Ya Zahra (Persian: یا زهراء, O Zahra) is an Iranian unlicensed copy of the HQ-7,[1] itself an unlicensed copy of the French Crotale missile short-range air defense system.[2] The system entered production in 2013.

Ya Zahra (Air defense system)
Ya Zahra launcher and command vehicle
Type	Light, mobile air defense system
Place of origin	Iran
Service history
In service	2013-present[citation needed]
Used by	Islamic Republic of Iran Air Defense Force
Production history
Produced	2013-present[citation needed]
Specifications
Width	2.2m
Height	1.5m

The Ya Zahra differs from Iran's Raad in being a short-range air defense system. Iranian sources say it is able to form a missile defense network. This system was successfully tested in "Defenders of Velayat Skies 4" air defense drills.[3] Iranian sources claim the Ya Zahra is more advanced than the French Crotale.[2]

Mass production of the Ya Zahra air defense system officially began on January 27, 2013.[4]

The 3rd generation of the Ya Zahra system, Ya Zahra-3, has electo-optical equipment that reportedly helps to detect and track targets when the battlefield is affected by heavy jamming.[2] Also Ya Zahra has a full mobile version named Herz-e-Nohom.[5]

The missile used by the system is the Shahab Thaqeb.[6] It has been under development since at least 2011.[6]

External media
Images
Ya Zahra ADS fires a missile
Video
Ya Zahra firing against target
Ya Zahra factory

Comparable SAMs

• Crotale
• HQ-7

See also

• Bavar 373
• Mersad
• Sayyad-2

References