Iran launches mass production of long-range anti-ship cruise missile
Iran has announced the mass production of Ghadir, a long-range anti-warship cruise missile. The homegrown missile reportedly features great precision, high destructive power and the ability to fly at low altitudes.
“Today, we are simultaneously witnessing the launch of the mass production line and the delivery of this strategic and effective missile in the domain of defense and marine battle,”Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan told reporters at a ceremony of inauguration on Saturday.
The homegrown missile is equipped with highly advanced radar, as well as anti-jamming and anti-electronic warfare systems. It has a range of 300 kilometers and is capable of flying at low altitudes. It can be launched from different types of vessels, even helicopters.
Iran has developed its own drones, aircraft, vessels and electronics systems. The three-day Great Prophet 9 Maneuver held in the Persian Gulf in February showed the might of the Iranian navy.
“The high precision, rapid reaction and high quality of these important products have incredibly increased the Armed Forces’ combat power in the sky, sea and ground,” Dehqan said.
The minister spoke highly of the work completed by technical specialists, and stressed that new kinds of weapons currently under development will have even more impressive characteristics.
“God willing, the Defense Ministry’s new missiles with much more advanced capabilities will be delivered to the Armed Forces next year,”Dehqan said.
The first several Ghadir missiles were handed over to the naval forces of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). IRGC Aerospace Force Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said that Iran plans to replace its first generation missiles in 2016
