Iran turns to China, Russia to bolster air defenses as it preps for next Israel war
Following the 12-day war with Israel, Iran is increasing its military budget to repair its crippled air defense systems, pursuing procurement from China and Russia as commanders claim confidence in preventing renewed conflict.
TEHRAN — Iran is moving quickly to rebuild and upgrade its air defense network and enhance overall military readiness after June’s war with Israel, pairing fresh military preparations with sharper rhetoric in anticipation of future clashes.
On Tuesday, members of the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission met with Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of staff of the Armed Forces, and his deputies. According to state media, Mousavi provided details on the military's current defense readiness, operations during the recent conflict and the "blows" inflicted on Israeli targets.
After the meeting, Fada Hossein Maleki, a member of the commission, told Dideban Iran news agency that larger foreign currency funds have already been provided to repair the damage inflicted on the country's air defense systems during the 12-day war.
"The armed forces have welcomed and are satisfied with this funding," he said. Maleki added that the purchase of air defense systems from China and Russia is on the agenda and being actively pursued, with "promising agreements" reportedly in place and expected to be implemented soon.
