guidance and a maximum range of 12 km.
Heidah 41
Spoiler
Status: Proof-of-concept vehicle developed by NEZAJA.
Throughout the 2010s, Iran has unveiled several proof-of-concept “road mobile artillery” that never entered active service. One of these is the Heidah 41, a KrAZ-5233 truck mounted with 122 mm D-30 gun derived from the 2S1 Gvodzika that were revealed along
“130 mm Self-Propelled Gun”
Spoiler
Status: Proof-of-concept vehicle developed by NEZAJA.
Note: The vehicle’s actual designation is unknown.
This peculiar gun truck, simply called the “130 mm Self-Propelled Gun” in the 2019 Eqtedar 40 military exhibition, is another proof-of-concept road mobile SPG. This one is based on the Mercedes-Benz L2621 truck with 130 mm Type 59-1 field gun, a Chinese derivative of the Soviet M-46 gun, which a derivative is also mounted on some Soviet prototype tanks such as the IS-7.
Dezful
Spoiler
Status: Currently in service with the Iranian Air Defense Force.
The Dezful is another example of Iranian obsession with road mobile SAM. This time it is a conversion/derivative of the Tor-M1 SAM mounted on a truck. It pursumably has the same track-while-scan and multiple targeting capabilities of the original Tor-M1.
Sevom Khordad
Spoiler
Status: Currently in service with the Iranian Air Defense Force and IRGC.
The Sevom Khordad (also known as 3rd of Khordad or Khordad 3) is a short-to-medium range anti-air missile system. It was a drastic upgrade over the previous Raad SAM and Tabas SAM system, with a modular option to mount missiles of various ranges.
While its default armament consists of three Taer-2B medium-range SAM with a range of 50 km, the Khordad can also be equipped with eight Dey 9 short-range SAM with 30 km range and a single Sayyad-2 missile with a range of 100 km. For balancing reason, though, I think only the Dey 9 missile should be available for now.
Premium/Event vehicles
Spoiler
M36B1 Jackson
Spoiler
Status: Retired, previously in service with Imperial Iran.
Little is known about the M36B1 in Iranian services other than it was served during the Shahist era and retired after the M47/48 were supplied to Iran. One example is preserved at the Afifabad garden and museum in Shiraz.
M4A1 Sherman (T23)
Spoiler
Status: Retired, previously in service with Imperial Iran.
At the end of World War II, Imperial Iran received a sizeable surplus weapons from the US, one of these is the M4 Sherman tanks. One particular Sherman is an M4A1 equipped with the T23 turret and gun from the M4A3E8 variant is involved in the 1953 pro-Shahist regime coup. The tank is preserved at the Sadabad palace military museum in Tehran.
2S1 Gvozdika
Spoiler
Status: Currently in service with IRGC.
Essentially the default 2S1 SPG that the Raad 1 was based on and thus identical in performance with the Soviet version.
“M-1978 Koksan”
Spoiler
Status: In reserve of the IRGC.
Note: The actual name of this vehicle is unknown, the name of this vehicle is what military analysists have come up with to describe it.
The “Koksan” is a heavy SPG developed in North Korea. During the Iran-Iraq war, Iran were supplied with a number of “M-1978”. It is unknown how they were supplied, however.
Heidah 5
Spoiler
Status: Prototype developed by IRGC.
The Heidah 5 is an experimental mine-laying vehicle based on the BTR-60. The vehicle is designed to quicky create a minefield before retreating. It is armed with 36 mine launchers, with 18 on each side. The vehicle can store up to 72 mines in total and can launch both an anti-tank and anti-personnel mines.
Heidah 41
Spoiler
Status: Proof-of-concept vehicle developed by NEZAJA.
Throughout the 2010s, Iran has unveiled several proof-of-concept “road mobile artillery” that never entered active service. One of these is the Heidah 41, a KrAZ-5233 truck mounted with 122 mm D-30 gun derived from the 2S1 Gvodzika that were revealed along
“130 mm Self-Propelled Gun”
Spoiler
Status: Proof-of-concept vehicle developed by NEZAJA.
Note: The vehicle’s actual designation is unknown.
This peculiar gun truck, simply called the “130 mm Self-Propelled Gun” in the 2019 Eqtedar 40 military exhibition, is another proof-of-concept road mobile SPG. This one is based on the Mercedes-Benz L2621 truck with 130 mm Type 59-1 field gun, a Chinese derivative of the Soviet M-46 gun, which a derivative is also mounted on some Soviet prototype tanks such as the IS-7.
EE-9 Cascavel
Spoiler
Status: In limited service with IRGC, pursumably retired.
The Engesa EE-9 Cascavel is a Brazilian armored car developed in late 1970s. A large number of EE-9 with 90 mm Cockeril cannons were sold to Iraq prior to the war with Iran. Iran captured a sizable portion of the EE-9 from Iraq during the war and the subsequent evacuation during the Gulf War. As the vehicle utilizes different parts froom what the Iranians had produced, they were operated using cannibalized parts before being largely decommissioned. With some have been converted into a light tank with Type 85 APC chassis.
Heidah 44
Spoiler
Status: Currently in service with IRGC.
The Heidah 44 is a modernized version of the BM-21 Grad MLRS. The system utilizes the Arash rockets, which features larger payload and greater accuracy compared to the regular BM-21 rockets.
BTR-50 (106 mm M40)
Spoiler
Status: Retired, improvised vehicle used by NEZAJA.
During the Iran-Iraq war, Iran suffered a problem of not having enough mobile anti-tank forces to deal with Iraq’s then-massive armored forces. An obvious solution is to arm any reasonably fast vehicles with anti-tank weaponry. While Iran is better known for the large usage of various TOW-armed technicals during the war, one obscure examples involves arming a BTR-50 APC with the M40 recoiless rifle.
“Chonma-ho”
Spoiler
Status: Retired, previously in service with IRGC.
Note: The actual name of this vehicle is unknown, the name of this vehicle is what military analysists have come up with to describe it.
Among various military hardwares that North Korea supplied to Iran during the war with Iraq is the the “Chonma-ho” tank, a North Korean copy of the T-62 tanks. Little is known about its usage but it is pursumably phased out in favor of the more numerous T-55 and Type 69 tanks.
Chieftain Mk. 3
Spoiler
Status: In reserve of NEZAJA, underwent upgrades to Mobarez standard.
During the Shahist regime, Iran purchased a large number of Chieftain tanks from the UK. These tanks would later be used during the war against Iraq in 1985 before being upgraded to Mobarez standard thereafter. This tank represents an unmodified version of the Chieftain Mk. 3 in Iranian services.
Asad Babil
Spoiler
Status: In reserve of IRGC.
In addition to a large number of T-72M tanks, Iran also captured a number of “Asad Babil” tanks, an Iraqi copy of the T-72M1 tanks during the war with Iraq and the subsequent Gulf War evacuation. These tanks were intially put under services before being gradually replaced by the domestic-built T-72S tanks.
Al-Zubair I
Spoiler
Status: Not in service with Iran, exported to Sudan.
The Al-Zubair I is an exported version of the Safir 74 tanks that were reportedly locally assembled in Sudan. Compared to the version used by Iran, the Sudanese Safir 74 has less sophisicated electronic system and less powerful engines of the early Safir 74 models.
T-72 Khorramshahr
Spoiler
Status: Prototype developed by Ukraine for Iran, not accepted for service.
In late 1990s, in addition to a deal to purchase a large number of tank and vehicle engines from Ukraine, Iran and Ukraine were involved in a joint weapons development program to upgrade the Iranian T-72 fleet. The result was the T-72 Khorramshahr, a T-72 tank with a T-80U turret. Ultimately, the Khorramshahr were not accepted for service.
Safir 86
Spoiler
Status: Prototype developed by IRGC.
The Safir 86 is a further development of the Safir 74 tank in 2006. Featuring substantial increase in ERA usage and layout. Due to the cost issue, it was not accepted for service.
Other Iranian vehicle suggestions:
Sources:
Spoiler
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_military_equipment_manufactured_in_Iran
The Oryx Handbook Of Iranian Fighting Vehicles - Oryx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulfiqar_(tank)
Orange (in French)
Cordesman, Anthony H. & Kleiber, Martin (2007). Iran’s Military Forces and Warfighting Capabilities: The Threat in the Northern Gulf. Greenwood Publishing Group.
Zulfiqar Main Battle Tank - Iranian ground forces 1993
http://www.military-today.com/tanks/sabalan.htm
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951222000466
http://www.yjc.ir/fa/news/5562064/انهدام-جنگندههای-آمریکایی-با-سامانه-موشکی-سوم-خرداد-تصاویر-و-مشخصات (in Persian)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXrd1V-MKa4 (source for Samavat cannons)
سامانه موشکی «پیروز» عملیاتی شد/ تقویت آتش ضدزره نزسا با سامانه جدید+تصاویر - تسنیم
http://www.military-today.com/tanks/karrar.htm
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9202242202
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