US Defense System ‘Falls Flat’ Against Iranian Suicide Drone In Syria; US Investigates Avengers’ Failure

[SalarHaqq]

US Defense System ‘Falls Flat’ Against Iranian Suicide Drone In Syria; US Investigates Avengers’ Failure​

By Ashish Dangwal
March 26, 2023

A key air defense system at a coalition base was reportedly not completely operational when a suspected Iranian drone attacked US forces in Syria on March 23, killing a US contractor and injuring several American soldiers.

On March 24, Iran-backed militias unleashed a barrage of rocket and drone attacks against coalition bases, escalating the conflict in northeast Syria.

The two attacks on American forces in Syria happened roughly 45 minutes apart. The coalition forces at Mission Support Center Site Conoco were the target of the first attack, which occurred at 10:39 p.m. local time.

In the second assault, three one-way drones attacked Green Village at around 11:23 p.m. local time. Two of the drones were destroyed by allied air defenses. One made it into the compound and damaged one structure. But there were no injuries reported.

The strikes on Friday are the latest in an increasing number of retaliatory actions between the United States and groups backed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The conflict, among the worst in the region since 2019, threatens recent attempts to de-escalate tensions throughout the Middle East.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported dozens of strikes by IRGC-backed militias targeting US and anti-ISIS coalition forces and installations since 2021. But, this wave of fighting was triggered by the death of a US contractor. Five American service members and another US contractor sustained injuries.

According to the Pentagon, the casualties resulted from an unmanned aerial vehicle strike on a coalition base of countries fighting the Islamic State in Northeast Syria, close to Hasakah, at around 1:38 p.m. local time on March 23.

A report published by The New York Times on Friday said that a coalition airbase’s primary air defense system was “not fully operational” when the attack occurred.

One US official told the outlet that the base’s Avenger missile defense system might have had maintenance issues during the strike.

US Army soldiers load training versions of the Stinger missile into an Avenger system. US Army

On Friday, Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon’s press secretary, told reporters that the air defense’s radar was working, but refrained from providing any more information due to operational security.

It is uncertain whether the system would have detected the threat even if it had been fully operational because drones and loitering weapons can occasionally function at low altitudes, making it challenging for radar systems to identify them.

Pentagon and other American officials said they were hesitant to expose any potential gaps or failures in the layered defense system for fear of giving enemies in the region any advantage.

General Ryder said, “We take a variety of measures to safeguard our people. But again, it’s an inherently dangerous place.”

The US intelligence analysts confirmed that the drone involved in the incident was of Iranian origin. General Ryder added that the United States launched airstrikes targeting militant sites associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The two F-15E multirole aircraft of the US Air Force attacked locations used by IRGC-affiliated groups. Later those groups fired ten rockets at Green Village in northeastern Syria, where coalition forces were stationed.

Avenger Air Defense Systems​

Avenger is a short-range air defense (SHORAD) system. The weapon system is meant to defend infantry against drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft using its FIM-92 Stinger missile launchers.

The deployment of this defense system in Syria by US troops was initially reported in late February 2021. Analysts proclaimed that the Avenger could offer ground forces some desperately needed defense against such aerial attacks.

The system, officially known as the AN/TWQ-1, consists of a turret with two Stinger missile launchers that can each fire four rounds at a time and an M3P machine gun that can fire 50 caliber rounds, and a sighting system that comprises an infrared camera, an optical sight, and a laser rangefinder.

The complete Avenger system can be detached and used from fixed positions. However, it is often carried on the rear of a Humvee. The US has also handed Ukraine this air defense system to counter Russian drone threats.

An Avenger system fires one of its Stinger missiles during a training exercise., US Army

In recent years, non-state groups in Syria and Iraq have dramatically increased their use of lethal and advanced drones. Earlier, the infamous Islamic State (ISIS) group displayed its capacity to turn relatively basic commercial drones into tiny bombers.

Overall, given the aerial threats that American forces are currently facing in Syria, Avengers’ full operating capabilities are essential from an operational and sustainment standpoint.

US Defense System ‘Falls Flat’ Against Iranian Suicide Drone In Syria; US Investigates Avengers’ Failure

A key air defense system at a coalition base was reportedly not completely operational when a suspected Iranian drone attacked US forces in Syria on March 23, killing a US contractor and injuring several American soldiers.

eurasiantimes.com

 

[aryobarzan]

I think it is safe to say that although US has absolute superiority in Aircraft Technology their Air Defence products just suck..always disappoints in the actual field....They should buy AD systems from Iran..(at least after Global Hawk they know ours work.).

 

[LegionnairE]

I think it is safe to say that although US has absolute superiority in Aircraft Technology their Air Defence products just suck..always disappoints in the actual field....They should buy AD systems from Iran..(at least after Global Hawk they know ours work.).

They finally switched to AESA radars on the latest Patriot PAC3 MSE. They are saying that it's finally gotten very good but there are still big gaps in American air defense, which is why they are buying iron dome from Israel.

Countries don't invest in air defense when they enjoy Air superiority all the time. For a long time Turkey only had I-Hawk batteries because Turkish Air Force was so dominant. Obviously getting kicked out of F35 program did hurt and now suddenly we have a lot of air defense options.. Same goes for USAF. They didn't have a rival for a long time but China is stepping up their game.

They will work hard to improve their air defense systems from now on. Both against the chinese threat and against the drones.

 

[SalarHaqq]

I think it is safe to say that although US has absolute superiority in Aircraft Technology their Air Defence products just suck..always disappoints in the actual field....They should buy AD systems from Iran..(at least after Global Hawk they know ours work.).

I wouldn't say their air defence products are sub-par, they're among the most advanced in the world. It's rather that Iran has perfected the asymmetric approach to warfare, cold-bloodedly exploiting whatever vulnerabilities enemy defences may present to the most cost effective offensive weapons and tactics conceivable.

Also let's keep in mind military doctrines by essence are on the static side. It takes considerable domestic and/or international political disruption to initiate a rethink, and then these sorts of processes move on at a very slow pace. In a country such as the USA the issue is further magnified by the impact of the military-industrial complex's special interests upon the regime's procurement policies. So the Americans are not going to shift their fundamental focus away from airpower nor transform their general way of waging war anytime soon.

As for them trying to address potential loopholes in their AD systems by investing into the field accordingly, this isn't a one-way street: Iran as well is constantly adjusting her weapons development to steps taken by the enemy. So the mere possibility that the USA regime may come up with new and innovative air defence systems at a given point in future doesn't imply that Iranian weapons will be rendered useless - especially those Iran will be having access to by that time.

 

[airmarshal]

The question must be what are Americans doing in Syria? Their positions in Syria were within an earshot of ISIS bases there. ISIS has been decimated. It's time to decimate American occupation as well.

They're there illegally and have no purpose. In fact they have been found facilitating smuggling of Syrian oil to Kurdish areas literary fueling the conflict to divide Syrian land. This conflict will ultimately benefit Israel.

 

[Abid123]

The question must be what are Americans doing in Syria? Their positions in Syria were within an earshot of ISIS bases there. ISIS has been decimated. It's time to decimate American occupation as well.

They're there illegally and have no purpose. In fact they have been found facilitating smuggling of Syrian oil to Kurdish areas literary fueling the conflict to divide Syrian land. This conflict will ultimately benefit Israel.

ISIS is supported by the Americans and Israelis.

 

[White and Green with M/S]

ISIS is supported by the Americans and Israelis.

And Iran support Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations in Syria against US and Israel so what so special about it if US and Israel supported ISIS in Syria???

 

[jhungary]

They finally switched to AESA radars on the latest Patriot PAC3 MSE. They are saying that it's finally gotten very good but there are still big gaps in American air defense, which is why they are buying iron dome from Israel.

Countries don't invest in air defense when they enjoy Air superiority all the time. For a long time Turkey only had I-Hawk batteries because Turkish Air Force was so dominant. Obviously getting kicked out of F35 program did hurt and now suddenly we have a lot of air defense options.. Same goes for USAF. They didn't have a rival for a long time but China is stepping up their game.

They will work hard to improve their air defense systems from now on. Both against the chinese threat and against the drones.

They need to stop rely on 1980s era anti-air missile for protection is what they should do, Avenger Defence System are 30+ years old, and we have better stuff but not piped down to the frontline troop for tactical defence (like Vanguard, Centurion or MSHORAD) Instead they keep rely on the old Avenger.......

 

[gambit]

I think it is safe to say that although US has absolute superiority in Aircraft Technology their Air Defence products just suck..always disappoints in the actual field....They should buy AD systems from Iran..(at least after Global Hawk they know ours work.).

US war doctrine is that US ground troops will not face enemy airpower, and has been that way since the end of the Korean War. So how many 'fields' were there that US troops were attacked by enemy air?

 

[Abid123]

@KAL-EL I know the truth hurts Poor Yankee...

 

[Communism]

They need to stop rely on 1980s era anti-air missile for protection is what they should do, Avenger Defence System are 30+ years old, and we have better stuff but not piped down to the frontline troop for tactical defence (like Vanguard, Centurion or MSHORAD) Instead they keep rely on the old Avenger.......

Probably to use up the stingers that are being phased out.


Something like the Draco would make the most sense for the counter-drone role though, as something like the 76 mm shell with terminal guidance fired from the 76mm autocannon would probably stand the best chance against drone-swarms.

 

[DF41]

US Defense System ‘Falls Flat’ Against Iranian Suicide Drone In Syria; US Investigates Avengers’ Failure​

By Ashish Dangwal
March 26, 2023

A key air defense system at a coalition base was reportedly not completely operational when a suspected Iranian drone attacked US forces in Syria on March 23, killing a US contractor and injuring several American soldiers.

On March 24, Iran-backed militias unleashed a barrage of rocket and drone attacks against coalition bases, escalating the conflict in northeast Syria.

The two attacks on American forces in Syria happened roughly 45 minutes apart. The coalition forces at Mission Support Center Site Conoco were the target of the first attack, which occurred at 10:39 p.m. local time.

In the second assault, three one-way drones attacked Green Village at around 11:23 p.m. local time. Two of the drones were destroyed by allied air defenses. One made it into the compound and damaged one structure. But there were no injuries reported.

The strikes on Friday are the latest in an increasing number of retaliatory actions between the United States and groups backed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The conflict, among the worst in the region since 2019, threatens recent attempts to de-escalate tensions throughout the Middle East.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported dozens of strikes by IRGC-backed militias targeting US and anti-ISIS coalition forces and installations since 2021. But, this wave of fighting was triggered by the death of a US contractor. Five American service members and another US contractor sustained injuries.

According to the Pentagon, the casualties resulted from an unmanned aerial vehicle strike on a coalition base of countries fighting the Islamic State in Northeast Syria, close to Hasakah, at around 1:38 p.m. local time on March 23.

A report published by The New York Times on Friday said that a coalition airbase’s primary air defense system was “not fully operational” when the attack occurred.

One US official told the outlet that the base’s Avenger missile defense system might have had maintenance issues during the strike.

US Army soldiers load training versions of the Stinger missile into an Avenger system. US Army

On Friday, Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon’s press secretary, told reporters that the air defense’s radar was working, but refrained from providing any more information due to operational security.

It is uncertain whether the system would have detected the threat even if it had been fully operational because drones and loitering weapons can occasionally function at low altitudes, making it challenging for radar systems to identify them.

Pentagon and other American officials said they were hesitant to expose any potential gaps or failures in the layered defense system for fear of giving enemies in the region any advantage.

General Ryder said, “We take a variety of measures to safeguard our people. But again, it’s an inherently dangerous place.”

The US intelligence analysts confirmed that the drone involved in the incident was of Iranian origin. General Ryder added that the United States launched airstrikes targeting militant sites associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The two F-15E multirole aircraft of the US Air Force attacked locations used by IRGC-affiliated groups. Later those groups fired ten rockets at Green Village in northeastern Syria, where coalition forces were stationed.

Avenger Air Defense Systems​

Avenger is a short-range air defense (SHORAD) system. The weapon system is meant to defend infantry against drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft using its FIM-92 Stinger missile launchers.

The deployment of this defense system in Syria by US troops was initially reported in late February 2021. Analysts proclaimed that the Avenger could offer ground forces some desperately needed defense against such aerial attacks.

The system, officially known as the AN/TWQ-1, consists of a turret with two Stinger missile launchers that can each fire four rounds at a time and an M3P machine gun that can fire 50 caliber rounds, and a sighting system that comprises an infrared camera, an optical sight, and a laser rangefinder.

The complete Avenger system can be detached and used from fixed positions. However, it is often carried on the rear of a Humvee. The US has also handed Ukraine this air defense system to counter Russian drone threats.

An Avenger system fires one of its Stinger missiles during a training exercise., US Army

In recent years, non-state groups in Syria and Iraq have dramatically increased their use of lethal and advanced drones. Earlier, the infamous Islamic State (ISIS) group displayed its capacity to turn relatively basic commercial drones into tiny bombers.

Overall, given the aerial threats that American forces are currently facing in Syria, Avengers’ full operating capabilities are essential from an operational and sustainment standpoint.

US Defense System ‘Falls Flat’ Against Iranian Suicide Drone In Syria; US Investigates Avengers’ Failure

A key air defense system at a coalition base was reportedly not completely operational when a suspected Iranian drone attacked US forces in Syria on March 23, killing a US contractor and injuring several American soldiers.

eurasiantimes.com

LOUD MOUTH MURICA GOOD AT MAKING EXCUSES AFTER EXCUSES IN ADDITION TO TELLING LIES AND AND STEALING AND CHEATING

 

[jhungary]

Probably to use up the stingers that are being phased out.


Something like the Draco would make the most sense for the counter-drone role though, as something like the 76 mm shell with terminal guidance fired from the 76mm autocannon would probably stand the best chance against drone-swarms.

I would have gone for C-Ram, but that's just me.

 

[Communism]

I would have gone for C-Ram, but that's just me.

C-Ram is extremely short range, making it mostly worthless for anything other than point defense.


Something like the Draco with 76mm shells with terminal guidance has much longer effective range.


Don't confuse the naval Phalanx CIWS with Centurion C-Ram, the Phalanx is able to use solid shells which gives it longer effective range (compared to the Centurion C-Ram, but still very short), but you can't just be spraying a stream of solid shells on land.

 

[jhungary]

C-Ram is extremely short range, making it mostly worthless for anything other than point defense.


Something like the Draco with 76mm shells with terminal guidance has much longer effective range.


Don't confuse the naval Phalanx CIWS with Centurion C-Ram, the Phalanx is able to use solid shells which gives it longer effective range (compared to the Centurion C-Ram, but still very short), but you can't just be spraying a stream of solid shells on land.

Range aren't really that important at intercepting stage, but detection stage, you can pair it with a good radar and it will still go.

But again, that's my answer if you asked me, you may have a different type of answer.