Politics

Iran unveils its first hypersonic missile

Tehran, May 6 (EFE).- Iran presented Tuesday its first hypersonic missile, capable of circumventing “all anti-missile defenses” thanks to its high speed greater than that of sound, state agency IRNA reported.

The “Fattah” hypersonic missile, with a range of 1,400 kilometers, was presented in the presence of the President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Commander-in-Chief Hosein Salami.

The guard’s Aerospace Force commander Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh called the new weaponry a “great leap” in the country’s defensive capabilities, according to Iranian media.

The source highlighted “Fattah’s” ability to fly at Mach 12-13 speeds in and out of the atmosphere and its high maneuverability, which would help it avoid defense systems.

“This new missile is capable of outwitting all anti-missile defense systems. Their target is missile defense systems,” Hajizadeh said.

Iran joins the handful of countries that have tested this type of missile, such as the United States, China, North Korea and Russia.

The country has developed a national arms industry over the last four decades, due to the international embargo, with special interest in missiles, and has several that reach 2,000 kilometers, enough to reach Israel, Iran’s sworn enemy.

Tehran presented a new missile in late May with a range of 2,000 kilometers and a warhead of 1,500 kilos, equipped with liquid fuel engines and more precise than previous versions.

Iranian ballistic missiles are a source of concern for the US, Europe and some Middle Eastern countries, although Tehran authorities say they only have a defensive and deterrent role.

The presentation of the missile coincides with the reopening Tuesday of the Iranian diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia, after the two rival countries will agree in March to normalize their diplomatic relations with Chinese mediation after seven years. EFE

jlr/lds

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