Group : Area Air Defenses
Status : Active
Also Known As : Mersad-16
Origin : Iran
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2010
Total Production : ?

The Mersad, 'Ambush' in English, is a medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) weapon system developed by Iran under its domestic weapons program started in 1992 as a response to the United States arms embargo. This missile system has been designed to shoot down aircraft flying at low and medium altitudes. The air defense system comprises a sophisticated radar, an advanced launcher, and modern guidance and target acquisition electronics as well as the Shahin missile. The Mersad existence was made public in early April 2010 with the missile expected to go operational by the end of 2010 replacing aging MIM-23 Hawk missile systems purchased by Iran in the 1970s.